Barella and Calhanoglu return for Juventus match

Inter Milan have received a double injury boost ahead of Saturday’s Derby d’Italia against Juventus. 

 Inter welcome Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu to training on Thursday as they prepare for the big test scheduled for San Siro on Saturday. The clash will reignite the bitter rivalry as well as precious points in the top four.

The Nerazzurri are going into the clash on the back of a good run of form as they fly away at the summit of the Serie A standings.

Christian Chivu’s men have been able to achieve this despite missing half their first-choice midfield.

Chivu still has his first choice right back, Denzel Dumfries, out of action following ankle surgery, but the return of the duo to training is a significant development.

Calhanoglu has been out of action since limping off during a Serie A clash with Napoli on January 11. The Turkish international suffered from a left soleus strain.

 Barella was out of action after suffering an injury to his right thigh in training ahead of the Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund on January 28.

Chivu is not expected to rush them back into the starting lineup as Piotr Zielinski is expected to keep hold of the midfield reins to start this weekend’s big match.

Both could be given some minutes towards the end of the match as they will be building their match fitness, and to avoid another setback.

The Nerazzurri are currently topping the Serie A table after 24 matches of the 2025-26 season. They are also eight points clear of AC Milan and 12 points ahead of Juventus ahead of Saturday’s derby. 

Apart from their 3-1 defeat against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League, Inter have won five Serie A games in a row. They also remain unbeaten across their last 12 league fixtures. 

The last time they tasted defeat was against their closest competitors, Milan, in the Derby della Madonnina on November 23. 

Juventus have been struggling to score goals recently, picking just seven points from their last three matches in the Italian top flight. In their last ten league games, Spalletti’s men recorded six wins, two draws, and two losses.