Though Udinese are currently one point ahead of Inter in the league table, this is a game that Mancini is fully expected to win. Mancini’s honeymoon period has seemingly been extended since he arrived having two tough league fixtures to begin with but now the fans and Thohir should be expecting the team to start picking up points. I also think that this is a game that the team could, and should win. Hopefully I’m right and the team puts in a good performance tonight, but there are a few things to look for in the game
Things to look out for:
- Center Back pairing: With 19 goals conceded in 13 games, things need to change. Mancini’s return to a back 4 has not made a huge difference so far, with 6 goals conceded in 3 games and some all around shaky performances from Ranocchia and Juan Jesus, so we’re expecting Vidic to be back in the starting line up. The only question is which of the two get dropped. While Ranocchia usually plays better with an experienced defender next to him and though he is the captain, I think he would be the one more likely to be dropped.
- Icardi: In Mancini’s press conference before the match, he admitted that Icardi would be starting the game tonight over Osvaldo. They both have pretty good scoring records and with Osvaldo getting a goal last match against Roma, Icardi will be feeling the pressure to grab a goal or two for himself and keep his place in the starting lineup.
- Fans: There are a number of reasons why the fans should be rocking the San Siro tonight. First, its Mancini’s first home league match, so they will be there to celebrate him. Also, Strama and Stankovic are back, so the atmosphere in the stadium should be very loud and enjoyable. Hopefully the Inter players can use the 12th man and carry themselves on to a victory.
Unavailable for the match are Jonathan and Hernanes. Both Vidic and Nagatomo have been included in the squad but it is unclear if they will start. Kovacic, Nagatomo, and Vidic all trained with the squad so they are all in contention to take places in the starting lineup (Kovacic clearly the most likely and if Nagatomo is fully fit, I think he should start over Campagnaro).