Simone Inzaghi faces an important decision regarding his lineup after the recent match against Genoa. On one side, there’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has been one of the fittest players according to the training tests conducted at Pinetina. However, he struggled to showcase his usual creativity at the Ferraris. On the other side, there’s Davide Frattesi, eager for a chance to prove himself. The two swapped places in the 66th minute, and it’s undeniable that Inter’s performance improved significantly thereafter.
Frattesi displayed a strong desire to earn his spot, contributing to the team’s success with an assist for Thuram’s second goal. His precise pass broke through the defense, initially raising offside flags that were later overturned by VAR. Remarkably, Frattesi made a considerable impact in just 24 minutes of play plus additional time, making him one of the standout players.
This brings up the question of who will start against Lecce. It’s clear that drawing conclusions from a single match is challenging, especially at this early stage of the season when fitness levels and the heat can affect performance. Mkhitaryan still holds a vital role in Inzaghi’s plans, but this season might see the coach adopt a different approach, prioritizing players who can deliver results and adjusting his selections on a week-to-week basis. With a long season ahead, managing player fitness effectively is crucial, and the potential return of Zielinski, a natural replacement for Mkhitaryan, adds depth to the squad.
For the upcoming match, Inzaghi is expected to make at least two changes to the starting lineup from the opener. Dumfries is set to replace Darmian, while Pavard will take up the third right position in defense instead of Bisseck. If any additional changes occur, it could involve Frattesi. Currently, Mkhitaryan has a slight edge as the starter, but it’s increasingly difficult to justify leaving Frattesi on the bench.