Prior to Sunday’s match against Sassuolo, Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu stressed the crucial importance of Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoğlu. This claim, relayed by TuttoSport, echoes previous comments from Chivu, which indicate that Calhanoğlu had been relegated to the sideline during the summer. A recent incident involving an altercation between Calhanoğlu and Inter’s captain, Lautaro Martinez, after the World Cup of Clubs, had aroused intense media controversy. Despite rumours of transfer to Galatasaray, Calhanoğlu stayed in Inter Milan and made a promising start to the season with two goals and two assists in three appearances.

On the Sassuolo side, midfielder Davide Frattesi hopes to make his first appearance in Serie A of the season in the match against his former club. After an injury that ruined his summer, Frattesi, arriving at Inter in loan with option of purchase, has already played 90 minutes in all competitions. He was the winner in the quarter-final of the Champions League against Barcelona, marking the decisive goal. Frattesi missed the World Cup Clubs due to an injury to hernia, requiring surgery in July.

Sassuolo’s captain, Domenico Berardi, has an impressive record in San Siro, with seven goals scored, four against Inter Milan. It is a constant threat to the nerazzurra defense and contributes to the strength of the Sassuolo team. Inter Milan will have to be particularly vigilant against Berardi, who scored two goals and delivered three assists in his last four games against Inter. Moreover, Inter must learn the lessons of Sassuolo’s recent victory against Lazio, which demonstrated the strength of their defence. Sassuolo currently ranks 14th in the Serie A rankings, tied to Inter Milan, making this match particularly important.