Inter Milan’s midfield is set for a shake-up as they prepare to face Bologna in their upcoming Serie A fixture. Manager Simone Inzaghi deployed an unexpected trio of Nicolo Barella, Kristjan Asllani, and Piotr Zielinski in their recent match, and this combination might be seen again in the midweek clash.
The team’s usual midfield stalwarts, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Hakan Calhanoglu, are currently questionable for the match due to thigh issues. Calhanoglu’s potential absence is particularly noteworthy, given his impressive record of contributing to five goals in five home league games against Bologna. Adding to the midfield uncertainty, Davide Frattesi is rumored to be considering a transfer during the current window.
On the defensive front, Inter Milan has received a boost with the return of Benjamin Pavard and Marcus Thuram from injury. However, the team will still be without Francesco Acerbi, Yann Bisseck, and Joaquin Correa, who remain on the sidelines.
Bologna, on the other hand, welcomes back Tommaso Pobega after serving a one-match suspension for his red card against Hellas Verona. However, they will be without Colombian defender Jhon Lucumi, who is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.
The visitors are also dealing with their share of injury concerns. While Oussama El Azzouzi and Nicolo Cambiaghi have resumed training following long-term absences, neither they nor Swiss midfielder Michel Aebischer are expected to be match-ready for this encounter.
In attack, Riccardo Orsolini is vying for a return to the starting lineup after being benched in Bologna’s previous match. Orsolini’s recent form against Inter is noteworthy, having contributed to three goals in his last four league appearances against them. He faces competition from several teammates for a supporting role behind either Thijs Dallinga or Santiago Castro in Bologna’s forward line.
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Zielinski, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Holm, Beukema, Casale, Miranda; Freuler, Pobega; Orsolini, Ferguson, Dominguez; Castro
