So, you think you know how the Nerazzurri are going to step out onto the pitch this weekend? Honestly, it’s not as predictable as it used to be. Gone are the days when you could basically copy-paste the same XI under Simone Inzaghi every Sunday. Ever since Cristian Chivu took the reigns after that wild summer shake-up in 2025, the line up Inter Milan puts out has become a bit of a tactical puzzle.
It’s January 2026. The winter air in Milan is biting, and the title race is even colder. Inter is sitting at the top of the table, but the pressure from AC Milan and Napoli is relentless. If you watched the recent 2-2 draw against Napoli, you saw exactly why this squad is both brilliant and, frankly, a little vulnerable right now.
The Midfield Crisis: Life Without Calhanoglu
Let’s get the big news out of the way first because it changes everything for the upcoming matches against Lecce and beyond. Hakan Calhanoglu is out. The MRI results just came back this Tuesday, confirming a muscle strain in his left calf. He’s looking at about three weeks on the sidelines.
You’ve gotta realize how massive this is. Calhanoglu isn't just a midfielder; he’s the heartbeat. He has seven league goals already this season and basically dictates when the team breathes.
So, what does the line up Inter Milan look like without him?
Most likely, we’re seeing more of Petar Sucic. The "New Croatian Conductor," as some are calling him, stepped in against Napoli and didn't look out of place. But filling Hakan’s boots? That’s a tall order for a young player. Chivu might also lean more on Piotr Zielinski to handle the creative load. Zielinski knows the Italian game inside out, and against his former club Napoli, he showed he can still pick a lock.
The Defensive Wall (With a Few Cracks)
Chivu has stuck with the 3-5-2, which is smart—don't fix what isn't broken, right? But the personnel has shifted. Yann Sommer is still the undisputed number one. Even at his age, the Swiss international has reflexes that make 20-year-olds look slow.
In front of him, the back three has seen some rotation. Alessandro Bastoni is the lock. He’s the first name on the sheet. Beside him, we’ve seen a lot of Manuel Akanji and Yann Bisseck lately.
- Alessandro Bastoni: The left-sided creator from the back.
- Manuel Akanji: Bringing that Manchester City-bred composure.
- Yann Bisseck: The physical powerhouse who has finally come into his own.
Wait, where is Francesco Acerbi? Well, he’s been "in the pits" with injuries, and at 37, the recovery times are just longer. Denzel Dumfries is also a massive miss. He’s out until at least March after ankle surgery. That’s why you’re seeing Luis Henrique or even Matteo Darmian—who just returned to training—covering that right flank.
The "Toro" and the "Tik-Tok"
Up front, it’s the one area where Inter fans can actually sleep at night. Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram. They are, quite simply, the best strike duo in Italy.
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Lautaro is the captain, the soul, and the finisher. Thuram is the chaos agent. The way they play off each other is almost telepathic. However, keep an eye on Ange-Yoan Bonny. He’s been the "super-sub" lately, and Chivu isn't afraid to throw him on early if the game feels stagnant.
Honestly, the bench depth is what's keeping Inter at the top. Even with guys like Frattesi dealing with muscle fatigue, the squad is deep enough to survive—barely.
Predicted Starting XI for the Next Match
If I had to put money on the next line up Inter Milan chooses, it probably looks like this:
Sommer starts in goal, obviously. The back three will likely be Bisseck, Akanji, and Bastoni. On the wings, Federico Dimarco is a lock on the left (his crossing is still ridiculous), with Luis Henrique likely holding down the right while Darmian gets back to full match fitness.
The midfield is where it gets spicy. With Calhanoglu out, expect Nicolo Barella to take more of a leadership role alongside Zielinski and Sucic. Up front? Lautaro and Thuram. No surprises there.
What to Watch in the January Transfer Window
There are a lot of rumors flying around. Chivu is reportedly "desperate" for a new wingback because of the Dumfries injury. Marco Palestra is the name everyone is whispering about.
There's also some drama with Davide Frattesi. Rumor has it he’s not happy with his playing time and might be looking for a way out, possibly even to Juventus. If that happens, Inter’s midfield depth takes a massive hit right when they can least afford it.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking Inter for the rest of the season, focus on these three things:
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- The High Press: Chivu’s Inter is pressing higher than Inzaghi’s did. It’s risky. They conceded two against Napoli because the defenders were caught too far up. Watch if they drop the line back against Lecce.
- Corner Success: Dimarco’s delivery is a weapon. Watch how often they target Bisseck on the near post. It’s a set-play routine they’ve been spamming lately.
- The 60-Minute Mark: Chivu loves to rotate his midfield around the hour mark. With Calhanoglu out, watch how he manages the energy levels of Barella and Zielinski.
Inter is in a transition phase that’s actually working, which is rare. They’ve kept the soul of the team but added a bit more tactical unpredictability. It’s not always pretty, and the injuries are starting to pile up, but as long as Lautaro is healthy, they’re the favorites.
Make sure to monitor the official team sheets exactly 60 minutes before kickoff, as Chivu has a habit of throwing in a "tactical surprise"—like starting Bisseck over Pavard—that can change the entire flow of the game.