Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport has begun their assessments of Gattuso’s and Spalletti’s squads ahead of the Milano derby this Sunday.
Inter are of particular tactical interest due to the sheer amount of absences through injury. There is one certainty for Inter and that is Lautaro Martinez. He will undoubtedly start in attack for the Nerazzurri, being the only striker in the squad, while Mauro Icardi and his entourage deal with his future.
This will be by far the biggest test of El Toro’s career so far at Inter. This game will decide whether or not he is mature enough to be considered a starter even with Icardi or a new striker in the team. So far, Lautaro has shown signs of maturity as he has been able avoid suspension in the league for his teammates as they away their ex-captains return.
But more than this, he has scored a couple of goals and his overall game has been of a very high standard for someone enduring their first season in Europe at the the deep. He might not be the clinical finisher that Icardi is, in fact, very very few are, but he helps his team in all aspects of play and this is what Spalletti likes.
The second and final certainty is the defence, Handanovic has 12 clean sheets this season, the most in the league, with the help of Skriniar and De Vrij. Their performance int he previous fixture against Eintracht was an exemplary showcase and Spalletti will be hoping for more of the same this week.
On the other hand, the rest of the line up is in the air. Perisic is a safe bet, as Spalletti believes him to be the key to his play style. Skriniar and De Vrij as mentioned, but also Vecino will be relied upon in set pieces. And Keita could make an appearance after two months of recovery. With Lazio he was a serial goal scorer.
