Inter Milan Faces Torino in Season Opener with Midfield Changes

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Nicolo Barella #23 of FC Internazionale Milano kicks the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Nicolo Barella is set to start in holding midfield for Inter Milan in today’s Serie A match against Torino. This decision comes as the Nerazzurri kick off their season tonight at the San Siro.

Head coach Cristian Chivu will have to adapt his strategy, as midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is serving a one-match suspension due to yellow card accumulation from the previous season.

According to the print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Chivu has chosen Barella for the holding role. This means summer signing Petar Sucic will play in a box-to-box position, marking his first Serie A start for the club.

In addition, former Arsenal and Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will also be included in Inter’s midfield trio. The starting eleven is expected to be: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Sucic, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro.

Meanwhile, discussions concerning Victor Boniface‘s transfer to Milan are ongoing. His agent is expected to meet with Milan directors today to finalize the deal, which could enhance Milan’s offensive lineup.

Boniface, who has had injury concerns, is making headlines as Italian media follow this potential move, especially with Milan’s recent drop of interest in Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund.