Akanji could get Inter debut from start against Juventus | OneFootball

Inter could launch new signing Manuel Akanji from the start for his debut in the Derby d’Italia against Juventus on Saturday.

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

This is one of the most hotly-anticipated fixtures in the Serie A calendar, as there is a bitter rivalry between the two clubs.

With Inter losing their second game of the season at home to Udinese, the pressure is already on new coach Cristian Chivu to get a positive result.

Akanji gamble for Inter in Derby d’Italia

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Manuel Akanji of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Fulham FC at Etihad Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Nonetheless, he is expected to throw transfer deadline day signing Akanji into the starting XI for his debut in the back three.

Sky Sport Italia suggest that the former Manchester City defender could take over from Yann Bisseck, joining Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni in the starting XI.

Another change might see Henrikh Mkhitaryan return to the side in place of Petar Sucic, forming the old midfield partnership with Hakan Calhanoglu.

Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez can start together upfront, even if the captain arrived quite late from the World Cup qualifier for Argentina.

Probable Inter line-up

Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, M Thuram