Inter Lose Thuram, Bonny and Pio Must Carry Attack in Milan – Inter

8: 45 p. m. ET — Inter’s frontline will be thinner for fans and for coach Cristian Chivu, who must rely on Bonny and Pio for goals after Marcus Thuram’s absence announced ahead of the milan – inter derby; clubs published their starting XIs before kickoff.

Chivu’s immediate headache: Thuram out, Lautaro unavailable leaves Bonny and Pio exposed

Chivu loses Marcus Thuram, who is not in the squad after suffering from fever; the coach now has only Bonny and Pio as fit attackers. The two forwards together total 42 years of age, a stark detail given the shortage in numbers up front.

Also affecting Inter’s choices: Lautaro Martinez remains listed on the bench but is not usable in the match and will continue to train separately, reducing Chivu’s options further for in-game changes.

Milan – Inter: Allegri starts Pulisic and Leao with Estupinan wide on the left

Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri names Pulisic and Leao as the attacking pair, with Pervis Estupinan deployed on the left flank. For Milan, Bartesaghi trained with the group but is not at full fitness and is expected to occupy a place on the bench.

Midfield choices reflect tactical calls: Calhanoglu lacks sufficient rhythm and is likely to begin on the bench, while Mkhitaryan returns to the lineup; Mkhitaryan arrives with three goals in Milan derbies, a factor in Allegri’s setup for the milan – inter clash.

Referee Daniele Doveri set for fourth Milan derby, with extensive previous Milan-Inter history

Daniele Doveri, 48, from Roma 1 is appointed referee for the derby; this marks his fourth Milan derby. Doveri has already refereed Milan-Inter 0-3 in 2021, Milan-Inter 1-1 in 2021, Inter-Milan 0-3 in last year’s Coppa Italia semifinal return and Milan-Inter 0-2 in 2019.

Season workload details: this appointment is Doveri’s 14th match across Serie A and Serie B this campaign, a factor that frames expectations about his familiarity with high-stakes league fixtures.

Wesley Sneijder, speaking in an interview, highlighted Pio Esposito as a standout figure for this derby, while Andriy Shevchenko said the Inter remain strongest but added that a Milan victory would reopen the title race.

More details expected 8: 45 p. m. ET. If Milan wins at 8: 45 p. m. ET, Shevchenko expects the championship race to be reopened.