By observing Inter Milan's training over the past few days, Sky Sports believes that Leonardo will change his formation for the derby, switching from the usual 4-3-1-2 to a 4-2-3-1. This was the habitual formation during Mourinho's era, possibly due to considerations of an incomplete midfield lineup. Motta is injured and has always struggled to be the defensive barrier in front of the backline, while Chivu is also injured, forcing Zanetti to return to left-back. In midfield, Cambiasso and Stankovic will pair up in the center. Pandev may return to the starting lineup, appearing on the right side of midfield with Eto'o on the left, while Sneijder continues to occupy the attacking midfielder position, and Pazzini leads as the lone striker upfront.
Before the match, both team managers will hold press conferences at San Siro instead of their respective bases. Leonardo's conference is scheduled earlier at 12:30, followed by Allegri two hours later at 14:15.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Diego Milito, who has been out for a long time, said he is ready to return. "I feel great now and am ready to return to the field, perhaps in the derby," the Argentine said. "Will I start? That's up to Leonardo, he will decide everything. I've never experienced so much bad luck and injuries this season. The derby will be a great game, and we will secure three points in a special way."
Compared to Diego Milito, who has already participated in full-team training, Chivu's injury remains concerning. Due to a calf injury, the Romanian continues to train alone. On Friday, Inter Milan's medical team will reassess Chivu's condition to determine if he can play in Saturday's match. The last players to return from international duty have arrived in Milan, including Cambiasso, Zanetti, Marić, Nagatomo, and Obi.
In his column for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sacchi believes that injuries will be the biggest uncertainty factor in the upcoming derby. The recovery of injured players and who the managers choose to replace them could sway the outcome of this matchup. Before the derby, Inter Milan received some good news: Diego Milito, having recovered from injury, has volunteered to play in this key match, but Chivu's condition remains unclear. Sky Sports predicts that Leonardo will adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation.