Having strung five dramatic wins in a row, Inter hope that their trip to Serie A newcomers in Emilia-Romagna SPAL will keep their streak hot. Kick-off tomorrow Sunday 20:30 CET.
It appears like the one seemingly missing ingredient from seasons past, where Inter disappointed, is the main attribute by which the Nerazzurri have revived their season after having started it off disappointingly.Through sheer will and grit Inter have constructed win after win and now find themselves just two points off second place and joint leaders in their Champions League group. It seems like more than simply getting his tactics on point, Luciano Spaletti’s man management and motivational skills have been faultless and the main driver behind Inter’s newfound self belief and purpose.
Inter now hope to stake their claim as the main title challengers by finding their fourth domestic win in a row against plucky SPAL. Spaletti will undoubtedly use his tried and tested formation of 4-2-3-1 but may opt again, as he did against Cagliari, to rotate some of his most important and hardest working players. It is imperative that Inter start the match with a proverbial chip on their shoulder and not take the result for granted.
This match will be no walk-over by the hosts, especially seeing that their young attackers includes the in-form Andrea Petagna and the always problematic Alberto Paloschi. Inter must ensure that they approach the match like a relentless battering ram at the SPAL gate, yet manage to balance that thirst for a goal with a quickness and awareness to manage any potential fast breaks by the hosts.
Team News
For the first time since the season has started, Spaletti has the full squad at his disposal. With no injuries or suspensions, the Italian tactician can be at liberty to further experiment with rotation or to use his top draw starting eleven. It would be reasonable to see Sime Vrsalijko start at the right-back position to wean him into more competitive fixtures, while expect the other Croatian duo of Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic to be at every opportunity available.
Probable Inter line-up: (4-2-3-1) Handanovic; Dalbert, Miranda, Skriniar, Vrsalijko; Valero, Gagliardini; Candreva, Nainggolan, Politano; Icardi (C).
Stats
Last Season: SPAL 1-1 Inter
Last 10 Head to Head: Since SPAL’s return to the Serie A last season was their first appearance in the top flight in about 50 years, it can for all intents and purposes be viewed as their debut in the league. Accordingly, both sides have only met twice, where Inter beat SPAL in Milan and drew dramatically against the hosts in last season’s corresponding fixture.
Keep an Eye on
Lautaro Martinez: Inter’s new Argentinian hit-man was the star of last week’s win against Cagliari, not only did he score with practically his first touch, he was full of purpose and effective involvement throughout the match. It is almost certain that Martinez will not start the match, expect him to be used off the bench should the second half roll in and Inter are already in the lead.
Officials
Referee: Fabio Maresca.
Assistants: Vivenzi and Valeriani.
Fourth Official: Illuzi.
VAR Officials: Banti and Liberti.
Prediction & concluding remarks
Prediction & scorers: SPAL 0-2 Inter with the Icardi and Lautaro scoring.
Concluding remarks: Expect nothing but the usual game-plan from the provinciali; eleven men behind the ball and a hail-Mary on a fast break. If Inter want the three points here, then they must manifest that desire at every single instance, every 50-50 ball, every cross and every tackle. Only then can the Nerazzurri come home victorious.
