Marcus Thuram’s fever and Lautaro Martinez’s absence weaken Inter’s firepower, increasing uncertainty up front. Bettors should expect a tighter derby: consider a narrow Inter win or a draw each-way, plus markets for both teams to score and under 3.5 goals as safer options.
Chivu Confirms Thuram Fever, Leaves Team Selection Open Ahead of Milan Derby
Cristian Chivu delivered a composed pre-derby briefing that mixed tactical clarity with a clear update on personnel. The Inter coach revealed Marcus Thuram missed training with a fever and could be doubtful, while captain Lautaro Martinez remains absent but active around the squad. With a ten-point cushion over AC Milan, Inter head into the derby needing two results from three to keep title momentum, but Chivu insisted the team must stay focused on the moment.
Thuram Doubt and Lautaro’s Role off the Pitch
Chivu confirmed: “Today we had a problem with Marcus. He has a bit of a fever and was not able to train with us. We hope tomorrow he will be at 100% and will make himself available to the group.” The France international’s form has dipped recently, making his fitness even more pivotal.
On Lautaro Martinez, Chivu stressed the Argentine’s leadership despite injury: “Lautaro is improving and is present with us every day. He is trying to recover as quickly as possible and to help us as staff and as a squad. He is always there with a word… you can see the leadership of a captain who cares deeply about this team.”
Calhanoglu Close to a Start
Hakan Calhanoglu has been rebuilding fitness after injury and played an hour in the Coppa Italia. Chivu was cautiously optimistic: “Calha is fine, for tomorrow he is available and the hour he played at Como was useful. We will see tomorrow.” The implication is that Calhanoglu could feature from the start, adding creative options in midfield.
Tactical Focus: Understanding Match Moments
Chivu highlighted tactical maturity as a major factor: “You have to understand the moments during a match. At the first derby, there was a first half where they sometimes forced us to drop deep and defend low. It is not about the game plan, you have to understand what the opponent will do and the moments.” He urged balance — not passive, not speculative — and stressed avoiding errors that amplify the opponent’s strengths.
Napoli Defeat Framed as the Real Turning Point
Asked about the team’s evolution since November, Chivu pinpointed the Napoli loss as a critical moment of growth. “From defeats you must always improve and learn… For me the switch did not happen at the derby. It happened after the Napoli defeat, when we lost 3-1. The derby was the consequence of an episode that went against us. We lost that game, but the growth was already evident.”
Defending Bastoni Amid Fan Backlash
Alessandro Bastoni is expected to face a hostile reception, but Chivu defended the defender’s character and performances. “Ale is a mature, strong person and he knows how much his teammates count on him… His performances, despite the whistles, have been of excellent level.” Chivu stressed the club’s support and Bastoni’s resilience under pressure.
Pio Esposito to Lead the Line
With Lautaro sidelined, Pio Esposito will start and Chivu framed the youngster’s season as a breakout story. “Pio has the good fortune to have teammates alongside him who help and try to transmit serenity to him… He is so good at certain things, the link play, the hold-up, moving into the box where he is devastating.” Esposito’s hold-up play and intelligent movement offer a different profile to Thuram or Lautaro.
Respect for Allegri and Professionalism Across the Squad
Chivu closed by underlining professionalism and paying tribute to Massimiliano Allegri’s achievements as a coach to learn from. On hometown players feeling pressure, he was clear: professionalism and group reliance must prevail over personal sentiment.
What This Means for the Derby
Inter enter the San Siro showcase with questions over strike power if Thuram is sidelined and without their captain in attack.
Ambrosini names ‘surprise’ Milan player who could settle derby against Inter
Chivu’s focus on moment-by-moment management and mental preparation suggests an organized, pragmatic approach — a match likely to be tight and tactical rather than open and high-scoring.
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