Inter Milan Coach Faces Defensive Dilemma Ahead Of AC Milan Derby Showdown

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu faces a defensive dilemma ahead of the AC Milan derby, with Acerbi, De Vrij and Bisseck all under consideration as he searches for the right balance at the back.

With under 48 hours before kick-off, the Corriere dello Sport describes it as “a great dilemma,” with all three centre-backs rotating in training to convince the coach to “entrust them with the keys of the defensive unit.”

With Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni locked in, the final spot remains wide open.

Inter Vs Milan – Chivu Must Make Key Selection Decision For Acerbi & Bisseck

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 02: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale looks on during the coppa Italia Semi Final match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu is also mindful of what happened in Naples a month ago, when Inter “faced a team without offensive reference points” and the backline struggled to adapt.

To prevent a repeat, he must choose between lowering the defensive block to limit Milan’s depth-running threat from Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, a scenario that favours Acerbi, or opting for more dynamism.

That approach would hand “a big chance to Bisseck,” whose mobility allows Inter to defend higher and press with greater aggression.

Even if it means accepting recovery runs against Milan’s counter-attacks.

De Vrij represents “a compromise between the two ideas,” but is currently viewed as slightly behind the others going into the final decisions for Sunday’s match.

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