Monza vs Inter: Will Thuram make starting XI amid pecking order drop? Live updates on injuries and lineup surprises fans should watch

The highly anticipated friendly between Monza and Inter Milan is set to kick off, with fans eager to see how the Nerazzurri will line up amid injury concerns and tactical surprises. Marcus Thuram’s place in the starting XI is under scrutiny after reports of him tumbling down the pecking order.

With seven players missing, Inter’s lineup choices could spring unexpected twists. Thuram’s potential omission would be a major talking point, given his recent struggles for form. Live updates will reveal whether the French forward gets a chance to redeem himself or if younger talents seize the spotlight.

Monza vs Inter: Will Thuram Start After Falling Down the Pecking Order?

Marcus Thuram’s recent dip in form has raised questions about his place in Inter’s starting lineup against Monza. Despite being a key player last season, the French forward has seen reduced minutes recently, with Mehdi Taremi and Lautaro Martínez often preferred upfront. Reports suggest Thuram’s work rate in training hasn’t impressed the coaching staff as much as his competitors’.

In the previous season, Thuram contributed 12 goals and 7 assists in Serie A, but his recent performances in preseason friendlies haven’t matched those standards. The partnership between Martínez and Taremi appears more fluid at the moment, leaving Thuram to battle for a substitute role.

The Thuram situation reminds me of when Perisic lost his starting spot under Conte. Once you lose the coach’s trust at Inter, it’s hard to win it back without consistent performances.

But he scored in their last friendly! Surely that guarantees him some minutes against Monza?

One goal doesn’t erase weeks of underwhelming showings. Simone Inzaghi values tactical discipline above all – something Thuram has struggled with recently.

Alternative options for Inter’s attack

If Thuram doesn’t start, Inter still have several weapons to deploy against Monza:

• Lautaro Martínez – The captain and top scorer from last season
• Mehdi Taremi – The new signing who’s gelled quickly with the team
• Valentin Carboni – The young Argentine who impressed on loan last season

Inter’s injury crisis: 7 players missing for Monza clash

Inter’s squad depth will be tested against Monza as they’re reportedly missing seven first-team players. Key absentees include defensive stalwart Stefan de Vrij (muscle strain) and midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu (ankle). Left-back Federico Dimarco is also a doubt after picking up a knock in training.

The injury list couldn’t come at a worse time, with Inter needing to maintain momentum early in the season. Their inability to register a clean sheet in preseason friendlies suggests defensive vulnerabilities that Monza might exploit.

Monza’s home record against top teams: Can they cause an upset?

While Monza finished mid-table last season, their home form against top sides was surprisingly resilient. They held Juventus to a draw and narrowly lost to AC Milan. Their 3-0 thrashing of Salernitana showed what they’re capable of when firing on all cylinders.

However, their 1-5 humiliation against Inter in January serves as a cautionary tale. Manager Raffaele Palladino will need to strike the perfect balance between defensive solidity and attacking ambition to avoid a repeat.

Monza always raises their game against big clubs! I think they’ll surprise Inter this time.

Don’t be too optimistic. That 5-1 defeat is still fresh in their minds. Inter’s attacking quality usually overwhelms Monza eventually.

Predicted lineups: Who replaces injured stars for both teams?

With multiple players unavailable, both managers face selection headaches. For Inter, Yann Bisseck might replace de Vrij in central defense, while Kristjan Asllani could get the nod in midfield. Monza’s Andrea Colpani, their top scorer last season with 8 goals, will be crucial in exploiting Inter’s makeshift defense.

Potential Inter lineup (3-5-2):

• Sommer
• Pavard – Bisseck – Bastoni
• Dumfries – Barella – Asllani – Mkhitaryan – Carlos Augusto
• Martínez – Taremi

Key tactical battles that could decide the match

Several individual duels could determine the outcome of this match. Monza’s Andrea Colpani against Inter’s makeshift center-back pairing will be crucial. The wingback battle between Monza’s Patrick Ciurria and Inter’s Denzel Dumfries could also be decisive in creating chances.

In midfield, Nicolò Barella’s energy against Matteo Pessina’s technical quality promises an intriguing contest. Inter’s ability to control the tempo without Çalhanoğlu’s distribution will be tested, potentially leaving spaces for Monza’s counterattacks.

[h2]Will Josep Martínez make his Inter debut amid goalkeeper rotation?[/h2]

With reports suggesting Inter are close to signing Josep Martínez from Genoa, many wonder if the new keeper might feature against Monza. Current number one Yann Sommer has looked vulnerable in preseason, making this a potential area for rotation.

Throwing Martínez straight into the lineup would be risky. Summer friendlies are one thing, but Serie A pressure is different.

But if Sommer’s form dips further, Inzaghi might have no choice! A fresh start in goal could benefit the whole defense.