Inter and Milan are ready to exploit the depth of their rosters in the next two Serie A matches in rapid succession. Some key starters will partially rest versus Empoli and Verona. Despite some murmurs, that won’t be the case for Rafael Leao, who will be in the XI on Saturday, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.
Olivier Giroud could get a day off, but it’s not sure yet. If he did, Noah Okafor would play over Luka Jovic. Stefano Pioli is thinking about changing his scheme and going with a three-man defense. Alessandro Florenzi and Yunus Musah would man the entire flanks instead of Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria. Tijjani Reijnders and Rade Krunic would start in the midfield. Mike Maignan won’t be available but will be back soon.
Unlike Milan, which had a key match-up, Inter already rotated midweek, which led to an uninspiring showing against Real Sociedad. Simone Inzaghi will be more surgical against Empoli. Davide Frattesi is expected to draw his first start, likely over Nicolò Barella. Hakan Calhanoglu is trending in the right direction and could even be in the XI.
Marko Arnautovic didn’t play well in Spain and will ride the pine. Instead, Alexis Sanchez had a good cameo and will pair up with Marcus Thuram if the gaffer opts to give Lautaro Martinez his first breather of the season.
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