The talented Italian midfielder, despite being called up to the national team, has not played a single minute in the first two league matches. Chivu`s tactical system and the crowded midfield further complicate his situation.
Davide Frattesi arrived at the national team training camp with less playing time than many other call-ups. He is the only Serie A player selected who hasn`t played a single minute in the first two league matches. If we consider players from abroad, only Leoni is still awaiting his Premier League debut. It`s crucial to note that Frattesi, who remained on the bench against Torino and Udinese, was not used as a precautionary measure.
Fitness Level
The player is still working towards full fitness. On July 10th, he underwent bilateral hernia surgery, which significantly impacted his pre-season preparation. He returned to Appiano on August 11th for individual training after completing his rehabilitation phase with specialists. By August 22nd, he rejoined the squad, having missed all four summer friendlies against Under 23, Monaco, Monza, and Olympiacos. This is why Chivu kept him on the bench for the first two league matches. Nevertheless, national team coach Gattuso has called him up for the upcoming matches against Estonia and Israel. Frattesi remains a central figure for both the national team and Inter, to the extent that the club`s management plans to extend his contract by a year with a salary adjustment. However, the tactical formation and intense competition in his position necessitate further reflection.
Competition
The question remains whether Frattesi will secure a more consistent starting role. Over the past two seasons, he has played 89 games across all competitions, yet started only 27 of them, with sixteen of those starts occurring in the 2024-25 season. Inter`s midfield has been further strengthened by the arrival of Andy Diouf, joining an already strong lineup comprising Calhanoglu, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Sucic, and Zielinski. Despite this, coach Chivu considers Frattesi fundamental. Chivu was among the first to visit him after his surgery, reaffirming his central role in the project, particularly in a formation featuring two attacking midfielders behind the striker. Against Udinese, the Romanian coach briefly tried this approach before switching to a more aggressive 4-2-4 with all forwards on the field. However, the 3-5-2 formation disadvantages the Italian midfielder: while Sucic lacks Frattesi`s incisive runs, he is versatile, capable of playing both as a “number six and a number eight,” as demonstrated in the first two matches. Furthermore, there`s always Mkhitaryan, who will turn 37 in January. The Armenian is in the final year of his contract and possibly his last season, but he remains a consistent presence. With two attacking midfielders, Frattesi would have more opportunities, but Bonny is also a contender. Nevertheless, Chivu has publicly expressed full confidence in the player.
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