Inter continue to grind out results in the most dramatic fashion, and that resilience is fast becoming the defining feature of Cristian Chivu's side. A 2-1 win over Fiorentina at San Siro, sealed by a Zielinski penalty in the 97th minute after Thuram had equalised moments earlier, extended their unbeaten run in Serie A to seven wins from eight games. They sit second, two points behind Lazio, who have played one game more.

The comeback told a familiar story. Inter went behind, looked short of ideas, and then found a way. Chivu acknowledged the pattern after the match, insisting his players deserve credit for maintaining belief when the game appeared lost. Thuram was the central figure, scoring and winning the decisive penalty, underlining how important the Frenchman has become with Lautaro Martinez sidelined through injury. The captain joins John Stones, Benjamin Pavard, Curtis Jones and Luis Henrique on the absentee list, leaving Chivu with a stretched but still capable squad.

With four games in ten days ahead, squad management is now a pressing concern. Venezia away on Wednesday is the immediate task, and Chivu is expected to rotate, with Thuram likely rested and Bonny partnering Esposito up front. Saturday then brings the derby against Milan at San Siro, a fixture that adds extra weight to every selection decision this week.