Official Starting Lineups: Cagliari Vs Inter Milan – Lautaro Returns & Luis Henrique Makes First Start | OneFootball

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has decided to start Josep Martinez in goal and Lautaro Martinez in attack against Cagliari, with the Nerazzurri captain returning to the lineup after recovering full fitness. This evening’s Serie A Match Day 5 clash kicks off at 20:45 CET at the Unipol Domus.

Inter travel to Sardinia as they look to build on last weekend’s 2-1 win over Sassuolo, whilst the hosts aim to continue their strong form after beating Lecce in Serie A and cruising past Frosinone in Coppa Italia.

Both teams come into the match in a confident mood but the pressure is on the Nerazzurri to keep climbing back up the Serie A table.

Cagliari Vs Inter Milan – Luis Henrique Makes First Start & Lautaro Returns To Starting XI

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Luis Henrique of Internazionale gestures to the fans at the end of the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Firstly, the biggest news from the official lineup is the return of Josep Martinez in goal.

Swiss veteran Sommer was rotated out against Sassuolo for the Spaniard and Chivu has restored his place in the XI for this evening’s trip to Sardinia.

Meanwhile, captain Lautaro Martinez is back fit after overcoming back problems that limited him in recent weeks.

The Argentine striker leads the attack once again alongside Marcus Thuram, with Francesco Pio Esposito dropping to the bench.

Another key return is Alessandro Bastoni in defence, joining Manuel Akanji and Francesco Acerbi in the back three.

Chivu Favours Experienced Midfield, Mkhitaryan Starts Over Sucic

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

In midfield, Chivu has opted for the tried-and-tested trio of Barella, Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan.

Summer signing Petar Sucic has impressed in flashes so far this season but makes way for the Armenian tonight.

Denzel Dumfries has also been dropped due to a slightly fitness worry, with Luis Henrique taking his place on the right flank.

Official Starting Lineups – Cagliari Vs Inter Milan – Bastoni & Lautaro Return

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Cagliari (3-5-2): Caprile; Zé Pedro, Mina, Luperto; Palestra, Adopo, Deiola, Folorunsho, Obert; Esposito, Belotti. Substitutes: Ciocci, Sarno, Rodriguez, Idrissi, Di Pardo, Mazzitelli, Liteta, Prati, Rog, Cavuoti, Gaetano, Felici, Borrelli, Kiliçsoy, Pavoletti. Coach: Fabio Pisacane Suspended: N/A Unavailable: Luvumbo, Zappa, Radunovic, Pintus