Inter Milan have named Ricky Alvarez in their starting lineup for this afternoon's Serie A clash against Cagliari.

The Argentine midfielder has been out of action for the past two weeks with a muscle injury, but returns in place of the rested Hernanes.

Walter Samuel continues in defence for the injured Hugo Campagnaro, and Rodrigo Palacio and Diego Milito are chosen as the preferred forward partnership.

Meanwhile, Cagliari are without the suspended Daniele Conti, so Andrea Cossu comes into the midfield, while Brazilian youngster Adryan supports Mauricio Pinilla and Victor Ibarbo up front.

Inter Milan: Handanovic, Rolando, Samuel, Juan Jesus, Nagatomo, Jonathan, Guarin, Kuzmanovic, Alvarez, Palacio, Milito

Cagliari: Avramov, Dessena, Rossettini, Astori, Avelar; Vecino, Cossu, Ekdal, Adryan, Ibarbo, Pinilla