Defender Benjamin Pavard will make his first appearance in a Milan derby as Inter Milan aim to clinch the Serie A title tomorrow.
This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Pavard has undoubtedly had an impressive first season at Inter.
The 28-year-old made the move to the Nerazzurri from Bayern Munich last summer.
There were high expectations – and a high transfer fee – on Pavard’s shoulders.
But the French international has lived up to these. He has become a key part of Inter’s starting eleven under Simone Inzaghi.
Pavard’s pace and man-marking ability have made him one of the most formidable defenders that a Serie A winger or striker could hope to face on the right of Inter’s back three.
Moreover, Pavard is capable of playing as an attacking fullback as well as a centre-back. Therefore, the 28-year-old has become a key contributor at both ends of the pitch.
One thing Pavard has yet to do is score his first Inter goal.
The Frenchman will surely feel that there is no better time to announce himself in that respect than tomorrow, however.
One other major milestone that is left for Pavard is to play in a Milan derby.
The 2018 World Cup winner was an Inter player during the first clash with AC Milan this season.
However, that was in September. It was only a couple weeks after Pavard had joined from Bayern.
Therefore, Pavard was still getting up to speed at the Nerazzurri.
It didn’t take long for Pavard to settle in – and to stake his claim on a spot in the starting eleven.
But back in September, Inter coach Inzaghi wasn’t quite ready to trust the Frenchman in a match as crucial as the derby. It was Matteo Darmian who started in defense.
That will hardly be the case in this edition of the derby, however.
Pavard will undoubtedly be in Inter’s starting eleven.
The former Bayern man will certainly be keen on the idea of his first ever match against the Rossoneri being the one in which Inter could clinch the Serie A title.