Inter vs Udinese: Chivu Weighs Rotation Options | OneFootball

Federico Dimarco is closing in on a return to Inter’s matchday squad for Monday’s clash with Udinese at San Siro, with Cristian Chivu weighing several further changes to his starting XI following the Champions League trip to Real Madrid.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Nerazzurri boss is treating the fixture as more than a simple fatigue-management exercise. The report frames it as evidence of a genuine rotation policy, made possible by the depth Inter built during the summer transfer window.

Dimarco Nears Return, Spence Further Behind

Dimarco has been managing a knee sprain picked up in recent days, and while the issue kept him sidelined, he has now completed part of the latest training session alongside his teammates before continuing with individual work. His call-up against Udinese appears probable, though Chivu still must decide whether to throw him straight back into the action or ease him in gradually, as detailed in SempreInter’s recent coverage of Dimarco’s situation.

Djed Spence remains further off the pace. The wing-back continues his individual work on the pitch but is edging closer to a full return to group training.

Stones, Zielinski and Luis Henrique Push for Chances

John Stones could be handed his first start of the season after a string of promising cameos, including his second-half introduction in Madrid. A Stones start would mark the fourth different defensive trio Chivu has fielded in five matches this season.

In midfield, Piotr Zielinski is in contention to give Hakan Calhanoglu a rest, while Andy Diouf’s workload is being carefully managed across the two fixtures before the international break, a theme already touched on in SempreInter’s preview of the Napoli selection. Luis Henrique, marginal against both Napoli and Real Madrid, could return to a prominent role between the Udinese and Roma matches.