Inter are in a strong position heading into the international break, sitting second in Serie A with 28 points from 11 games, one behind leaders Lazio. The 2-0 win over Como at San Siro extended a run of defensive solidity that has given Cristian Chivu genuine cause for optimism after a difficult start to the season.

The defensive improvement is the most significant shift at the club right now. Chivu moved Alessandro Bastoni to the centre of a back three and the results have been immediate, with Inter keeping clean sheets in three of their last four games across Serie A and Champions League. The system also allows Carlos Augusto and Federico Dimarco to operate together on the left, adding both width and defensive cover.

The concern coming out of the Como win is Marcus Thuram. The striker picked up a muscle problem shortly after the game and left the France squad, missing Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey. The news from Appiano Gentile is cautious but not alarming, with Thuram expected to return in time for the Serie A trip to Atalanta on 22 November. Bonny is also sidelined with a hamstring issue that could keep him out for a month, leaving Chivu short in attack until Lautaro Martinez, who has been recovering during the break, returns to the squad.

Off the pitch, Hakan Calhanoglu's contract situation remains unresolved, with the midfielder out of contract in June 2027 and interest from Como and Juventus adding pressure to Inter's renewal talks.