Inter go into this match on the back of 2 defeats in Serie A and being dumped out of the Coppa Italia in midweek against Napoli.
Inter started January with optimism after a great point away at the Juventus Stadium, followed with wins against Genoa and Sampdoria but recently they can’t buy a win.
Inter are now placed in the bottom half of the table and are closer to the relegation zone (8 points) than they are to the golden 3rd spot (13points).
Inter are effectively one more bad result from being in a crisis with nothing but a win good enough for this game.
Probable line-up according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport:
Handanovic is expected to regain his place from Carrizo, who played in midweek.
Inter are expected to keep the same defence from midweek with Santon at right back, with a central defensive pairing of Ranocchia and Juan Jesus, with Nagatomo expected to play at left back.
Donkor is suspended after his sending off at Sassuolo last week. Campagnaro has returned to training but Vidic has been struggling with a back problem and could join Andreolli and D’Ambrosio on the injury list.
GDS also reports that Inter could use a 4-3-3 formation with the 3 midfielders being Medel, Brozovic and Kovacic.
The 3 attackers could be Shaqiri on the right with Puscas on the left and Icardi through the middle.
Probable Line-up (subject to change): (4-3-3) Handanovic, Santon, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Nagatomo, Medel, Brozovic, Kovacic, Shaqiri, Puscas, Icardi.
Bench: Carrizo, Berni, Campagnaro, Vidic?, Dodo, Guarin, Kuzmanovic, Obi, Hernanes, Podolski, Palacio, Bonazzoli.
Some stats:
This season in the league Inter have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 5 home games.
Palermo on the other hand have scored at least one goal in each of their last 6 away games.
Player to watch: Andrea Ranocchia – After his error resulted in defeat at Napoli midweek, the Captain really needs to perform this time around or he risks turning the fans against him.
My Prediction: Inter 1-1 Palermo Scorers: Icardi, Dybala
Officials: Referee: Guida Assistants: Manganelli and Gava
4th Official: Crispo Additional Assistants: Giacomelli and Mariani
Source: La Gazzetta Dello Sport
Author’s Note: This will not be an easy game with Palermo hoping to prolong their lofty league position and after recent performances I am starting to lose all hope. It’s hard to see us winning this game unfortunately.
