Luciano Spalletti is preparing for a second Derby della Madonnia of the season tonight, in the domestic Italian Cup in a situation that two weeks ago, before the penalty shootout against Pordenone, was unforeseen according to Corriere dello Sport.
On December 12th, his Inter were top of the table and undefeated thanks to an immaculate record against their direct rivals (0-0 draws against Napoli and Juventus, while also blitzing the Giallorossi in Rome). However, in recent fixtures Inter have been in poor form, including a painful match against Serie C side Pordenone and two losses against Udinese and Sassuolo. This has completely changed the environment that is now reminiscent of collapses in the last two seasons.
Although, in contrast to the past, Luciano Spalletti is an excellent psychologist and has spoke in depth to his players about their errors, using video footage from the recent game in Reggio Emilia against Sassuolo.
Additionally, he cancelled the Christmas morning training session that was originally scheduled in order to give the squad a positive mental boost.
