Inter Milan and Real Betis have confirmed their squads for a club friendly in Bari. Both teams field strong lineups under Cristian Chivu and Manuel Pellegrini. The match highlights preseason preparations for the 2026–27 campaign.
Inter Milan and Real Betis have officially announced their starting elevens for the club friendly scheduled at Stadio Comunale San Nicola in Bari, with kick-off set for 18:30. The fixture, taking place on 15 August 2026, brings together two sides looking to fine-tune their squads ahead of the new season.
Cristian Chivu, managing Inter Milan, has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Josep Martínez starts in goal, shielded by a defensive line of A. Diouf, L. Bovio, A. Bastoni, and Y. Bisseck. The midfield features N. Barella, who also captains the side, alongside H. Çalhanoğlu in defensive roles. The attacking trio behind the striker includes F. Esposito, Carlos Augusto, and P. Zieliński, with A. Bonny leading the line as striker.
Inter's bench offers depth, with options such as M. Akanji, F. Dimarco, Lautaro Martínez, H. Mkhitaryan, B. Pavard, and J. Stones available for rotation. The squad selection reflects Chivu's intent to balance experience and emerging talent during the preseason period.
Real Betis, under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, also lines up in a 4-2-3-1 system. Álvaro Valles is named as goalkeeper, supported by defenders Fran García, Natan, Marc Bartra—who wears the captain's armband—and Héctor Bellerín. The midfield pairing of Marc Roca and F. Bernal provides stability, while Rodrigo Riquelme, Pablo Fornals, and Antony are tasked with creating chances for striker C. Hernández.
The friendly serves as a key test for both clubs, offering a chance to assess tactical setups and player fitness before competitive fixtures resume. While the match does not carry the weight of official competition, it is closely watched by supporters eager to see how new signings and established names perform in a live setting.
Stadio Comunale San Nicola, located in Bari, is known for hosting high-profile matches and offers a neutral venue for this international club encounter. Preseason friendlies like this are a staple of European football, allowing managers to experiment with lineups and formations without the pressure of league points. For Inter Milan and Real Betis, the evening's game is an opportunity to build momentum and cohesion ahead of the demanding months to come.
Historically, both clubs have used summer friendlies to integrate new arrivals and test tactical variations. The presence of experienced managers such as Chivu and Pellegrini adds further intrigue, as each seeks to refine their approach before the official campaign begins. The match in Bari is expected to draw attention from fans and analysts tracking the progress of both squads as they prepare for domestic and European challenges in the 2026–27 season.
