With the derby postponed due to the tragic death of Davide Astori last week, this match against Napoli takes on added importance in sealing the fate of both sides and their seasonal ambitions. Match on Sunday at 20:45CET
Team News
With last week’s matches non played, the treatment room at Appiano is now free of all long-term injuries to first-selection players. Only Andrea Ranocchia remained in doubt but even he has made a recovery and will be sitting on the bench.
Probable Inter line-up (subject to change): (4-2-3-1) Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Miranda, Skriniar, Cancelo; Gagliardini, Vecino; Perisic, Rafinha, Candreva; Icardi (C)
Stats
Last Season: Inter 0 – 1 Napoli
Last 10 Head to Head: The head to head record speaks of both sides’ fortunes in the last few seasons. Inter only have two victories to their name while Napoli have beaten Inter five times. Staggering.
Keep an Eye on
Mauro Icardi: The undoubted star and talisman of the Nerazzurri is finally back from his long term injury and will be chomping on the bit to get back on the scoresheet especially against the Partenopei. Icardi’s return to the bench last match played coincided with Inter’s hard-fought win against Benevento, and maybe his return to the starting eleven can coincide with Inter’s return to form.
Officials
Refereree: Daniele Orsato
Assistants: Di Fiore, Manganelli
Fourth Official: Banti
Additional Assistants: Massa, Giallatini
Prediction & Authors Note
Prediction & scorers: Inter 2 – 2 Napoli with Icardi and Perisic on the scoresheet.
Author’s Note: It is more Napoli than Inter who will feel like their backs are up against the wall here and so the visitors might be expected to come out with guns blazing. A more methodical and thoughtful approach from Inter, where they aim to frustrate first and score second might be the right approach for this match. In all circumstances, and as noted earlier, nothing but a flawless performance can put us in contention for the three points.