Inter Milan Name Starting XI for Monza Clash Despite Missing Seven Key Players

Inter Milan head into their meeting with Monza tonight facing an unexpected challenge — a significant chunk of their first-team squad will be absent. The Nerazzurri, still in the middle of their pre-season preparations, will have to adapt quickly as they look to fine-tune their rhythm before competitive fixtures begin.

Seven Players Unavailable

The absences are spread across the pitch, leaving coach Cristian Chivu with some reshuffling to do. Midfielder Davide Frattesi is still training individually as part of his recovery plan, while defender Yann Bisseck and summer signing Piotr Zieliński have been kept out as a precaution following recent knocks. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Denzel Dumfries, Nicola Zalewski, and youngster Tomas Palacios are also out of the squad due to minor injuries or fatigue, ensuring they won’t be risked in this friendly.

Young Blood Given a Chance

With several regulars sidelined, this match has opened the door for Inter’s younger talents and fringe players to step into the spotlight. Francesco Pio Esposito, the promising young striker, will lead the line alongside newcomer Ange-Yoan Bonny in a fresh attacking partnership. It’s a bold move from Chivu, suggesting the coach is eager to test new chemistry ahead of the new season.

Starting Line-Ups in Focus

For Inter, the defensive trio will see Matteo Darmian, Stefan de Vrij, and Carlos Augusto shielding goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. In midfield, Luis Henrique and Federico Dimarco will operate on the flanks, with Luka Sucic, Kristjan Asllani, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan controlling the central area. Up front, Bonny and Esposito will be tasked with finding the goals.

Monza, meanwhile, will stick to their tried-and-tested 3-4-2-1 formation, with Thiam between the sticks. The back three consists of Brorsson, Izzo, and Lucchesi, while Birindelli and Ciurria will provide width. Pessina and Colombo take the central roles in midfield, with Colpani and Caprari supporting lone striker Mota.

A Match for Testing Tactics

While the absence of seven senior players could be seen as a setback, pre-season matches are often more about experimentation than results. This game offers Inter a valuable opportunity to test squad depth, assess new arrivals in a competitive setting, and give younger players crucial minutes against Serie A opposition.

For Monza, it’s a chance to measure themselves against one of Italy’s top sides, even if the Nerazzurri are not at full strength. The match could also give an early glimpse into the tactical tweaks both teams are preparing for the season ahead.

With kickoff approaching, all eyes will be on how Inter’s reshuffled side responds under the lights — and whether the fresh faces can make a claim for regular spots when the campaign begins.