Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu has decided to use Ange-Yohan Bony in the attack, partnering captain Lautaro Martínez, for tonight’s Serie A match against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
Tonight’s Round 7 fixture kicks off at 20:45 local time (19:45 JST) in the Italian capital, with Inter looking to extend their impressive winning streak in both Serie A and the Champions League.
The Nerazzurri have won five consecutive games in all competitions and will aim to maintain their momentum against a rejuvenated Roma side under coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Meanwhile, the hosts are undefeated at home this season and boast the best defensive record in the league so far.
Kivu have almost a full squad, with Marcus Thuram still recovering from a muscle problem.
The French forward is aiming to make a comeback for next weekend’s trip to Napoli.
Inter Milan vs. Roma – Chivu supports Lautaro Martínez, Bony keeps his place
All eyes will be on Inter’s attack, with Bony once again given the starting role.
The 20-year-old French striker, who has impressed with his power and movement in recent games, partnered Lautaro Martinez from the opening whistle as Chivu continued to show faith in the young forward.
Bony provided three assists in the win over Cremonese before the international break.
Meanwhile, Lautaro, who has just scored for both club and country, is leading the way as Inter’s captain and talisman.
The Argentine will aim to repeat last season’s decisive goal at the Olimpico, which secured all three points for the Nerazzurri.
Francesco Pio Esposito is expected to start on the bench as Bony maintains his position, with the possibility of him playing in the second half.
Inter Milan’s stability across the pitch
Elsewhere, Chivu have opted for continuity across the pitch, continuing to rely on the same structure that has brought them recent success.
Jan Sommer started in goal behind the familiar back three of Akanji, Acerbi and Bastoni. On the wings, Denzel Dumfries and Federico DiMarco will spread the width and support the attack.
In midfield, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan form a balanced trio tasked with setting the tempo and supporting two-way transitions.
Inter will look to assert their usual advantage in possession, while being wary of the threat of Roma’s quick counter-attacks.
Official starting line-up – Roma vs. Inter Milan: Bony retains his place in the attack
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar. Hermoso, Mancini, Ndicka. Wesley, Kone, Cristante, Selick. Soule, Pellegrini. Dybala.
Subs: Bohr, Karsdorp, Spinazzola, Ghirardi, El Ainaoui, Tsimikas, Bove, Picilli, Aouar, Azmoun, Dovvik.
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini
Pause: None
Unavailable: Angelinho
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer. Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni. Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco. Lautaro Martinez, Bonnie.
Subs: Martinez, Calligaris, Darmian, Bisek, Carlos Augusto, Frattesi, Zielinski, Diouf, Pio Esposito, Palacios.
Coach: Cristian Chivu
Pause: None
Unavailable: Thuram
