The first game of the return leg of the season brings Verona’s injury laden Flying Donkeys to Milano in a bid to replicate their win over the Nerazzurri in the season opener and bring themselves out of a three game losing streak. Coach Rolando Maran started the season fairly well and saw his side build on their achievements last season, but as the season continued, Chievo’s defensive solidity slowly eroded and the side kept letting in goals and dropping points. Maran will know that a point here will be a great moral booster and will probably set his side up very defensively and compactly.
Stefano Pioli on the other hand is riding on a high. His side has four straight league wins and Pioli will be aware that, if they continue in this vein, an unlikely bid for third place may very well be on the cards. After having out-coached Luigi Delneri last week, Pioli will look to outdo yet another experienced Italian coach. Inter seem to have also benefitted from finally relying on a consistent squad backbone and module. For example, whether Joao Mario or Ever Banega start ahead of the midfield duo does not change the side’s tactics by much. Inter will most certainly attack and push from the start looking to break Chievo before they can settle into the game.
Team News
Team news will be dominated by Roberto Gagliardini’s arrival from Atalanta, and whether the midfielder will be able to slot in Pioli’s starting eleven straight away. Adding to Gagliardini’s chances of a match-starting appearance is Marcelo Brozovic’s one match suspension. Despite Medel’s recovery from ijury and Brozovic’s suspension, expect the Chile international to start on the bench as well, as he continues his transition from defensive midfielder to central defender.
Probable Inter line-up (subject to change): (4-2-3-1) Handanovic; Ansaldi, Miranda, Murillo, D’Ambrosio; Gagliardini, Kondogbia; Joao Mario, Candreva, Perisic; Icardi (C).
Stats
Last Season: Inter 1 – 0 Chievo
Last 10 Head to Head: in the last ten Serie A meetings between both sides Inter have managed to pick up six wins to Chievo’s two.
Player to Watch:
Roberto Gagliardini: All eyes will be on the Italian youngster after his midweek switch from the other Nerazzurri. Whether Gagliardini starts on the bench or on the pitch, expect him to feature at some point in the match.
Officials
Referee: Piero Giacomelli.
Assistants: La Rocca and Tasso.
Fourth Official: Schenone.
Additional Assistants: Mariani and Nasca.
Prediction & Authors Note
Prediction & scorers: Inter 3-0 Chievo with an Icardi brace and a Candreva goal.
Author’s Note: Despite Chievo’s current run of poor form, Inter should be very aware that all Maran sides will always be founded on physical grittiness and tactical discipline as evidenced in their midweek Coppa Italia match against Fiorentina, which despite being a loss, Chievo put up a strong fight with ten men and losing in injury time to a very unfortunate penalty decision.