Overview

• The 22-year-old impressed on his first start against Torino at San Siro, combining ball recoveries with an eye-catching assist for Marcus Thuram.
• He completed 52 of 57 passes and covered about 11 kilometers, operating primarily as a mezzala with stretches dictating play like a regista.
• Reporting indicates coaches are considering a Barella–Calhanoglu–Sucic trio, with the Calhanoglu–Sucic fit still to be assessed before Udinese.
• Henrikh Mkhitaryan was described as less influential than teammates, and his starting spot is viewed as most at risk if Sucic remains in the XI.
• Newcomer Andy Diouf endured a mistake-prone cameo and is expected to need adaptation time, as Chivu weighs 3-5-2 continuity against a 3-4-1-2 plan.