If there’s one thing Inter Milan fans can all agree on is that there’s never a dull moment. The club seemingly seeks out new ways to give the supporters heart attacks. This year they’ve seemingly opted to for captaincy controversy and off pitch drama surrounding Mauro Icardi just ONE (1) DAY before their European campaign continues.
But beds have been made and all we can do is hope that none of this will be a further distraction on the pitch. In addition to the poor form the team is in (having won only 1 match in their last 5 across all competitions), the financial impact of crashing out of the Europa League can severely impact the club’s immediate future. Reports have already indicated Inter have missed out on €60 million after their group exit from the Champions League. Losing any more money could lead to a quiet summer even if Inter secure Champions League qualification.
Upcoming Matches:
Rapid Vienna vs Inter Milan; Allianz Stadion, Hutteldorf, Vienna; Thursday, February 14th; 18:55 CET
Inter Milan vs Sampdoria; Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan, Italy; Sunday, February 17th; 18:00 CET
First Team Fitness:
Mauro Icardi: The aforementioned captain at the center of the drama. Yesterday Icardi was stripped of his captaincy and Luciano Spalletti confirmed the Argentinian pulled himself from the squad against for today’s Europa League match. The timing of all this is fascinating but the club clearly seems to be sending a message to Icardi’s wife and manager, Wanda Nara, after her critical comments towards the club on February 11th.
At this point the future remains murky and given the palpable tension it’s difficult to say if Icardi will be back in the squad against Sampdoria or if he’ll even see the pitch if he is. For now Lautaro Martinez will take his place for Thursday’s match.
Marcelo Brozovic: The central midfielder will be absent against Rapid Vienna due to a suspension picked up against Inter’s last European match against PSV. He’ll be available and starting versus Sampdoria on Sunday
Borja Valero: Suffered a late training injury a few weeks ago, was rumored to be ready to return before last weekend’s match against Parma, but was left out of the squad seemingly in anticipation for Thursday’s match. Early reports suggest he’ll be starting in place of the suspended Brozovic.
Joao Mario/Roberto Gagliardini: Both midfielders will be absent from the squad against Rapid Vienna due to the European Squad list restrictions Financial Fair Play imposed on Inter. They should be available for selection against Sampdoria this weekend.
Keita Balde Diao: After sustaining a hamstring injury during training almost a month ago, the winger seems set to return to the squad against Rapid Vienna. Though he seems fit (having also been rumored to be available for selection against Parma last weekend), how much playing time he actually gets in Vienna is questionable. Hamstring injuries are notorious for re-emerging. Given the importance of wing players in the squad and desperate need for better wing play overall, it’s likely some precaution will be taken with the Senegalese winger by bringing him on in a substitute role today before potentially making him available as a starter versus Sampdoria on Sunday.
Avi Saini is a 27 year old medical student from California. He’s been an Inter fan since 98 after seeing the wonders of Ronaldo, who he maintains is the true greatest of all time. Avi writes a weekly medical column exclusively for SempreInter.com.
