Inter Milan could receive a major midfield boost ahead of tonight’s Derby d’Italia clash against Juventus with Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu both available to the coach.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, Cristian Chivu is considering starting both Barella and Calhanoglu after their recent injury layoffs.
However, the coach will make a final decision after matchday talks with the two senior players.
“Both could start, or just one, everything remains possible,” the report notes.
Inter Milan Vs Juventus – Could Barella & Calhanoglu Both Start Tonight?
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If Chivu selects both midfielders, they will join Piotr Zielinski in the centre. Meanwhile, Federico Dimarco and Luis Henrique are expected to provide width on the flanks.
Behind them, Yann Sommer should start in goal.
Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni are set to form the back three.
Up front, Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez will lead the attack.
Inter hope their partnership can trouble Juventus from the opening minutes.
Importantly, the return of Barella and Calhanoglu would restore leadership, intensity and technical quality.
As a result, Inter could regain their strongest midfield balance in a fixture that may shape the Serie A title race.