The Nerazzurri are back at the Meazza to host tricky Bologna on Sunday’s early fixture at 15:00CET.
After the impressive performance away to Empoli midweek, Inter return to Milano in the highest of spirits to face the Rossoblu team from Emilia Romagna. While the fixture might appear as a somewhat straightforward affair, it is always important to remember that any team coached by Roberto Donadoni is capable of tactical surprising any side in the Serie A. Frank de Boer must maintain the same sense of dedication and hard work in the team regardless of the opponent.
Bologna have had a true roller-coaster of a start to the championship. Impressive home victories have sandwiched maulings to Torino and Napoli on the road. Donadoni’s boys are yet to get a single point on their travels so far. The now seasoned coach will rely on playing a deep defence led by the veteran Daniele Gastaldello and trying to catch Inter on the break through ex-Interisti Saphir Taider and central forward Mattia Destro.
Team News
With Ever Banega back in the side after serving his one-match suspension due to his Derby D’Italia expulsion, FdB will be expected to start with an eleven that is not too different form that which started against Juventus. Notable changes can be in the replacement of Danilo D’Ambrosio with Cristian Ansaldi, who by then will have had over one full week of training with the squad, as well as the possible inclusion Gabriel Barbosa instead of Antonio Candreva playing to the right of Mauro Icardi, however, the latter scenario is less than likely, and if Gabriel Barbosa is to get some playing time, it will probably be for a short while in the second half.
Probable Inter line-up (subject to change): (4-3-3) Handanovic; Ansaldi, Miranda, Murillo, Santon; Medel, Joao Mario, Banega; Candreva, Perisic, Icardi (C).
Stats
Last Season: Inter 2 – 1 Bologna
Last 10 Head to Head: in the last ten Serie A encounters between the two sides, Bologna have beaten Inter twice, with both victories coming at the Meazza.
Player to Watch:
Ever Banega: Having missed the midweek win due to suspension, the Argentine international comes back to the side and all eyes will be on him, to see if he can replicate his midfield masterclass performance against Juventus. While Joao Mario did a more than commendable job replacing Banega midweek, there’s no denying the step-up in Inter’s quality when both JM and Banega are on the pitch.
Officials
Domenico Celi will be the referee this Sunday at the San Siro when Inter host Bologna. Gianluca Cariolato and Stefano Alassio are his two assistants and Alessandro Lo Cicero is the fourth official. The two additional assistants for the game are Piero Giacomelli and Francesco Saia.
Prediction & Authors Note
Prediction & scorers: Inter 3-0 Bologna with both Icardi and Gabriel Barbosa finding the back of the net for Inter.
Author’s Note: While Donadoni has proven to be a more than gifted tactician who’s able to over-achieve with mediocre sides, Inter’s form and fitness has been improving week on week. If FdB is able to maintain the same sense of humility and dedication to hard work, this should be an uncomplicated affair for the Nerazzurri.
Words: Mohamed Nassar – Follow him @MNassar
