Cristian Chivu To Rest Switzerland Star For Inter Milan Trip To Udinese, One Eye On Arsenal | OneFootball

For Udinese vs Inter, Cristian Chivu is considering resting Manuel Akanji with one eye already on the upcoming Champions League clash against Arsenal.

Inter travel to Udine for the 15:00 (local time) kick-off, aiming to defend top spot in the Serie A table.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Chivu is planning rotation after Wednesday’s match as fixture congestion begins to bite.

In midfield, Piotr Zielinski could take a breather. Therefore, Davide Frattesi and Petar Sucic are pushing to start.

Udinese Vs Inter – Akanji Given Well-Earned Rest Ahead Of Arsenal Clash

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Manuel Akanji of FC Internazionale during the warm up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Nicolò Barella is set to operate as the regista. Meanwhile, Henrikh Mkhitaryan should keep his place, with a likely start reserved for Europe.

At the back, Manuel Akanji may sit out. Francesco Acerbi currently leads the race to replace him, although Stefan de Vrij remains an alternative.

Elsewhere, several regulars are ready to return.

Yann Bisseck, Federico Dimarco, Luis Henrique and Lautaro Martinez are all expected back in the XI after rotation against Lecce. In attack, Lautaro should again partner Francesco Pio Esposito.

Inter want to maintain momentum in Udine.

At the same time, Chivu continues to manage energy levels carefully, fully aware that Arsenal await at San Siro in midweek.