Forget the summer tensions; with Udinese, the trio seeks their old understanding.
It has been exactly 61 days, two full months, since Inter Milan`s three `tenors` last shared the same, albeit somber, stage. The events of May 30, 2025, are now firmly etched in Nerazzurri history. Hakan Calhanoglu has not played alongside Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram since that `Bavarian storm,` but he will finally do so again tomorrow, at San Siro against Udinese. This reunion is far from trivial, as it was not a given that the trio, once considered a symbol of harmony, would be seen together and in agreement after the `toxic cloud` that enveloped them over the summer. Now, however, the trio shares a common mission: to look united towards the future and shed the remnants of the past. Regardless of the points the Nerazzurri aim to add to those already secured, seeing them together again is a welcome sign of the times. Coach Chivu has, in fact, managed to restore order by relying on established certainties. While it was necessary to introduce young talent both in midfield and upfront, the Romanian coach certainly could not do without either the Turkish playmaker or the potent `ThuLa` attacking duo. Despite the regrets of last season, the avoidable mistakes, and too many dips in form, if Inter is to see a brighter star in the sky, they owe it to this crucial triangle between midfield and attack. They restart with these three—who else?
Beyond the Storm
In Munich, Calhanoglu, Thuram, and Lautaro endured 70 minutes in a storm before Inzaghi decided to withdraw Hakan and bring on Asllani; that marked the end of the trio until tomorrow`s match. Calha`s calf injury prevented him from making amends in the United States, and it was there, as is known, that tensions boiled over. After the Champions League round of 16 elimination, the Argentine`s fury erupted, traveling from North Carolina to Milan, passing through France and Turkey. He lashed out at his teammates, accusing them of holding back during the World Cup – as a South American, the event meant far more to him than to his European colleagues. Moreover, by his fiery nature, Lautaro never accepts leaving the field without having given every last drop of sweat. That time, Martinez deliberately avoided naming names, while his president, Beppe Marotta, clarified that the target was solely his midfield teammate, who was tempted by the idea of returning to his homeland to play on the Bosphorus. Soon after, however, the reality became clearer and more complex: `El Toro` was also upset with his attacking twin. In short, the recent tensions had all exploded simultaneously, and the high flames could have unpredictable effects on the Nerazzurri camp. When the Turk then voiced his feelings via social media (`certain words divide and do not unite…`), he garnered a mischievous `like` from Marcus: more fuel to the rumors of a rift, leading to days of talk about irreparable fractures, until the club intervened urgently. The work of diplomacy was decisive in mending relationships and planning the new season with the confirmation of all key players, especially after verifying how vague the proposals from Galatasaray and Fenerbahce for Hakan truly were. Upon returning to Milan, Calhanoglu once again shrewdly used social media, posting a photo with Lautaro for his followers. The captain himself embraced Thuram, just like in the good old days, and the `ThuLa` duo resumed exchanging passes and smiles; the desire for redemption healed the wounds, and it`s no coincidence that both starting forwards scored in their debut against Torino. Last Sunday, however, Calhanoglu was absent due to suspension; therefore, the definitive `peace shot` in an official match is only expected for tomorrow.
Achieved Understanding
Lautaro`s leadership is undisputed, while with a brace, the true Marcus immediately sent a message to his compatriots Bonny and Pio: it won`t be easy to displace him. Calhanoglu will also have to fight to maintain his central role, especially since the `hurricane` Petar Sucic has arrived in midfield, and even newcomer Andy Diouf will be seeking increasing space. In short, new balances need to be found compared to the past, not least because a new general sits on the bench: Chivu was the first to transform a potential fracture into an opportunity for growth, demanding a true agreement for the good of Inter. The Romanian`s philosophy is traditional and clear – no individual will ever be greater than the team – but at the same time, the coach has fresh experience as a player: he knows how to manage strong personalities, smooth out rough edges, and channel their pride. It required considerable effort with these three, but the result appears to have been achieved.
