After a string of nervy end-of-match heroics, Inter look for a comfortable win against visiting Cagliari. Match on Saturday at 20:30 CET.
It is quite remarkable to see the sort of results this team has been able to grind out despite the squad being decimated by injuries and world cup fatigue. The match against Fiorentina was emblematic of this developing mental toughness and will to win within the team. The second half saw the visitors take control of the match and score a (fortuitous) goal, but Luciano Spaletti’s men dug deep and extracted a deserved win in what would have easily been a defeat in any of the previous seven seasons.
This weekend Inter host Cagliari, and will hope to make lighter work of their visitors than their previous three opponents. This however is no forgone conclusion. Cagliari are known for their grit and solid defending, two qualities that seem to give Inter the most trouble. It is important to remember that Inter have a tricky must-win midweek trip to the Netherlands in the Champions League, and so Spaletti must keep a close eye on his key players’ fitness.
One can almost take it for granted that Inter will start with the regular “Spaletti Special” formation, with only the possibility of Roberto Gagliardini replacing the hot/cold Matias Vecino in the midfield and Ivan Candreva to possibly be rested seeing that the Croatian winger has looked more exhausted than exhaustion itself. In the spirit of resting key players, do not be surprised to see Kwdadwo Asamoah make way for Dalbert at the left-back place to give the Ghanaian some much deserved rest as well.
While the Isolani will almost certainly play with eleven men behind the ball when without possession, as one would expect of any Rolando Maran side, but in Leonardo Pavoletti and Marco Sau, the visitors have two league proven and seasoned poachers who must be kept in check at all times by the Inter defense.
Team News
Sime Vrsalijko is still unavailable for a call-up, otherwise it is a fully fit squad for Spaletti’s selection. Should Inter take the lead early, expect Spaletti to make substitiutions to critical players to ensure that they avoid injury.
Probable Inter line-up (4-2-3-1): Handanovic; Asamoah, DiVrij, Skriniar, D’Ambrosio; Borozovic, Gagliardini; Politano, Nainggolan, Candreva; Icardi (C)
Stats
Last Season: Inter 4 – 0 Cagliari
Last 10 Head to Head: Surprisingly, the balance of results isn’t as skewed in Inter’s favor as one would imagine. Inter have beaten the Isolani in five of the last ten matches while the visitors have three wins to their names. Possibly more importantly is the fact that the previous three encounters have all led to a Nerazzurri win.
Keep an Eye on
Mauro Icardi: With the Inter captain finally getting his scoring tally in the league of the mark last midweek against Fiorentina, one can imagine him being even more motivated and up for increasing his record. As the understanding between him and Nainggolan improves, expect the level of service and involvement between the two to increase leading to more scoring chances for the lethal hit-man.
Officials
Referee: tba
Assistants: tba
Fourth Official: tba
VAR Officials: tba
Prediction & concluding remarks
Prediction & scorers: Inter 3-1 Cagliari with an Icardi brace and Nainggolan also scoring.
Concluding remarks: Dramatic wins are a great affair for the winning side and its supporters, but one must be awae that an entire season cannot be founded on 90+ minute winners. It is time for Inter to flex their title-contender muscles and see an entire match comfortably through.
