Sportmediaset: Provedel closing in on debut against Shakhtar

Inter’s search for their first European points could bring a change between the posts. According to Sportmediaset, Provedel is edging closer to his first appearance for the Nerazzurri: his chance could come against Shakhtar, after Inter ended the first two Champions League matchdays without a point. Having arrived in the summer after four seasons at Lazio, the goalkeeper has not played in the league since 4 March and has a shoulder injury sustained at the Rome club behind him.

According to the outlet’s account, Martínez would make way, having been criticised for his performances against Real Madrid and Club Brugge. The goalkeeper’s rest could extend beyond the European fixture: la Gazzetta dello Sport, the leading Italian sports daily, cited by Sportmediaset, suggests he could also sit out the home game against Fiorentina, scheduled for Sunday 25 October at 12:30 CET.

Possible changes also extend to other areas of the team. Sportmediaset reports that Çalhanoğlu will definitely return to the deep-lying playmaker role, having played only the final ten minutes at Bologna, alongside Barella and one of Mkhitaryan or Sučić. On the right, Diouf is expected to replace Luis Henrique; Carlos Augusto, who proved decisive at Bologna’s Stadio Dall’Ara, is in contention both to give Dimarco a breather and to replace Bastoni in defence. Up front, with Lautaro unavailable, Bonny is said to be gaining ground on Pio Esposito in the race to partner Thuram.

The match takes place on Wednesday 21 October at 21:00 CEST at San Siro, on matchday three of the league phase. Inter are looking to get their first points on the board against Arda Turan’s side, who come into the game following a draw away at PSV and a 3–1 win over AEK Athens at Stamford Bridge.