Another Inter Stalwart Likely to Sit Out Juventus Game | OneFootball

Francesco Acerbi has been diagnosed with a biceps femoris pull after bowing out early against Roma. He has avoided more substantial injuries but, like Hakan Calhanoglu, he’s a long shot to be ready for the Derby d’Italia on Sunday.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the center-back can basically be considered out already. Instead, the Turk maestro has a five percent chance. The coaching and medical staff don’t want to take big risks. He’s never been in tip-top shape so far this season.

Inter will turn to Stefan De Vrij to replace Acerbi, while Simone Inzaghi will need to weigh his options to substitute for Calhanoglu. Kristjan Asllani will miss the Champions League bout against Young Boys due to a slight knee sprain but might make it. Piotr Zielinski should be available midweek.

The coach turned to Nicolò Barella as a deep-lying playmaker versus Roma. He did okay. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the Pole could also adapt. Davide Frattesi will most likely complete the midfield.

Our Take on Inter, Acerbi, and Calhanoglu

There’s not a gulf between him and De Vrij, but they’ll have to adjust after seemingly finding the right balance following a wobbly start in the back. It’ll be interesting to see whether Juventus will turn up the heat since the opponents are depleted, or if they’ll continue to be fairly cautious. The Nerazzurri have routinely deployed Barella as the anchor of the midfield in emergency situations, but Mkhitaryan would be a swell choice too, and Frattesi can cover up the reduced offensive contribution on his own.