As Inter are about to step into a double header against Roma and Juventus they travel to Frosinone to face the Serie A minnows in hopes of racking up 3 points before crunch. Match on Sunday at 20:30 CET
With almost all Champions League rivals making ground this week, Inter need to put in a good performance against Frosinone to keep the hard earned distance between them and fourth place ahead of the tough couple of matches against Roma and Juve. Unfortunately, Inter’s Jekyll and Hyde form means that no one can seem to predict what version of the Nerazzurri will step onto the pitch.
While Frosinone are all but relegated, it might make them all the more dangerous in match like this one where they have nothing to lose and all to play for. Nothing can highlight their potential threat than their surprising away win against Fiorentina last week. In on loan Inter striker Andrea Pinamonti they possess an exciting and dynamic attacker who is very familiar with the pressures his ex-teammates must be dealing with.
In this match against Serie A laggards, Inter must know that a win can become a really important step towards securing Champions League qualification next season. But with Marcelo Brozovic out injured and plenty of other’s midfielders one yellow card away from suspension, Luciano Spaletti will need to rejig the midfield in a manner that not only accommodates the various off the pitch considerations while still ensuring that Inter return to Milano with all three points.
Team News
While Lautaro and Di Vrij have both made a comeback and are available for selection, Marcelo Brozovic is still out with his thigh issues. Spaletti will most likely keep a few of the players on a yellow on the bench and start alternatives for Roberto Gagliardini, Milan Skrinniar and Danilo D’Ambrosio.
Probable Inter line-up (4-3-3): Handanovic (C); Cedric, DiVrij, Miranda, Asamoah; Valero, Vecino, Joao Mario; Perisic, Lautaro, Politano
Stats
Last Season: Frosinone 0 – 1 Inter.
Last 10 Head to Head: Since their recent debut in Italy’s top flight, Frosinone have only faced Inter three times and lost all three.
Keep an Eye on
Lautaro Martinez: Icardi’s fall from grace has led to the rise of Lautaro’s star. The dynamic Argentine attacker has been more mobile, involved and a better team player than his ex-captain ever was and his three week absence has demonstrated to all the value of his contributions to the team. Inter generally struggle against tight defensive underdogs and Icardi’s performances in such matches are often sterile. This could be a match where Lautaro unlocks their defenses.
Officials
Referee: Davide Massa.
Assistants: Di Liberatore and Fiorito.
Fourth Official: Sacchi.
VAR Assistants: Pasqua and Valeriani.
Prediction & Concluding Remarks
Prediction & scorers: Frosinone 0-2 Inter with Lautaro and Politano getting on the scoresheet.
Concluding remarks: It is always these matches against the lower teams that prove to be Inter’s biggest stumbling block. However, with Lautaro on either the bench or the starting eleven, Spaletti has sufficient firepower and technical talent to be able to change things.