Inter Vs Genoa: Chivu keeps Dimarco and Zielinski in XI as rotation looms

Cristian Chivu named Dimarco and Zielinski in his starting XI for inter vs genoa on 02/28/2026 as Inter balance an urgent league chase with a Coppa Italia semi-final against Como looming.

Inter Vs Genoa: defensive reshuffle after Bastoni suspension

Bastoni’s suspension forces a change to the back three, with Carlos Augusto drafted in and Francesco Acerbi favoured at centre while Manuel Akanji covers the right side. That defensive configuration is one of several concrete moves Chivu has made ahead of the Serie A clash at San Siro.

Rotation choices as Como semi-final and derby approach

With the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como on the immediate horizon and the derby following, Chivu faces selection headaches. Lautaro Martinez is unavailable, increasing the weight of decisions around Marcus Thuram and the young Pio Esposito; the main attacking question is whether to pair Thuram with Bonny or to keep Esposito in the starting XI. Davide Frattesi has been flagged for possible increased minutes as the coach juggles workloads across competitions.

Wing-backs, attack and the San Siro response

On the wings, Dimarco is a guaranteed starter and Darmian holds a slight edge over Luis Henrique on the right wing-back. Up front, Bonny and Thuram are set to lead the line together. Inter’s Champions League elimination remains fresh and the side will lean on those selections for a domestic response at San Siro.

Genoa arrive still fighting for safety in the table, bolstered by the January signing of Baldanzi but missing the injured Norton-Cuffy; they were the last team to score against Inter away from home through Vitinha. Fans provided a noticeable boost after Tuesday’s defeat, greeting Dumfries’s return from a four-month absence with a thunderous roar.

Chivu’s lineup choices for inter vs genoa underline a clear short-term priority: secure three points in Serie A while managing the squad ahead of the Como semi-final. The team’s next confirmed fixture is the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como, which will shape further rotation decisions and workload for key players.