Official Lineups: Chivu reshuffles the deck for Cagliari

Changes in Sardinia. Chivu rotates his squad as Benjamin Pavard, Petar Sučić, and Luis Henrique enter the XI to face Fabio Pisacane’s Cagliari.

The official XI: Chivu leans into depth

The official lineups for tonight’s clash at the Unipol Domus are in, and Cristian Chivu has opted for a significant reshuffle following the 4-1 win over Monza. The Nerazzurri will start with Josep Martínez between the posts, shielded by a back three of Benjamin Pavard, Manuel Akanji, and Alessandro Bastoni. Pavard returns to the starting lineup in place of Yann Bisseck, bringing his European experience to a defense tasked with neutralizing Cagliari’s counter-attacks.

Midfield and flank rotations

The most notable changes come in the middle of the park and on the wings. Petar Sučić earns his first start of the season, replacing Piotr Zielinski in the mezzala role, while Luis Henrique is handed the starting berth on the right flank in place of Andy Diouf. Hakan Çalhanoglu continues to pull the strings in the deep-lying role, flanked by Nicolò Barella, who will be particularly hungry to perform against his former club. Federico Dimarco retains his spot on the left, ensuring Inter’s wide threat remains potent.

The Esposito-Lautaro partnership continues

Up front, Chivu has decided to reward the hot hand. Francesco Pio Esposito keeps his place in the starting XI alongside captain Lautaro Martínez. This decision means Marcus Thuram once again begins on the bench, as he continues to work his way back to full fitness after his World Cup exertions. The partnership showed immense promise against Monza, and Chivu is clearly betting on their chemistry to unlock the Sardinian defense early.

Searching for six points

Fabio Pisacane’s Cagliari will line up in a 4-2-3-1, featuring former Premier League midfielder Harry Winks and creative spark Daniel Maldini. The visitors know that direct qualification for the top spots requires consistency on the road, a theme Marotta and Chivu have stressed all week. With the "English core" of Stones and Jones ready to make their impact from the bench, Inter possesses the depth to adjust if the game becomes a tactical stalemate. It’s time to see if this rotated engine can maintain the same high-octane output as the opener.

The ForzaIM Take

Chivu isn't messing around. Rotating Sučić and Pavard into the side shows that we aren't just relying on eleventh-hour heroics—we’re trusting the entire roster. Luis Henrique starting is a major statement after the mercato drama; he’s here to play, and he’s here to perform. Keeping Pio Esposito in the lineup is the right call—the kid is on fire, and you never bench a striker with that kind of momentum. Sardinia is usually a grind, but with this bench available, there are no excuses for anything less than three points.

Do you agree with Chivu's decision to start Benjamin Pavard over Bisseck or Stones for this away trip?

Forza Inter sempre!