Inter Milan's Defensive Dilemma: Chivu Faces Key Lineup Choices Ahead of Milan Derby

With the highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina just around the corner, Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu is faced with two crucial lineup decisions as he prepares his squad.

Firstly, Chivu must determine who will start at the heart of Inter's defense. While it is clear that Alessandro Bastoni and Manuel Akanji will be the cornerstones of the backline, the Romanian coach must choose between Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi, and Yann Bisseck to complete the defensive trio.

All three players have remained at Appiano Gentile during the international break, giving Chivu the opportunity to closely assess their form and fitness over the next seven days. However, it is Acerbi who has emerged as the frontrunner for the starting spot, following his impeccable performance against Lazio in Inter's previous outing.

Secondly, Chivu will have to navigate the absence of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who will not be available for the Milan derby. This leaves Petar Sucic and Piotr Zielinski as the contenders for the remaining midfield position, with both players vying for the chance to make an impact in the crucial clash.

As Inter Milan prepare to face their city rivals, Chivu's decisions in these key areas will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the team's chances of emerging victorious in the highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina.