Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu is set to field a 3-5-2 in Sunday’s Serie A trip to Como, with veteran Francesco Acerbi returning to the centre and youngster Pio Esposito partnering Marcus Thuram up front as Inter cope without injured captain Lautaro Martinez and sidelined defender Yann Bisseck. The selection signals pragmatism defensively and a chance for squad players to stake claims late in the season.
Inter Milan confirm starting XI for Como
Cristian Chivu has settled on a pragmatic 3-5-2 for the away test at Como, prioritising experience and balance after key absences. Francesco Acerbi returns to the centre of the back three, flanked by Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni, while Yann Bisseck remains sidelined through injury. Inter captain Lautaro Martinez is also unavailable, forcing Chivu to reshuffle the attack.
Probable XI (3-5-2)
Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Piotr Zielinski, Federico Dimarco; Marcus Thuram, Pio Esposito. Bonny is expected to start on the bench.
Formation and midfield control
Chivu’s five-man engine room — Barella, Calhanoglu and Zielinski — keeps creative control and defensive cover central to Inter’s game plan. Dumfries and Dimarco will supply width and overlap from the wing-back roles, tasked with both supporting attacks and plugging gaps when Como push forward. This structure aims to protect the back three while maintaining clear channels for Thuram and Esposito.
Why Acerbi’s return matters
Acerbi’s presence steadies a defence coping with rotation and injury. His reading of the game and leadership qualities make him an obvious choice, particularly away from home. With his contract expiring in the summer, each appearance takes on added significance; this may be one of the last times Inter deploy the veteran in Nerazzurri colours, and Chivu will want a composed, experienced spine for a potentially tricky fixture.
Front two: experience meets potential
Without Lautaro Martinez, Inter blend proven output and youth. Marcus Thuram offers physical presence, pressing and a direct goal threat. Pio Esposito, still relatively untested at top level, benefits from continuity after starting during Martinez’s recent absence. This partnership is pragmatic rather than glamorous — it aims to keep defensive transitions compact and exploit moments of space behind Como’s back line.
What this selection suggests
Starting Esposito signals trust in internal development and an inclination to rotate rather than radically alter the team’s identity. Chivu appears content to manage risk conservatively: protect the centre, rely on experienced midfielders for control, and let the forwards undertake more of the creative burden. It’s a measured approach when key players are missing.
Key match-ups and what to watch
Watch how Inter’s wing-backs handle Como’s wide threats; success there will determine whether the midfield trio can dictate tempo. Thuram’s ability to hold up play and bring Esposito into the game will be crucial in breaking down a compact defence. Defensively, Acerbi’s coordination with Akanji and Bastoni will reveal whether Inter can neutralise direct attacks and set-piece danger.
Implications for the season
A clean, competent performance would reinforce Inter’s depth and Chivu’s tactical steadiness, while giving younger squad members meaningful minutes. For Acerbi, more appearances now could cement a dignified finale to his Inter career. For Esposito, a strong showing would strengthen his case for more minutes in a squad balancing immediate results with longer-term development.
Next steps
Inter need a composed away display to preserve momentum in Serie A. Expect a disciplined, low-risk approach that prioritises structure over flair.
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If the chosen XI executes the plan, this could be a pragmatic route to three points and clearer options for Chivu as the season reaches its decisive phase.
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