Report – Only Three Players Will Be Guaranteed Starters In Chivu’s 3-4-2-1 Formation At Inter Milan | OneFootball

Only Nicolo Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, and Lautaro Martinez will have guaranteed starting spots at Inter Milan under Cristian Chivu.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They note how the coach is planning to change the formation to 3-4-2-1.

One thing that’s become clear at the start of Cristian Chivu’s tenure at Inter Milan as that the 44-year-old coach intends to reshape the formation.

Chivu will keep the back three and wingbacks that have become familiar under Simone Inzaghi and Antonio Conte.

However, the midfield trio and two strikers are not something Chivu is keen to rely on. He may not throw it out the window – but the 3-5-2 shape will become the backup formation.

Rather, Chivu has a clear idea on the system he’ll use. Two central midfielders, two attacking midfielders, and one striker.

Barella, Bastoni The Only Guaranteed Starters For Chivu At Inter

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Chivu’s change in formation will mean a change in position for a lot of players.

Even players who don’t play in midfield or attack could see their role on the pitch change and shift around.

For example, Hakan Calhanoglu is likely to have more of an attacking midfield role.

And according to the Gazzetta, there are only three players who will definitely keep their starting places.

One is midfielder Nicolo Barella. There is little doubt that the 28-year-old will retain Chivu’s trust in the heart of midfield.

Similarly, defender Alessandro Bastoni’s outstanding qualities will serve the new formation just as well as the old one.

Lastly, the goalscoring prowess, versatility, and workrate of captain Lautaro Martinez mean that he is hardly at risk of dropping out.