Djed Spence is still waiting for his first Inter touch in a competitive game, but the countdown has finally begun.
The English full-back, signed from Tottenham in the summer for €35 million, is expected to be available when Serie A returns in October, with his debut likely to come at San Siro against Parma on October 10.
A big move on hold
Inter moved decisively for Spence after his standout World Cup campaign with England in 2026, betting heavily on his power and athleticism down the flank. At 26, this was supposed to be the moment he stepped into his prime in one of Europe’s most demanding environments.
Instead, his start has been delayed.
Since arriving in Milan, Spence has been training away from the main group, working on his conditioning after a draining summer that ended with England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta. The World Cup minutes stayed in his legs; Inter’s staff decided not to rush him.
No panic. Just patience.
Separate work, clear target
According to Gazzetta, Spence will continue to train on his own this week as he completes the final phase of his fitness programme. The plan is clear: individual work now, full integration next week.
Cristian Chivu has given his squad a full week off during the international break, with group sessions for those not on national team duty resuming on Monday. That’s when Spence is expected to step back into the collective rhythm, finally alongside his new teammates rather than on a neighbouring pitch.
If everything goes to script, he will be in contention for Inter’s first match after the break, at home to Parma on October 10. Not a cameo in theory, but a real option for Chivu.
San Siro waits
Spence has already had a taste of the stage. He was present at San Siro for Inter’s clash with Monza on August 22, watching from the sidelines, suited up but unused, as the Giuseppe Meazza roared without him.
The next time he walks out there, the expectation is different. The fee, the World Cup pedigree, the fresh energy on the flank – all of it feeds into a simple question.
How quickly can Djed Spence turn waiting time into impact time for Inter?
