Marko Arnautovic could start for Inter Milan against former club Bologna

Marko Arnautovic could be handed a rare start for Inter Milan as they begin the defence of their Coppa Italia title on Wednesday with a home clash against his former club Bologna.

Inter sit four points clear at the top of the Serie A table but Bologna are one of only two teams along with Sassuolo to take points off them at San Siro this season after a 2-2 draw in October.

Nerazzurri boss Simone Inzaghi is likely to rotate his players with Saturday’s league clash against Lecce the priority but Inter will aim to set up a quarter-final date against Fiorentina, who they beat 2-1 in last season’s final in May.

Davide Frattesi and Kristjan Asllani are among the likely starters while France defender Benjamin Pavard, who suffered a knee injury in early November, could be in the squad.

Inzaghi has limited options in defence with Dutch duo Stefan de Vrij and Denzel Dumfries both still sidelined.

Veteran forward Arnautovic, who joined Inter from Bologna in the summer, is also likely to be given a run-out having started just two matches so far for his new club.

The Austrian, who first played for Inter on loan from FC Twente back in 2009-10, averaged nearly a goal every other game for Bologna after joining them in August 2021.

Our squad for tomorrow’s cup clash #InterBologna #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/wFMS2m2gIu

— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) December 19, 2023

Bologna boss Thiago Motta told a press conference: “Arnautovic is a great player, a decent boy and he made an understandable choice.

“Except for tomorrow, I always wish him the best. I am sure that he will do well this season and will have an excellent path at Inter as he did here at Bologna.”

Despite losing Arnautovic, Bologna are enjoying an excellent season so far, sitting fourth in the Serie A table having taken 10 points from their last four games.

Former Inter midfielder Motta said: “Tomorrow we will play our football against the Champions League finalist and a serious candidate to win the Scudetto.

“We will go and play our match. The group works very well, everyone is working hard. As always, there is a possibility for everyone because we need everyone.

“For us it is always a pleasure to play a football match, we do our job for this and we will have another opportunity to play on a historic pitch and against a very strong team; as always we will try to bring the match to our side.”

Bologna are looking to reach the last eight for only the second time this century, with their previous best run in 2013 ending in defeat by Inter.