The Nerazzurri fly down to Palermo to face a Rosaneri side in tatters who are already prime contenders for relegation. Kick-off at 15:00 CET tomorrow.
It appears that Palermo, along with Pescara and Crotone are ready to take the plunge back into the Serie B. Maurizio Zamparini has been in fine form again this season, having presided over two coaching changes so far. Current coach, Eugenio Corini has been in charge for six games, of which he’s lost four, and has likened the current state of affairs at the club to Hiroshima.
This clearly poses an opportunity to Stefano Pioli and his men to make it 6 league victories in a row and really make a push for a Champions League spot. However, the Nerazzurri must remember that overconfidence is a key contributor to failure, and that despite their abysmal form; neither Corini nor his players are playing to their potential at the moment. Pioli must ensure that the side is charged with the right mentality and attitude, and that Inter enter the pitch not only looking to win, but to dominate their opponents and dictate play.
Team News
Marcelo Brozovic and Ever Banega will probably both start on the bench making way for the new dynamic duo of Geoffrey Kondogbia and Roberto Gagliardini, while Antonio Candreva and Ivan Perisic will be expected to start on either side of Mauro Icardi.
Probable Inter line-up subject to change (4-3-3): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Miranda, Murillo, Ansaldi; Gagliardini, Kondogbia; Candreva, Joao Mario, Perisic; Icardi (C).
Stats
Last Season: Palermo 1 – 1 Inter
Last 10 Head to Head: In the last ten matches between the two sides, there have been as many draws as Inter wins, four of each, while Palermo have taken all three points on only two occasions.
Player to Watch:
Geoffrey Kondogbia: Kondogbia has been in sensational form as of late, and it appears that the arrival of Roberto Gagliardini has done nothing but bring out the best in him. Pioli gave the duo another chance to work together and impress midweek against Bologna and one should expect that this partnership can only grow.
Officials
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati.
Assistants: Giacomo Paganessi and Giorgio Peretti.
Fourth Official: Alfonso Marrazzo.
Additional Assistants: Luca Banti and Federico La Penna.
Prediction & Authors Note
Prediction & scorers: Palermo 0 – 2 Inter with both Joao Mario and Icardi finding the back of the net.
Author’s Note: Although this match at the outset looks like a straightforward victory for Inter, once must remember that Palermo at home can always find it in them to make it difficult for the best of visitors.