Inter could surprise Juventus by throwing Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolò Barella straight back into the starting XI after their recovery from injury.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET) on Saturday.

The Derby d’Italia arrives with the Nerazzurri on sparkling form, having picked up 34 out of an available 36 points on their current Serie A run, stumbling only in a 2-2 draw with reigning Champions of Italy Napoli.

They also have almost an empty treatment room, as only Denzel Dumfries remains out of action following ankle surgery.

Inter bring back star midfielders

Calhanoglu returned to training on Tuesday for the first time since spraining his left soleus muscle against Napoli on January 11.

Barella had a right thigh issue just before the Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund on January 28.

Considering the long lay-offs and importance of the match, it had been assumed that both would start on the bench against Juventus.

If anyone was going to step in, then it would be Barella in place of Petar Sucic.

However, Sky Sport Italia are increasingly suggesting that Cristian Chivu could throw both midfielders into the starting XI, keeping hold of Piotr Zielinski.

It would send Sucic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the sidelines to begin with.

In defence, he seems confident of sticking with Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni.

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, M Thuram

Alessandro Bastoni says Inter must not be obsessed with beating Juventus, but doesn’t feel the Nerazzurri have an advantage over Luciano Spalletti: ‘He knows us.’

• Read more – Chivu: I ‘watched many games’ with Spalletti, Inter stars ‘available’ vs. Juve after injuries

Inter host Juventus in the big game of Serie A Round 25 tomorrow, Saturday, February 14.

The Nerazzurri have not beaten Juventus, Milan or Napoli in any of their last 14 meetings, but Bastoni insists he and his teammates should not feel extra pressure because of that.

Bastoni: We know what Inter-Juventus means

“Surely we think the moment has come, but it must not be an obsession, or it will become counter-productive,” the Inter defender told Sky Sport Italia.

“We must remember that it’s just a game, so we must remain calm, as it was just another game, trying to add something more to win against a direct rival.

“We’ve had a week to prepare, so we get here well under all aspects,” Bastoni continued.

“That said, we know what Inter-Juventus means for the world of football. I repeat, it must not be an obsession, and we’ll have to remain focused for the entire game.”

Many Inter players, including Bastoni, Nicolò Barella, Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi, were regular Italy starters when Spalletti was in charge of La Nazionale. Does this mean they’ll be able to predict how he’ll prepare for the match?

“He coached us, so perhaps it’s an advantage for him as well because he knows our characteristics,” Bastoni replied.

“He surely has quality and will do anything to cause trouble for us. But we play at home, in front of our fans, and we want to put in a great performance.”

Kenan Yildiz is probably the best Juventus player currently, so what are the Nerazzurri preparing to nullify him?

“Surely, Yildiz is a very strong player, but Juventus are not just Yildiz. We’ve seen how vital McKennie is for this team,” Bastoni argued.

“Also, the balance provided by Locatelli and their defence. They have many players who know how to do things well.”

Inter are the Serie A table leaders and are still running for three titles, having qualified for the Champions League knockout play-off and the Coppa Italia semis.

“Surely, we’ve found a balance. Maybe, sometimes we are not pretty, but more efficient,” Bastoni concluded.

“This is something the coach has been working a lot on. Some things have been favourable compared to the first part of the season, and the confidence is building. These things have brought Inter to be who we are today.”

Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli said Bianconeri players are ‘happy’ with Luciano Spalletti and his methods and tells Andrea Cambiaso to ‘remain calm and work well’ despite recent criticism from the fans.

Locatelli unconventionally previewed Juventus’ upcoming match against Inter at a press conference, replacing coach Spalletti.

Juventus and Inter have had an entire week to prepare for this fixture as their European commitments will resume next week in the Champions League knockout play-off.

Inter vs. Juventus – Locatelli’s pre-match press conference

“Clearly, we were able to refresh and prepare for tomorrow; we are ready,” Locatelli said via Ilbianconero.com.

“We are aware of the importance of the game at all levels. We know Inter are strong and have a great coach. They’ve played together for a long time, and they are mature, which we’ve lacked a bit. There are some dirty games you have to win. We must keep this personality and put in a great performance tomorrow.

“To be the Juventus captain, besides being one of the biggest dreams, is a responsibility I carry with me daily. I remain humble and available to others. A captain must set the example, and I try to do it with my family as well.”

Locatelli has become a key player for Juventus under Spalletti, which wasn’t necessarily guaranteed given that the coach had omitted the 28-year-old from the Italy squad at the 2024 Euros.

“I listen to the club and the coach. I’m in shape, the coach has trusted me, and it’s been important,” Locatelli said.

“We are playing better and I’m happy with what we are trying to do.

“We can always improve. The coach keeps telling us we have room for improvement. It all starts with training. We are a young team, and we lack a bit of maturity, but we are aware of our quality.”

Juventus have climbed the table under Spalletti and have an exciting playing style, but the coach’s contract expires in June. Spalletti was appointed in October to replace Igor Tudor. Would Locatelli be happy to see the coach extend his stay beyond June?

“It’s not up to me to decide that; I can only say we are very happy with him and the way he works with us,” Locatelli replied.

“He doesn’t like being talked about. He even told me earlier that I shouldn’t talk about him. I can say that we are very happy with him.”

Andrea Cambiaso was booed by Juventus fans when he was subbed off in their last two Serie A matches against Napoli and Lazio.

“I have a solid bond with Andre; he’s a lad who listens,” Locatelli noted.

“He must only remain calm and work well. He puts in the utmost commitment, and he never holds back. Only the pitch will prove it. He’s a lad who deserves to be here; he’s strong and has personality.”

Locatelli has reunited with Jeremie Boga, who moved to Juventus from Nice in January.

“It’s been nice to reunite with him. We spent three important years at Sassuolo,” said the Juventus midfielder.

“I think he can help us; he’s strong in one-on-one, and he can be decisive. It’s what the coach kept repeating at Sassuolo; he must be aware of what he can do. I’m happy for him.”

Tomorrow, Locatelli will face off against some of his Italy teammates, including Federico Dimarco, one of the best performers in Serie A this season.

“I’m very fond of him, just as I am with the other Inter players I know well. He’s performing well, and he deserves his success. He faced criticism, but he’s doing his talking on the pitch. Naturally, I hope he isn’t at his best tomorrow,” Locatelli concluded.

Inter coach Cristian Chivu confirms Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu will be available for a Serie A match against Juventus tomorrow and reveals he watched ‘many games’ alongside Luciano Spalletti in the past.

Inter host rivals Juventus and San Siro on Saturday, and the Nerazzurri boss, Chivu, previewed the game at a press conference.

Inter vs. Juventus: Chivu’s press conference

“Juventus have improved with Spalletti; he has given them an identity in a short time,” said the Inter coach via FcInter1908.

“He has shown his ideas, and some players have improved. They can make anyone struggle. We continue to hope that our performances are on a good level, with the same desire as in the last few months.”

Spalletti won’t attend a press conference today, sending Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli in front of the media instead.

“I suggested bringing Lautaro, but they didn’t agree,” Chivu said, smiling.

“For a coach, it’s not easy to talk every three days. From our perspective, there aren’t many differences between one game and another. It’s a decision I would have gladly shared.”

Barella and Calhanoglu missed the last few games due to injuries, but will be eligible against the Old Lady.

“They’ve been training since Monday. Today is Friday and they’ve had no problems, so they are available,” Chivu confirmed.

“The approach is always important, especially for a team that wants to dominate and has many ways to attack you,” he continued.

“Juventus are a hybrid; they play vertically and can hurt you in many different ways. We must be ready, as we’ve always been, to accept that the control of the game will shift from one side to the other.”

Chivu praises Spalletti: ‘A role model’

Chivu played under Spalletti at Roma and still has an excellent relationship with the Tuscan tactician.

“He has improved a lot. He was already very good and has further developed,” Chivu said.

“His teams play well, with a clear identity and ideas. He’s an excellent coach, he has a lot to give to football, and he must be set as a role model. When I didn’t have the club, we watched many games together.”

Inter are the Serie A table leaders with an eight-point lead over Milan, who have a game in hand.

The Nerazzurri have been practically perfect against teams in the bottom half of the table, but haven’t won any of the last 14 Serie A matches against Juve, Napoli or Milan.

“We always go on the pitch to win, aware that there’s still a long way to go; 14 games are remaining,” Chivu concluded.

“Right now, the result of a game doesn’t make a big difference, except for the mental aspect, and I still believe the season is still long.”

Sky Sport Italia reports that Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram is unlikely to be available for tomorrow’s match against Inter due to a bone bruise.

Juventus might be forced to cope without French midfielder Thuram in their away Serie A match against Inter on Saturday.

K. Thuram risks missing Inter-Juventus

According to Sky Sport Italia, Thuram is unlikely to be available for the Bianconeri due to a bone bruise.

The Bianconeri trained at Continassa this morning and will leave for Milan on Saturday morning.

Coach Luciano Spalletti will release his quad list before the trip to Milan.

If Thuram is ruled out of the match, Teun Koopmeiners will start in central midfield alongside Manuel Locatelli.

The Old Lady’s captain will preview the Derby d’Italia at a press conference today, unconventionally replacing Spalletti in front of the media.

Thuram, 24, has scored two goals and provided three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season.

He was one of the Juventus’ goalscorers in their 4-3 win over the Nerazzurri in the reverse fixture in September.

According to Tuttosport, Manchester United will scout Inter’s Federico Dimarco and Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu in the Derby d’Italia on Saturday.

Tuttosport newspaper reports that Manchester United will closely follow tomorrow’s Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus.

Man United to scout Kalulu and Dimarco

The Turin-based paper claims that the Red Devils have set their sights on Dimarco and Kalulu.

Kalulu has been a regular Juventus starter this season, both under Igor Tudor and Luciano Spalletti, playing as a right wing-back in the first part of the season and as a centre-back and right-back in a four-man defence under the new Juventus coach.

He has a long-term contract at the Allianz Stadium until June 2029, while Dimarco’s deal at Inter expired in barely 18 months.

Inter prepared to offer new contract to Dimarco

According to Tuttosport, the Italian left-back was ready to pen a new agreement last year, and the Nerazzurri are now ready to submit their proposal for a new contract until 2030.

The newspaper claims that Dimarco will be offered a pay rise to €5.5m per season, similar to his teammates and compatriot Nicolò Barella and Alessandro Bastoni, two other Nerazzurri veterans.

Dimarco has had an outstanding season with six goals and 13 assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. Kalulu has grabbed two goals and five assists in 34 games with Juventus in 2025-26.