Inter Milan’s manager, Simone Inzaghi, is preparing for a crucial semi-final showdown against Atalanta in the Supercoppa Italiana, following a strong finish to 2024 with a 3-0 victory over Cagliari. While Inzaghi does not plan to make significant changes to his starting lineup, he is faced with one key decision regarding player selection as the team heads to Riyadh to defend their title.

The primary uncertainty revolves around the right wing position, where Denzel Dumfries has been in good form but showed signs of fatigue after a demanding December. With Matteo Darmian returning from injury, Inzaghi must decide whether to keep Dumfries in the lineup or reinstate Darmian. This decision is particularly important given Dumfries' subpar performance at Unipol Domus, which may have opened the door for Darmian to reclaim his spot.

Compounding the challenge for Inter is the absence of key defenders Benjamin Pavard and Francesco Acerbi, both sidelined due to injuries. Their return is anticipated in mid-January, which puts additional pressure on the remaining squad as they prepare to face a formidable Atalanta side eager to test Inter's title credentials. As the team gears up for this high-stakes encounter, Inzaghi's choices will be crucial in determining their chances of progressing in the tournament.