Sun Feb 02 21:30:00 IST 2025: ## Calhanoglu Returns to Starting Lineup for Derby della Madonnina

**Milan, Italy** – Hakan Calhanoglu will start for Inter Milan in tonight’s highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan, confirming a major boost for the Nerazzurri. The match kicks off at 6 PM CET.

Calhanoglu, who has been sidelined for six matches due to a thigh and calf injury sustained during last month’s Supercoppa Italiana final against Milan, returned to training this week. His inclusion in the starting XI was initially uncertain, but Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has opted to deploy the Turkish international in midfield. The derby holds special significance for Calhanoglu, a former AC Milan player.

Inter’s starting eleven shows few other surprises. Yann Sommer will continue his streak of starting every Serie A game this season in goal, while the defense will consist of Bastoni, de Vrij, and Pavard. Barella and Mkhitaryan will join Calhanoglu in midfield, with Dumfries and Dimarco on the flanks. Upfront, Martinez and Thuram will lead the attack. Francesco Acerbi and Nicola Zalewski are notable additions to the bench after recovering from injury and completing his transfer from Roma respectively.

AC Milan will field a 4-3-3 formation with Maignan in goal, and a midfield trio of Musah, Bennacer, and Reijnders. Fofana is suspended for the match, while Emerson Royal, Loftus-Cheek, and Florenzi remain unavailable due to injury.

The highly anticipated match will be officiated by referee Chiffi, with Di Paolo and Doveri overseeing VAR.

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