Francesco Pio Esposito will start ahead of the returning Ange-Yoan Bonny in Sunday’s Milan derby, with Cristian Chivu restoring his strongest available Inter lineup after rotating heavily for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Como.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Chivu reverts to his trusted 3-5-2 system after the forced experiment with a 3-4-2-1 at the Sinigaglia.
All the key players rested in midweek return from the start, Sommer, Akanji, Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Dimarco and Thuram all come back into the XI.
AC Milan Vs Inter Milan – Bonny On The Bench As Pio Esposito Set To Start
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Ange Yoan Bonny of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Bonny has recovered from his calf issue but will have to settle for a place on the bench.
Hakan Calhanoglu starts in the deep-lying playmaker role, with Lautaro Martinez the only guaranteed absentee following his ongoing injury.
Bastoni returns to the back three after serving his suspension, completing a defence that will be at full strength for the biggest game of the season so far.
Probable Inter XI (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Esposito, Thuram.
