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Champions LeagueJuly 21, 2026

Inter: Stankovic wants to take over the keys in midfield – Chivu

Aleksandar Stankovic, back at Inter, wants to convince Cristian Chivu to use him as Calhanoglu's replacement in midfield. His test match against Karlsruhe will be crucial.

Inter: Stankovic wants to take over the keys in midfield – Chivu

Inter: Stankovic wants to take over the keys in midfield – Chivu

Why this is important

Aleksandar Stankovic's return to Inter is a significant step for the player, who wants to take advantage of his chance to establish himself in the Serie A club's squad. Cristian Chivu, the coach, has great confidence in Stankovic and sees him as having the potential to play a key role in midfield, especially considering Hakan Calhanoglu's injury. This could be crucial for Inter's season in Serie A.

Background

Stankovic enjoyed his football training in Inter's youth academy and brings valuable experience from his previous positions in Switzerland and Belgium. His playing style differs from Calhanoglu as he not only reads the game well but also shows a greater propensity to get involved offensively. This could make him an interesting option for Chivu in midfield.

Key findings

  • Inter: Stankovic wants to take over the keys in midfield – Chivu.
  • Aleksandar Stankovic, back at Inter, wants to convince Cristian Chivu to use him as Calhanoglu's replacement in midfield.
  • Inter, Stankovic prova a prendersi the chiavi del centrocampo: Chivu lo testa da vice Calhanoglu.
Aleksandar Stankovic has celebrated his return to Inter and sees this as his chance to establish himself in the club's squad. According to a current report from _La Gazzetta dello Sport_, the Serbian midfielder is using the training camp in Donaueschingen to convince coach Cristian Chivu of his abilities. The 24-year-old, who enjoyed his football training in Inter's youth academy, was most recently active in Switzerland and Belgium and gained valuable experience there. Chivu knows Stankovic well and appreciates his talents. The coach called him into the first squad after he played abroad. Inter do not plan to develop Stankovic just for a later sale, but also want to understand how useful he can be in the upcoming season. One of the most exciting opportunities for the player is to be deployed as a playmaker in the central midfield position. With Hakan Calhanoglu currently injured, Stankovic could be given the opportunity to prove himself in this role, a position he has already filled during his loan spell at FC Luzern. Image The upcoming friendly against Karlsruher SC could provide the first indications as to whether Chivu plans to play Stankovic in this position permanently. Stankovic has different characteristics than Calhanoglu: while he can read the game well, he also shows a greater tendency to go on the offensive and get involved in the final meters. The time he spent in Switzerland and Belgium helped him complete his development. Last season he racked up a total of 55 appearances across all competitions, contributing both goals and assists. These numbers reflect his significant maturation and have convinced Inter to bring him back permanently. Stankovic could also be a valuable solution for the future. Calhanoglu remains an important player in the midfield, but his contract is approaching a phase that needs to be closely monitored and Inter do not want to be left unprepared. The young Serbian also offers great flexibility as he can be used both as a director and as a central midfielder. For Chivu, the training camp in Germany will be the first real test. Stankovic wants to prove that he is not only a talented player from his own ranks, but also ready to fight for a place in the new Inter. Image

What happens next

The upcoming friendly against Karlsruher SC will be crucial to see whether Stankovic will be used as Calhanoglu's replacement in central midfield. Chivu will closely monitor Stankovic's performance to decide whether he can let him play in this role permanently. A successful performance could help Stankovic establish himself as an indispensable part of the team in the upcoming Serie A season.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Aleksandar Stankovic?

Aleksandar Stankovic has celebrated his return to Inter and is using the training camp to convince coach Cristian Chivu of his abilities.

Who confirmed Stankovic's return?

Coach Cristian Chivu called Stankovic into the first squad and appreciates his talents.

Why is now the right time for Stankovic?

Stankovic has the chance to establish himself in the squad as Hakan Calhanoglu is injured and he could be used as his replacement in central midfield.

What changes is Inter planning with Stankovic?

Inter plans to not only develop Stankovic for eventual sale, but also want to understand his usefulness for the upcoming season.

How could Stankovic be used in the team?

Stankovic could be used as a playmaker in central midfield, a position which he already filled out during his loan deal at FC Luzern.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What happened to Aleksandar Stankovic?
Aleksandar Stankovic has celebrated his return to Inter and is using the training camp to convince coach Cristian Chivu of his abilities.
Who confirmed Stankovic's return?
Coach Cristian Chivu has called Stankovic into the first squad and values ​​his talents.
Why is now the right time for Stankovic?
Stankovic has the chance to establish himself in the squad as Hakan Calhanoglu is injured and he could be used as his replacement in central midfield.
What changes are Inter planning with Stankovic?
Inter plan to not only develop Stankovic for eventual sale, but also want to understand his usefulness for the upcoming season.
How could Stankovic be used in the team?
Stankovic could be used as a playmaker in central midfield, a position he already filled during his loan deal with FC Luzern.
What happened in this story?
Inter: Stankovic wants to take over the keys in midfield – Chivu summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Why is this news relevant right now?
The timing matters for how clubs, players, and fans prepare for the next competitive phase in the season or transfer window.