Inter come into this game after the International break needing a win after collecting just 2 points in their last 4 matches in Serie A.
Parma have even bigger problems as they have been declared bankrupt, but they hope to continue playing until the end of the season with the hope of finding new investment to compete in a lower league with relegation from Serie A effectively confirmed.
Inter have very slim hopes of reaching the Europa League for next season so Roberto Mancini’s main task will be to restore the San Siro as a fortress for the remainder of the season after witnessing Inter win just twice in their last 8 home games.
Parma’s financial problems have inevitably hindered their performances with no win in their last 9 matches.
Here is the team news and probable Inter line up as reported by La Gazzetta Dello Sport:
Samir Handanovic is likely to start ahead of Juan Pablo Carrizo.
There could be some change in the back line with Juan Jesus expected to play at left back after doing well in that position against Sampdoria last time out. At right back Davide Santon will start.
In central defence Andrea Ranocchia will be partnered by Felipe who is expected to started ahead of Marco Andreolli who has been struggling with the flu. This will be the Brazilian’s debut after joining Inter from Parma in the Winter transfer window.
The midfield three is expected to stay the same with Fredy Guarin, Gary Medel and Marcelo Brozovic, who scored for Croatia during the International break.
In the trequartista role Xherdan Shaqiri is expected to start although Hernanes has been pushing for a start.
Up top Mauro Icardi is out suspended so the front two is expected to be Rodrigo Palacio and Lukas Podolski although youngster George Puscas has been pushing for a place.
Jonathan and Dodo are long term casualties. There are injury doubts over Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Yuto Nagatomo, Joel Obi and Mateo Kovacic with Nemanja Vidic and Mauro Icardi suspended for 1 match each.
Probable Inter line up (subject to change): (4-3-1-2) Handanovic, Santon, Ranocchia, Felipe, Juan Jesus, Guarin, Medel, Brozovic, Shaqiri, Palacio, Podolski.
Bench: Berni, Carrizo, Campagnaro, D’Ambrosio, Nagatomo, Di Marco, Kovacic, Obi, Gnoukouri, Hernanes, Puscas, Camara, Bonazzoli.
Some Stats:
In the reverse fixture on 1 November 2014 at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma beat Inter 2-0 with De Ceglie scoring a brace.
Inter’s biggest home win against Parma in Serie A came in January 2012 with a 5-0 win.
Inter have hit the woodwork 15 times this season which is a joint record in Serie A along with Palermo.
Parma’s captain Alessandro Lucarelli is suspended for this game and the Gialloblu have lost all 3 games they have played without their captain this season.
Parma also have the joint most red cards this season along with AC Milan on 8.
Player to Watch: Marcelo Brozovic – After seeing the midfielder score from range for Croatia during the break it will be interesting to see if he can bring that goal scoring form to his Inter career.
My Prediction: Inter 2-0 Parma
Scorers: Palacio, Brozovic
Officials: Referee: Sebastian Peruzzo Assistants: Fiorito, Tasso
Fourth Official: Barbirati Additional Assistants: Tommasi, Pinzani
Author’s Note: Earlier this season Parma showed that they were no pushovers despite their league position but with a number of players leaving Parma down to recent financial trouble, Inter should possess enough quality and firepower to win this game comfortably. Also I feel it’s important that Inter win to avoid the pressure being increased on manger Roberto Mancini.
