The high-flying Nerazzurri host plucky SPAL at the San Siro on the return from the international break in a match where a win will give Inter continuity in momentum. Kick-off today at 12:30 CET.

Returns from international breaks are always tricky, especially if the team was riding on a high. Despite the fact that a home game against newly promoted SPAL where reports indicate that over 60,000 tickets have been sold seems a pretty straightforward affair, the visitors from Ferrara have had a bright start to their campaign.

They have managed to hold Coppa Italia winners Lazio to a draw in Rome on the first matchday and beat Serie A regulars Udinese in week 2. The fact that their team roster includes proven top flight goal scorers such as Marco Boriello, Alberto Paloschi and Sergio Floccari means that they can always be dangerous on the break. Luciano Spaletti will probably continue with the 4-2-3-1 module that served him so well in the previous two matches.

Expect Joao Mario to start between Ivan Perisic and Antonio Candreva to give Inter the attacking speed and guile to break down SPAL’s expected defensive set-up. Offensive participation of the full backs will also be essential in overpowering the visitors’ fortifications along with freeing up either of Matias Vecino or Borja Valero to be more involved in the final third.

Team News

With Miranda having been deemed fit to feature in this match, Spaletti only has Joao Cancelo’s injury to contend with. Thankfully no other internationals have picked up knocks during the break, and since Dalbert stayed behind and worked intensively with Spaletti the probability of him starting ahead of Yuto Nagatomo seems quite high.

Probable Inter line-up (4-2-3-1): Handanovic; Dalbert, Miranda, Skriniar, D’Ambrosio; Vecino, Valero; Perisic, Joao Mario, Candreva; Icardi (C)

Stats

Last Season: Not played, SPAL in B
Last 10 Head to Head: Since SPAL’s last appearance in the Serie A was in 1968, no previous encounters can be used as a reference for this match.

Keep an Eye on

Joao Mario: The Portugal international has proven decisive whenever he’s entered the pitch in the previous two matches. Should he be given the nod to start the match, or come off the bench, expect him to have an impact on the match.

Officials

Referee: Claudio Gavilluci.
Assistants: Schenone & Mondin.
Fourth Official: Ghersini.
Additional Assistants: Mazzoleni & Giua.

Prediction & final comments

Prediction & scorers: Inter 3-0 SPAL with Icardi and Perisic scoring.

Final comment: So far, SPAL have an unlikely four points from two matches, and if underestimated, this match can be a trip up. Attitude and intensity will be critical in assuring fans that this Inter has exorcised the demons of seasons past where the side might freeze against weaker opposition.