Report – Turkey Midfielder In Doubt For Verona Clash As Inter Milan Boss Lines Up Natural Replacement | OneFootball

Kristjan Asllani is in pole position to replace Hakan Calhanoglu in the starting XI when Inter Milan meet Hellas Verona on Saturday.

According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInter1908, the Albanian midfielder could make only his second Serie A start this season.

Indeed, Asllani has frequently been on the fringes of Simone Inzaghi’s squad in 2024/25.

Except for a 1-1 draw against Monza in mid-September, he has frequently been outside the Nerazzurri XI.

To put this into perspective, Asllani has only recorded 142 minutes of top-flight action in Inter’s Scudetto-defending campaign.

Furthermore, his last appearance for the club was in a 2-1 derby defeat to AC Milan on September 24.

He made a cameo appearance in that match, taking Calhanoglu’s place in the 63rd minute.

Even then, Inzaghi subbed off his talismanic playmaker as a precaution.

It’s been an injury-plagued start to the season for the 30-year-old.

His rough patch looks set to continue after he renewed his thigh problem during November’s international break.

Kristjan Asllani Set to Fill Hakan Calhanoglu Shoes in Verona vs Inter Milan Clash

Hakan Calhanoglu had to be taken off in the first half against Wales last weekend.

Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella withdrew his captain due to another injury scare.

Indeed, Calhanoglu was out of action for two weeks after suffering a thigh problem against Roma on October 20.

During the Turk’s relatively brief stint on the sidelines, Piotr Zielinski and Nicolo Barella were Inzaghi’s go-to options.

However, the Inter boss is ready to reinstate Asllani this time.

Like Calhanoglu, Asllani was dealing with a fitness setback ahead of November’s international break.

But he’s now fit and ready, with Inzaghi looking to use him at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.

Inter will encounter Paolo Zanetti’s side on Saturday, seeking redemption for a frustrating 1-1 draw against Napoli last time out.

Stranded a point adrift of Antonio Conte’s table-toppers, they squandered a presentable opportunity to ascend the throne.

Calhanoglu wasted a penalty in the second half, resulting in Inter heading into the international break in fourth.