Looking to finally bring the winless streak to a halt, the Nerazzurri head off to face Serie A minnows SPAL. Match on Sunday at 12:30 CET.

Yet again we speak of a match where Inter needs to put the winless streak to bed. However, unike the previous three matches, this match against SPAL will against considerably weaker opposition and the Nerazzurri will expected to come out as comprehensive winners.

Whether Luciano Spaletti starts the match with newcomer Rafinha or Marcelo Brozovic in midfield or with Davide Santon or Dalbert at left back will not change much from the formation or tactics employed. SPAL will sit deep and suffocate their third of the pitch and it will be up to the more experiened Inter players to find a way through.

As always, the flanks will be fundamentally important for the visitors, especially when playing against a tight defensive unit. However, Spaletti gas quickly had to learn that unless there is some genuine variety in attack and build-up, it will he like banging one’s head against a brick wall.

Team News

The arrival of Rafinha Alcantara, the departure of Joao Mario, the potential arrival and departure of Javier Pastore and Eder respectively have all dominated the headlines  regarding team news. Despite him being part of our probable line-up below, there is a sizeable opinion that Spaletti will not start Rafinha, allowing the new player the chance to grow into the squad rather than being thrust into it. Otherwise, there are no suspensions or injuries for Spaletti to have to contend with when making the team selection.

Probable Inter line-up (subject to change): (4-2-3-1) Handanovic; Santon, Miranda, Skriniar, Cancelo; Vecino, Valero; Perisic, Rafinha, Candreva; Icardi (C)

Stats

Last Season: Not played, SPAL in B

Last 10 Head to Head: Since this is SPAL’s first stint in the Serie A since the 1960s it is a bit irrelevant to talk about last ten head to head matches, Inter won the two side’s first leg encounter 2-0.

Keep an Eye on:

Mauro Icardi: Maurito’s penalty was what broke the deadlock in the first leg of the season, and it isn’t beyond the realm of imagination to see him scoring first here.

Officials

Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Assistants: Liberi, La Rocca

Fourth Official: Illuzzi

Additional Assistants: Fabbri, Abbattista

Prediction & Authors Note

Prediction & scorers: SPAL 0-3 Inter with Icardi, Rafinha and Perisic scoring.

Author’s Note: The explosive start to matches that characterized Inter’s first half of the season will be critical in picking up all points here. Spaletti must find a way to re-instill that sense of senza tregua on which so much of the first half of the season’s success was built.