Inter travel to Tuscany on Saturday to face Empoli on the back of a good win against Genoa.
Osvaldo and M’Vila have not been called up to the squad as they are deemed surplus to requirements. Osvaldo has again trained alone this week as the striker continues to be punished for his actions against Juventus 2 weeks ago.
M’Vila on the other hand has been in talks with the club this week about rescinding his loan agreement and going back to Rubin Kazan. M’Villa never got much of a look-in due to his fitness issues and some English Premier League have expressed interest in him, namely West Ham United and QPR.
In defence Roberto Mancini has food for thought in his selection after Vidic and Andreolli played very well against Genoa. Juan Jesus is still suspended but Ranocchia is available after his 1 match ban and it looks like ‘the frog’ will replace Vidic despite the Serbian’s last performance due to the player not being seen as match fit.
With Nagatomo and M’Baye still away on International duty D’Ambrosio and Campagnaro are expected to keep their places in the team.
In midfield Mateo Kovacic is back after a 1 match ban for his sending off against Juve. Kovacic is expected to replace Hernanes in the ‘trequartista’ position.
Our holding players will be Guarin and Medel after their superb showing together last week.On the wings Podolski should start on the left but Shaqiri will most likely be on the bench as he isn’t seen as able to complete 90 minutes. Palacio is expected to keep his place on the right after receiving news that his ankle problem doesn’t need surgery.
Up top in-form Icardi should start after scoring his 10th goal in Serie A this season against Genoa.
Probable line-up: Handanovic, D’Ambrosio, Andreolli, Ranocchia, Campagnaro, Guarin, Medel, Podolski, Kovacic, Palacio, Icardi.
Player watch: Xerdan Shaqiri. Hopefully we see Shaqiri come on to make his Inter debut.
In my opinion Inter should have too much for Empoli although Inter have struggled against smaller clubs before.
Prediction: I predict a 2-0 win for Inter with Icardi and Podolski for the goals
Ian Kerr