Cristian Chivu admits to ‘uncertainty’ over Alberto Gilardino’s Parma choices, but is pleased Inter stars Alessandro Bastoni and Andy Diouf made their mark on international duty.
It kicks off at San Siro at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
The Nerazzurri are forced to make changes after the long break for international duty and with a big Champions League test coming up against Club Brugge on Tuesday.
Hakan Calhanoglu and Federico Dimarco both return after missing the games for their countries due to injury, but Curtis Jones and joined John Stones on the treatment table.
It was reported that Aleksandar Stankovic would get his first start of the campaign, but instead it’s Petar Sucic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan who complete the midfield, with Lautaro Martinez rested after being part of Lionel Messi’s farewell match in Argentina.
Chivu ready to resume Inter season
Parma make their debut under new coach Gilardino after sacking Carlos Cuesta, and may well have changed the tactical system for this trip to San Siro.
“We know what Gilardino did in the past with Genoa and Pisa, but there is some uncertainty about the way he will approach this new experience with Parma,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.
“However, what matters is what we do, our own principles, ideas, determination and the values of the players at our disposal.”
Bastoni had a great international break, because he scored twice for Italy in the Nations League, hoping to put that red card in the World Cup play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina behind him.
“It was important, especially as he went looking for this opportunity with his determination and humility, despite some difficult moments that he tried to overcome by being part of projects, both with the Nazionale and with us,” noted Chivu.
“I was glad to see him be decisive for Italy, and to be part of a four-man defence. He enjoyed the experience and I am also glad that everyone who went on international duty returned without injuries.”
Diouf was signed as a midfielder, turned into a right wing-back by Chivu, and made his senior France debut as a left-back under Zinedine Zidane.
“The most important thing that nobody says about Diouf is that he has become an international for France, one of the top teams in the world, so we are happy our intuition paid off, but he earned that with his performances and attitude.”
Pio Esposito was on target again for Italy, a remarkable tally for a player still only 21 years old.
“Pio has been an international for a while now and we are pleased to have him in our group of strikers. We’re glad to see he is as decisive for Italy as he is for Inter.”
Inter went into the break as joint Serie A leaders with Roma and Lazio, so this weekend is a big opportunity, seeing as the Giallorossi visit high-flying Como tomorrow.
