High off the derby win, Inter look to make it five wins in five against the highly rated Lazio midweek at the Meazza. Match tomorrow Wednesday, at 21:00 CET
In what can only be dubbed their toughest match so far, Inter look to make five league wins in a row when they host Simone Inzaghi’s problematic Lazio. As expected, Lazio have had a bright start to the season and find themselves right at the top of the table.
In a fixture that has traditionally been a tough nut to crack for the hosts, expect Inzaghi to base his entire game-plan on what he saw from Slavia Prague against Inter in Milano. Inzaghi’s highly physical midfield quintet led by the aggressive captain Senad Lulic with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Adam Marusic will look to put early and heavy pressure on Inter’s midfield and defense to try and prevent them from playing out carefully from the back.
Inter must try and take control of the match quickly and early, in order to prevent Lazio from killing the match off with anti-football tactics. Width by the wing-backs Antonio Candreva and Cristian Biraghi will be essential, as well as attacking participation of both Milan Skriniar and Diego Godin. Conte has clearly instructed his central defenders to play an active role in build-up play, and that participation will be essential if their midfielders are being pressured in order to give the team an alternative.
In the final third, we will probably see the Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez partnership from the start, in order to allow the duo to grow in understanding and coordination, but Alexis Sanchez can be expected to make an appearance at some point in time. It will be interesting to see the attacking duo’s movements and space occupation when facing a three man defensive unit.
Team News
With the team in the thick of the difficult run of matches, expect Conte to try and rotate some of the often used players. Rumors have it that Cristian Biraghi will be given his Nerazzurri debut to give the perennially present Kwadwo Asamoah some much needed rest on the flank. With no injuries or suspensions to contend with, Conte will otherwise have a full squad to choose from.
Probable line-up (3-5-2): Handanovic (C); Godin, DiVrij, Skriniar; Candreva, Barella, Brozovic, Sensi, Biraghi; Lukaku, Lautaro.
Stats
Last Season: Inter 0 – 1 Lazio
Last 10 Head to Head: Despite holding a slight edge over the visitors in the head to head record with five wins for Inter to Lazio’s three, the hosts have only won once across the last five home matches. Lazio seem to have Inter’s number when playing in Milano.
Keep an Eye on
Stefano Sensi: With midfield partners Nicolo Barella and Marcelo Brozovic both shining in the last two matches, it is once again time for Inter’s breakout star to take the limelight. Sensi has been scintillating for Inter so far, and his tireless running between the lines and distribution in the final third will be extremely important for Inter if they want to impose their style of play on the visitors.
Officials
Referee: Fabio Maresca
Assistants: Paganessi and Alassio.
Fourth Official: Fabbri.
VAR Assistants: Calvarese and Meli.
Prediction & Concluding Remarks
Prediction & scorers: Inter 1-1 Lazio with Sanchez getting the late equalizer for Inter.
Concluding remarks: Lazio will probably come to the Meazza ready to put in the performance of the season. Expect Inzaghi’s men to take from the Slavia Prague playbook and put on a frustrating and physically imposing game on Inter. Do not expect an open game of football, unless Inter are able to find a goal first, forcing Lazio to come out and chase the game.
