After the disappointing loss against trap team Sassuolo, Inter look to make amends against Torino at home. Match tomorrow at 20:30 CET.

Over 60,000 tifosi will be in the stands to watch Inter make their home debut in a season where many Interisti and pundits are expecting plenty of good things from the Nerazzurri. Needles to say, last week’s loss to Sassoulo was a very early and stern wake up call to remind us all that nothing can be taken for granted and the only guarantee that the seasons’ objectives are met come May is hard work and consistent performances on the pitch.

The most worrying aspect of Inter’s performance against Sassuolo was that it was very similar to last season’s matches in the dark period before Rafinha came into the side. Inter looked bereft of ideas through the middle of the pitch and had to rely yet again to wide play, a tactic that opposing sides have become more than savvy to and can shut down with ease. Hopefully the return to form of late world cup arrivals and the re-entry of Radja Nainggolan to the squad will allow Luciano Spalletti to be more creative in his tactics and give Inter’s opponents a wider variety of “looks”.

Facing ex-managers is never an easy prospect, and this is doubly true in this match against Walter Mazzarri. The Italian tactician was sacked from the side after the fans almost revolted against him and one senses this has given him quite the chip on his shoulder. Since taking over the reigns at Torino midway last season, Mazzarri has done with Toro what Mazzarri does best; turned them into a no nonsense solid side that are very tough to beat. Interestingly however is the fact that at his current disposal, Mazzarri has a quartet of attackers in Adem Ljajic, Mbaye Niang, Simone Zaza and Andrea Belotti that would walk straight into any top flight side’s front line. This match will be no walk in the park for Inter.

Team News

After Dalbert’s disappointing performance last week expect the Frenchman to make way for Kwadwo Asamoah at the left back position. Sime Vrsaljko will make his debut on the right flank with Matias Vecino playing alongside Marcelo Brozovic in the middle of the pitch. Radja Nainggolan has finally recovered from his muscular troubles but is slated to start off the bench.

Probable Inter line-up (4-2-3-1): Handanovic; Asamoah, DiVrij, Skriniar, Vrsaljko; Borozovic, Vecino; Perisic, Lautaro, Politano; Icardi (C)

Stats

Last Season: Inter 1-1 Torino

Last 10 Head to Head: All spoils are shared between the two sides in their last ten matches with 3 wins for each.

Keep an Eye on

Mauro Icardi: An Icardi coming off a disappointing game is an Icardi to be afraid of. The Argentinian hitman couldn’t find his first goal last week and will be chomping at the bit to get his season’s tally started.

Officials

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni.

Assistants: Vivenzi and Bindoni.

Fourth Official: Maresca.

VAR Officials: Rocchi and Paganessi.

Prediction & concluding remarks

Prediction & scorers: Inter 3-1 Torino with Icardi and Politano scoring.

Concluding remarks: A match against any Mazzarri side for sure isn’t a candidate for preferred bounce back match. That said, if Inter really look to be title challenges it is in these matches that they must show their mettle.