Inter Rotate Squad Against Parma as Lautaro Starts on Bench

Inter Milan have adjusted their starting lineup for their Serie A meeting with Parma at San Siro on Saturday, October 10, 2026, leaving captain Lautaro Martinez on the bench as Cristian Chivu manages his squad's workload following the international break. Marcus Thuram and Francesco Pio Esposito lead the attack, while Inter seek to maintain their strong start against a Parma side led by Alberto Gilardino.

The decision comes as Inter prepare for a demanding run of fixtures across domestic and European competitions. Martinez played in all three of Argentina's international matches during the break, recording 75 minutes against Bolivia, 45 against Burkina Faso and 79 against Benin, according to Goal.com.

Martinez also scored against Bolivia and Burkina Faso during that period, moving past Sergio Aguero into third place on Argentina's all-time scoring list with 42 goals. Inter's coaching staff considered resting the forward to manage his physical condition ahead of the upcoming schedule.

Inter's confirmed starting lineup, published by Italian outlet Fantacalcio.it, features Josep Martinez in goal, with Benjamin Pavard, Yann Bisseck and Carlos Augusto in defense. Andy Diouf, Petar Sucic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Federico Dimarco form the midfield, behind Esposito and Thuram.

Chivu said the international break had limited the time available for the full squad to train together. Several players returned after significant minutes with their national teams, making fitness management a priority as the schedule intensifies.

"We certainly have to take into account the minutes played by those who went away with their national teams. We don't want to put them at risk or compromise their physical condition," Chivu said during his pre-match press conference, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

The Inter coach also emphasized that tactical principles matter more than the formation used on the field. He said the team could adapt to a back four if circumstances required it, although the squad had been assembled to play according to its established approach.

Chivu also confirmed that Hakan Calhanoglu had returned to training without restrictions and was available for selection. The midfielder had missed international duty because of a physical problem that required recovery time.

"He's an important player for us because of his qualities," Chivu said of Calhanoglu, addressing questions about the midfielder's condition and his absence from Turkey's national team.

The coach cautioned against underestimating Parma despite the apparent difference in technical quality between the teams. Parma had recently changed managers, with Gilardino taking charge as the club sought to improve its position in the league.

"On paper, there's a significant difference in technical quality, but they're a side that know how to fight and have just changed their coach," Chivu said, according to Yahoo Sports.

Inter's preparations also include the return of Djed Spence, who had resumed full training after an extended period away from the pitch. Chivu confirmed that the player was available for selection after completing five training sessions with the group.

"Djed has been training with us for a week. He's been following the team's programme since Monday, without restrictions or any other issues, and he's completed five good training sessions," Chivu said.

Inter's fixture list includes a home match against Bruges on October 13, a trip to Bologna on October 17 and a meeting with Shakhtar Donetsk on October 21. Further league matches against Fiorentina and Venezia precede the Milan derby on October 31, followed by a European fixture against Feyenoord on November 3 and a league game against Como on November 8.

The published Serie A standings listed Inter second after five matches with 13 points, having won four games and drawn one. Parma were 15th with four points from five matches, recording one win, one draw and three defeats.

Inter's attacking options include Thuram, who remained with the club during the international break, and Esposito, who earned a starting role against Parma. The lineup reflects Chivu's need to balance immediate league ambitions with the physical demands of a congested schedule.