Inter - Cagliari
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Inter’s season is shaping up to be one of wasted opportunities, so they need to beat a Cagliari side who broke away from the drop zone.
A 0-0 in Bergamo against Atalanta made it three games in a row without a goal for the Nerazzurri. Their defensive record on the other hand has been exemplary, conceding just once in their last seven games, coming in the 1-0 loss to Torino.
Luciano Spalletti’s men now find themselves in fifth place, one point behind both Lazio and Roma in the hunt for the Champions League positions and unable to make the most of stuttering form from the Capital pair. They will have to start picking up maximum points soon if they want to be in the hat for next season’ premium competition.
At least Spalletti will have a fully fit squad to pick from, as Matias Vecino returns and Marcelo Brozovic’s ban has expired. With just six goals being scored by central midfield players, it’s clear where the problems lie.
Inter haven’t beaten the Rossoblu at home in the league since 2011 and are winless in their last four games at the Meazza against them, losing twice and drawing twice.
Cagliari meanwhile had a hard fought 2-1 win over Udinese in what was a decent performance in Sardinia that halted a run of three losses in a row. I Sardi have won just four times on their travels in Serie A this season, losing nine and drawing three.
Coach Diego Lopez has led his side to 14th position where they sit five points clear of Crotone. It’s a gap from the relegation zone, but by no means a secure ticket to Serie A status yet. Lopez will have to do without the services of Diego Farias, Alessandro Deiola and captain Daniele Dessena, while Luca Cigarini and impressive Italy Under-21 international Nicolò Barella are suspended.
Expect this game to be played on the Nerazzurri’s terms with the San Siro crowd keen to see their side take the three points. Service to Icardi will have to be key here, if the likes of Rafinha and Ivan Perisic can pick the Argentine out with a pass in the box, chances are he will tuck it away. Closing down those passing lanes has been easy enough though lately for Inter’s opposition and the Isolani will be set up to do just that. Set pieces could be the likeliest route to goal in this game with both sides capable of taking advantage of any defensive slip up.
Keep an eye on: Mauro Icardi (Inter) – The Argentine hitman has scored 48 per cent of all Inter’s Serie A goals this season, which shows just how desperately they depend on him. It’s no coincidence that in the last three rounds without finding the net, his teammates did not step up.
Form Guide: Inter (D L D W W) Cagliari (W L L L W)
Last season: Inter 1-2 Cagliari
Stat fact: Inter are winless in their last four home games against Cagliari.
Top tip: Inter to win and Icardi to score.
Inter (probable): Handanovic; Skriniar, Miranda, D’Ambrosio; Cancelo, Gagliardini, Brozovic, Santon; Candreva, Perisic; Icardi
Suspended: None
Cagliari (probable): Cragno; Andreolli, Ceppitelli, Castan; Faragò, Padoin, Cossu, Ionita, Miangue; Sau, Pavoletti
Suspended: Joao Pedro, Barella, Cigarini
A 0-0 in Bergamo against Atalanta made it three games in a row without a goal for the Nerazzurri. Their defensive record on the other hand has been exemplary, conceding just once in their last seven games, coming in the 1-0 loss to Torino.
Luciano Spalletti’s men now find themselves in fifth place, one point behind both Lazio and Roma in the hunt for the Champions League positions and unable to make the most of stuttering form from the Capital pair. They will have to start picking up maximum points soon if they want to be in the hat for next season’ premium competition.
At least Spalletti will have a fully fit squad to pick from, as Matias Vecino returns and Marcelo Brozovic’s ban has expired. With just six goals being scored by central midfield players, it’s clear where the problems lie.
Inter haven’t beaten the Rossoblu at home in the league since 2011 and are winless in their last four games at the Meazza against them, losing twice and drawing twice.
Cagliari meanwhile had a hard fought 2-1 win over Udinese in what was a decent performance in Sardinia that halted a run of three losses in a row. I Sardi have won just four times on their travels in Serie A this season, losing nine and drawing three.
Coach Diego Lopez has led his side to 14th position where they sit five points clear of Crotone. It’s a gap from the relegation zone, but by no means a secure ticket to Serie A status yet. Lopez will have to do without the services of Diego Farias, Alessandro Deiola and captain Daniele Dessena, while Luca Cigarini and impressive Italy Under-21 international Nicolò Barella are suspended.
Expect this game to be played on the Nerazzurri’s terms with the San Siro crowd keen to see their side take the three points. Service to Icardi will have to be key here, if the likes of Rafinha and Ivan Perisic can pick the Argentine out with a pass in the box, chances are he will tuck it away. Closing down those passing lanes has been easy enough though lately for Inter’s opposition and the Isolani will be set up to do just that. Set pieces could be the likeliest route to goal in this game with both sides capable of taking advantage of any defensive slip up.
Keep an eye on: Mauro Icardi (Inter) – The Argentine hitman has scored 48 per cent of all Inter’s Serie A goals this season, which shows just how desperately they depend on him. It’s no coincidence that in the last three rounds without finding the net, his teammates did not step up.
Form Guide: Inter (D L D W W) Cagliari (W L L L W)
Last season: Inter 1-2 Cagliari
Stat fact: Inter are winless in their last four home games against Cagliari.
Top tip: Inter to win and Icardi to score.
Inter (probable): Handanovic; Skriniar, Miranda, D’Ambrosio; Cancelo, Gagliardini, Brozovic, Santon; Candreva, Perisic; Icardi
Suspended: None
Cagliari (probable): Cragno; Andreolli, Ceppitelli, Castan; Faragò, Padoin, Cossu, Ionita, Miangue; Sau, Pavoletti
Suspended: Joao Pedro, Barella, Cigarini
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