Inter Milan XI vs Sassuolo – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·8 February 2026

Inter Milan XI vs Sassuolo – Predicted lineup and team news

Inter Milan make the trip to Sassuolo on Sunday evening, with the league leaders intent on tightening their hold on first place.

Cristian Chivu’s men head to Reggio Emilia on an 11-match unbeaten streak in the league, while Fabio Grosso’s revitalised Sassuolo have breathed life into their season with successive victories over Cremonese and Pisa.

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Inter Milan team news

Inter remain short-handed in key areas, particularly in central midfield and at wing-back. Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu are still unavailable and are not expected to feature this weekend, meaning Chivu must once again cope without his preferred midfield pairing.

Reports in Italy suggest Barella is targeting a mid-February return, with the Derby d’Italia ringed as a likely comeback date. Calhanoglu is tipped to be back shortly after this clash, potentially in time to build fitness ahead of the Juventus meeting.

On the right flank, Denzel Dumfries continues his recovery from a long-term ankle problem. The Dutchman is projected to be sidelined until early March, leaving Luis Henrique and, fitness permitting, Matteo Darmian as the main options to patrol that side.

On the opposite wing, Carlos Augusto is expected to be available again. He provides Chivu with an additional alternative at left wing-back alongside Federico Dimarco.

The Inter coach made extensive changes for the 2-1 Coppa Italia victory over Torino in midweek, but the core of his first-choice XI – including captain Lautaro Martinez – is set to be restored for the trip to Sassuolo.

Inter Milanpredicted lineup

Possible Inter Milan starting XI: Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Sucic, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Francesco Pio Esposito.