Finally with some momentum behind them, Inter now host plucky Bologna hoping to make up a bit of the gap between them and league leaders Milan. Match tomorrow Saturday at 20:45 CET.

After the midweek heroics in the Champions League, there is finally an air of optimism and lightness in Appiano. Inter know that they can now go on a run of games where they might actually challenge Milan for the top spot before the end of the year.

Antonio Conte is expected to implement some rotation to his squad selection, most notably with Arturo Vidal expected to step in for Nicolo Barella who is in desperate need for some rest. Expect Conte to try and give Stefano Sensi some playing time as well, as the midfielder slowly returns from his long injury.

Facing a Sinisa Mihajlovic side is never a walk in the park. Miha is a wily operator whose ability to manage a match and set up his sides is on par with the best managers in the world.

Through overcoming his health issues while continuing to manage the team, he has created an air of unity and fortitude in his squad that might have been missing in years past.

Mihajlovic will probably employ the same tactics that worked so well last season; defending deep and trying to exploit Inter’s defensive frailties particularly on a fast counter-break.

Inter will need to ensure that Arturo Vidal and Roberto Gagliardini remain switched on all match long, particularly when tracking the runs of opposing midfielders centrally.

Inter have shown that they have it well within their abilities to take care of a match like this with no real issues, but they have also shown that they are their worst enemy.

If Inter and Conte approach the match with the right attitude, mentality and intensity, it should be a solid three points for the home team.

Team News

Quite mercifully, Conte heads into this match missing only Aleksandar Kolarov due to continuing to test positive for COVID and Andrea Pinamonti due to his lingering ankle injury. The pair aside, Conte will have an otherwise full squad to choose from.

Probable line-up (3-5-2): Handanovic (C); Bastoni, De Vrij, Skriniar; Young, Brozovic, Gagliardini, Vidal, Hakimi; Lautaro, Lukaku.

Stats

Last Season: Inter 1 – 2 Bologna.

Last 10 Head to Head: Inter hold a pretty commanding six to two win lead against the visitors. Perhaps more interestingly is the fact that the previous four league encounters between both sides were won by the visiting side.

Keep an Eye on

Arturo Vidal: To call the Chilean midfielder’s start at Inter troubled would be a disservice to the concept of understatement. Having sat out the midweek match against Monchengladbach, El Guerrero is touted to return to the starting lineup ahead of Nicolo Barella who’s in dire need of some rest.

Knowing Vidal’s temparement and ethic, he will be chomping at the bit to prove his doubters wrong.

Officials

Referee: Paolo Valeri.

Assistants: Preti and Bresmes.

Fourth Official: Mariani.

VAR: Irrati and Lo Cicero.

Prediction & Concluding Remarks

Prediction & scorers: Inter 3 – 0 Bologna. Lukaku brace and a Lautaro cherry on top.

Concluding remarks: Inter must put the early season’s fluctuating form behind them and start winning matches in a more consistent manner.

If Inter are to show the same level of fight and tactical discipline as on display against Sassuolo last week, it should be a pretty victory against the visitors.