Chivu Prepares Inter for Parma Amid Tactical Uncertainty

Inter Milan face an uncertain tactical challenge against Parma at San Siro as Cristian Chivu prepares his team for their Serie A fixture following the international break. The match is scheduled to begin at 17:00 UK time (18:00 CEST), with Parma making their first appearance under new coach Alberto Gilardino and Inter balancing squad changes with preparations for Tuesday's Champions League match against Club Brugge.

Inter welcome back Hakan Calhanoglu and Federico Dimarco after injury prevented both players from representing their national teams. However, Curtis Jones and John Stones are also listed among the players receiving treatment, while Lautaro Martinez is rested after participating in Lionel Messi's farewell match in Argentina.

Petar Sucic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are set to complete Inter's midfield instead of Aleksandar Stankovic, who had been tipped to make his first start of the campaign. The fixture also presents a test against Parma following the dismissal of Carlos Cuesta and the appointment of Gilardino.

Chivu acknowledged that Parma's tactical approach remains difficult to predict, despite his familiarity with Gilardino's previous work at Genoa and Pisa.

"We know what Gilardino did in the past with Genoa and Pisa, but there is some uncertainty about the way he will approach this new experience with Parma," Chivu told DAZN Italia.

The Inter coach emphasized that his team's performance should remain the priority regardless of the opposition's tactical adjustments.

"However, what matters is what we do, our own principles, ideas, determination and the values of the players at our disposal."

Chivu also welcomed Alessandro Bastoni's return from international duty after the defender scored twice for Italy in the Nations League. The performances offered Bastoni an opportunity to move forward after his red card in the World Cup playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Chivu praised the defender's response to a difficult period and his determination to earn opportunities with both club and country.

"It was important, especially as he went looking for this opportunity with his determination and humility, despite some difficult moments that he tried to overcome by being part of projects, both with the Nazionale and with us," Chivu said.

The coach highlighted Bastoni's contribution to Italy and his experience playing in a four-man defense. He also expressed satisfaction that Inter's international representatives returned without injuries.

"I was glad to see him be decisive for Italy, and to be part of a four-man defence. He enjoyed the experience and I am also glad that everyone who went on international duty returned without injuries."

Andy Diouf also earned recognition after making his senior France debut as a left-back under Zinedine Zidane. Signed as a midfielder, Diouf has been adapted into a right wing-back role by Chivu at Inter.

Chivu said Diouf's international recognition reflected the player's own efforts and justified the club's decision to sign him.

"The most important thing that nobody says about Diouf is that he has become an international for France, one of the top teams in the world, so we are happy our intuition paid off, but he earned that with his performances and attitude."

Chivu also praised Pio Esposito, who continued his scoring form with Italy. The 21-year-old has established himself as an international and remains part of Inter's group of forwards.

"Pio has been an international for a while now and we are pleased to have him in our group of strikers. We're glad to see he is as decisive for Italy as he is for Inter."

Inter entered the international break level with Roma and Lazio at the top of Serie A. Roma are scheduled to visit Como the following day, adding significance to the weekend's results in the league standings.