Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu has decided to rest Nicolo Barella ahead of today’s Serie A match against Hellas Verona, with Piotr Zielinski and Petar Suic starting at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.
This afternoon’s Round 10 fixture kicks off at 12:30 local time (11:30 GMT) in Verona, with Inter looking to build on their good run in Serie A and cement their place at the top of the table.
The Nerazzurri arrive in great form, with the only blemish on their recent run being last weekend’s loss to Napoli.
Meanwhile, Verona, under coach Paolo Zanetti, will be looking for a result to move them out of the relegation zone.
Chivu will be without Matteo Darmian, Raffaele Di Gennaro, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Thuram, but the French forward is close to recovering from a muscle problem and could return for the Champions League game in midweek.
Hellas Verona vs. Inter Milan – Barella rests in charge of Calhanoglu’s midfield
All eyes will be on the center of the pitch, where Barella will be resting, although it was suggested before the match that the Italian would start as a registered player.
The Italian international was reportedly considered to maintain Inter’s rhythm with Calhanoglu rested.
However, Barella was substituted on the bench and Calhanoglu started.
He will be flanked by Petar Susic and Piotr Zielinski, with both players expected to provide runs up front and support for the attack.
The move highlights Chivu’s faith in the versatility of his midfield.
Up front, Ange-Joan Bony retains his place in the starting lineup alongside Lautaro Martínez, with the Inter captain looking to lead the line once again and end a short scoring drought in Serie A.
Chivu rests Inter Milan’s Dumfries, Luis Enrique starts
Elsewhere, the Kivu has kept its structure largely intact.
Jan Sommer will start in front of goal, with a back three of Jan Bisek, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni defending.
Wides Luis Enrique and Carlos Augusto provide essential width and athleticism to Inter’s wing-back system.
As a result, Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries was rested.
That’s right for #VeronaInter 🏟️@play_eFootball ⚫🔵 pic.twitter.com/VsYJ9wM3F9
— Inter⭐⭐ (@Inter) November 2, 2025
Akanji and Bastoni solidify the defense, while Bisek continues to develop in a hybrid center-right role, keeping the defensive line balanced.
Despite the midfield rotation, Inter’s tactical identity remains the same.
Official starting line-up – Hellas Verona vs. Inter Milan: Barella rests alongside Sučić and Zielinski as stars of Calhanoglu
Hellas Verona (3-5-2): Montipo; Bela-Kochap, Nelson, Bradalic. Bergari, Akpa Akpuro, Gagliardini, Bernede, Frese. Orbán, Giovane.
Subs: Perilli, Castagnini, Cham, Slotzager, Ebos, Yel Santiago, Niasse, Halloy, Sarr, Mosquera, Ajayi.
Director: Paolo Zanetti.
Not available: Suslov, Oyegoke, Al-Musrati, Unai Núñez, Kastanos, Serdar.
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Somer; Akanji, Bisek, Bastoni. Luis Enrique, Zielinski, Calhanoglu, Sučić, Carlos Augusto. Lautaro Martinez, Bonnie.
Substitutes: J. Martinez, Tajo, De Vrij, Dimarco, Acerbi, Barella, Dumfries, Frattesi, Diouf, P. Esposito, Alexiu, Ravelli
Coach: Christian Kivu.
Unavailable: Darmian, Di Gennaro, Mkhitaryan, Thuram.
Referee: Daniele Doveri.
Assistant referee: Lo Cicero – Vecchi.
Fourth employee: Collu.
VAR: Aureliano.
Assistant VAR: Avisso.
