Having finally gotten three points last week, Inter host the returning Parma at the Meazza in a hope to ensure that the season is well and truly back on track. Match on Saturday at 15:00 CET.
The San Siro stands are expected to be packed with Inter supporters yet again to cheer on their side as they hope to take care of business against newly promoted Parma. The Gialloblu are probably not going to be simple pushovers, as evidenced by their hard fought performance against champions Juve last week. Accordingly Inter must come into the match in the right frame of mind, this match cannot be taken for granted and the Nerazzurri cannot risk conceding a silly goal on a fast break. Another clean and dominant performance here will go a long way in setting the tone for the coming weeks where the pressures of finally competing in Europe’s elite club competition will fully exert themselves on Luciano Spaletti’s men.
Spaletti will probably revert to his preferred formation with a back four as it served him well last matchweek. The presence of Radja Nainggolan behind the attacking trio worked wonders in connecting the attackers to the build-up play and gave the team a much needed attacking channel down the middle. Milan Skriniar and Stefan Di Vrij, the central defensive couple, must be on high alert on all times to make sure that veteran attacker Gervinho and his attacking partner Roberto Inglese do not get much joy in front of the Inter goal. The Parma attacking duo possess a whole lot of talent and experience between them and a scenario where Parma somehow take the lead can develop into something of a big problem for the hosts.
Team News
Sime Vrsaljko’s knock on international duty will keep the Croatian defender on the bench, while Spaletti will most probably keep Mauro Icardi on the bench to ensure his fitness for the midweek Champions League match against Tottenham. Roberto Gagliardini’s chemistry and understanding with Marcelo Brozovic, evident towrds the end of last season, seemed intact last week against and so expect the young Italian to start with the Croatian in the center of the pitch.
Probable Inter line-up (4-2-3-1): Handanovic; Asamoah, DiVrij, Skriniar, D’Ambrosio; Borozovic, Gagliardini; Perisic, Nainggolan, Politano; Keita
Stats
Last Season: Not played, Parma in Serie B
Last 10 Head to Head: All spoils are shared between the two sides in their last ten matches with 4 wins for each. Interestingly though, Inter have been unable to beat Parma in the last two matches at San Siro.
Keep an Eye on
Radja Nainggolan: The Ninja stole the lights against Bologna last week, and announced his arrival at Inter with a cracking debut. The supporters in the stands will be looking at the Belgian tough guy to replicate the performance for his home debut.
Officials
Referee: Gianluca Manganeillo
Assistants: Peretti, De Meo
Fourth Official: Sacchi
VAR Officials: Rocchi and Liberti
Prediction & concluding remarks
Prediction & scorers: Inter 4-0 Parma with Nainggolan, Keita, Politano and scoring.
Concluding remarks: This is a match where Parma will clearly put all their efforts in keeping Inter at bay from the first minute. As long as Inter do not concede first on a Parma counter and continue plugging away at the visitors’ defenses an Inter goal will probably mean that a slew of goals can then follow.
