Inter explain massive changes, while some ‘optimism’ Lautaro Martinez can face Barcelona | OneFootball

With Simone Inzaghi suspended, Inter assistant manager Massimiliano Farris explains the massive changes against Verona and how ‘optimistic’ they are of Lautaro Martinez recovering to face Barcelona.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT, 20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.

This is an odd time for the Nerazzurri, who lost three in a row to go out of the Coppa Italia and fall three points behind new Serie A leaders Napoli, but also earn a 3-3 Champions League semi-final draw away to Barcelona, with the second leg coming up on Tuesday.

With that in mind, plus Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard injuries, there is massive squad rotation this evening.

Why Farris is on the Inter bench

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: Massimiliano Farris of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Bologna FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 26, 2023 in Bologna, . (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We made this decision after the lads were squeezed dry with their efforts in a marvellous match against Barcelona, so we need fresh legs,” Farris told DAZN.

Hakan Calhanoglu and coach Simone Inzaghi also sit out one-match bans after a plea bargain in the investigation into associations with unsavoury elements of the ultras groups

Inter can only wait for Napoli results

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 23: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale reacts during the coppa Italia Semi Final match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Napoli took another huge leap towards the Scudetto with their 1-0 victory away to Lecce this evening, meaning they need only seven points from the remaining three matches to guarantee the title.

“Despite Napoli’s victory, even if it no longer depends on us, we want to stay in the race and win this evening,” added the Inter assistant manager.

“Unfortunately, we paid a price in Serie A for our Champions League commitments. Now it is important to focus on these 90 minutes, then we’ll think about Barcelona.

“We must try to preserve the players who used up so much energy and returned from injuries.”

Farris was asked about the reports Lautaro Martinez’s muscular injury is not serious, so he could be part of the squad for the semi-final second leg on Tuesday.

“Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries did the impossible to get back in time to play against Barcelona, so Lautaro Martinez will do the same. We’ll evaluate the situation on a daily basis, but he will try to make sure he is available.

“I wouldn’t say we are optimistic or not optimistic. There is no lesion to the muscle, it is an elongation, so we’ll have to see how our captain recovers,” concluded the Inter assistant manager.