AC Milan Vs Inter Milan – Fitness Boost For Cristian Chivu As Turkey Talisman Ready To Start In Derby | OneFootball

Inter Milan head into Sunday’s Milan derby with just one fitness doubt and one selection dilemma, with Hakan Calhanoglu ready to reclaim his starting role as Cristian Chivu’s side target a result that could effectively seal the Scudetto according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Turkey international has built up valuable minutes against Genoa and Como in recent days.

Gazzetta report that Calhanoglu is now ready to start from the beginning at the Meazza.

He holds the advantage over Henrikh Mkhitaryan for the deep-lying playmaker role.

Although the Armenian has not been entirely ruled out.

Should Mkhitaryan be preferred, Zielinski would drop back into the regista position.

AC Milan Vs Inter Milan – Calhanoglu Could Start Derby Showdown

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Aside from that one midfield question, Chivu has already made up his mind on the other starters.

Bastoni returns after suspension to complete the back three alongside Bisseck and Akanji.

Meanwhile, Dimarco and Luis Henrique resume their wing-back roles.

Barella and Zielinski are both confirmed in midfield.

Indeed, Thuram and Pio Esposito continue as the striking partnership.

Of course, in the continued absence of Lautaro Martinez.

Indeed, the captain is the one guaranteed absentee following his injury against Bodo/Glimt.

Probable Inter XI (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito.