Cagliari Vs Inter Milan – Cristian Chivu Has Already Decided His Starting XI | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu has finalized his starting XI as Serie A title hopefuls Inter Milan prepare to face Cagliari on Saturday.

According to Corriere dello Sport via FCInter1908, Lautaro Martinez will regain his place in attack.

El Toro had to come off against Juventus due to back pain.

Furthermore, the same problem forced him to watch Inter’s Champions League opener against Ajax on the bench.

Then, Cristian Chivu introduced him as a second-half substitute in a 2-1 victory over Sassuolo.

Cristian Chivu Decides Inter Milan Starting XI vs Cagliari

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Lautaro Martinez of Inter competes for the ball with of Olympiacos FC 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)

Though there are still three days before the match at the Unipol Domus, Chivu has a clear plan.

Indeed, Lautaro Martinez will lead the line, probably at the expense of Francesco Pio Esposito.

Despite the 20-year-old’s impressive performance against Sassuolo, the Argentine remains a focal point of Inter’s attack.

Meanwhile, Lautaro’s return may help Marcus Thuram bounce back from an underwhelming performance on Monday.

After netting a match-winning brace against Ajax, the Frenchman failed to live up to expectations against the Serie A newcomers.