Former Manchester City defender John Stones is set to make his first start in Serie A for Inter Milan as they prepare to face Udinese. Stones, who joined Inter on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester City expired in July, has previously made three appearances for the club, all coming off the bench. This upcoming match against Udinese will mark a significant milestone in his Italian football journey, with coach Cristian Chivu expected to unveil the full lineup in a forthcoming press conference.
Stones Set for Serie A Starting Debut with Inter Against Udinese
In a highly anticipated development for Inter Milan, former Manchester City stalwart John Stones is slated to make his first starting appearance in Serie A. The pivotal moment is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026, when Inter hosts Udinese at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan. This encounter forms part of the fourth round of the Serie A season, promising an exciting spectacle for football enthusiasts.
Stones, a prominent England international, arrived at Inter in July 2026, transitioning on a free transfer following the conclusion of his contract with Manchester City. Since his arrival, the 32-year-old defender has gradually integrated into the squad, making three substitute appearances across various competitions. His Serie A debut was as a substitute in the season opener against Monza, and he also featured off the bench in Inter's recent 2-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid at the illustrious Bernabéu.
Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that Inter's coach, Cristian Chivu, intends to deploy both Manuel Akanji and Stones in the Nerazzurri's defensive trio for the upcoming Udinese match. Furthermore, there will be keen competition for a starting berth in central midfield, with Curtis Jones and Petar Sucic vying for the spot. While Federico Dimarco is anticipated to be fit for the game, Carlos Augusto is favored to start as the left wing-back.
Following their clash with Udinese, Inter will embark on a journey to Rome to take on the Giallorossi on Saturday, September 19. Coach Chivu is expected to provide comprehensive team news and insights at a press conference scheduled for Sunday, September 13, at 14:00 CET (13:00 BST).
The integration of an experienced defender like John Stones into Inter Milan's starting lineup could significantly bolster their defensive stability and provide a new dimension to their gameplay. His debut as a starter in Serie A is a testament to his dedication and the coach's confidence in his abilities. It will be fascinating to observe how his presence impacts Inter's performance as they continue their campaign, particularly as they face challenging fixtures both domestically and in Europe.
