Inter’s former striker Tommaso Rocchi has warned the Nerazzurri to expect an extremely difficult game against Lazio on Sunday.
Antonio Conte’s side need to keep up the pressure on Serie A leaders AC Milan ahead of next weekend’s Milan derby, but Lazio have won six league games in a row before their trip to San Siro.
Victory would keep Inter in touch with their city rivals but Rocchi believes that will be easier said than done against the in-form Biancocelesti.
“It will be a fascinating match and difficult for both teams,” Rocchi explained in an interview with Lazio Style Radio yesterday.
“The Nerazzurri are doing well, they have a great squad, but Lazio are on an excellent run, and with a full squad available they are difficult to beat.
“I expect an open match, and I hope that the Biancocelesti will be able to express their full potential.”
Rocchi was then asked about Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella and Lazio’s Luis Alberto and how important they will be in the outcome of the match at San Siro.
“They will be fundamental, but so will the wing-backs of the two teams,” he said.
“They can make the difference.
“Barella is having an excellent season, but Lazio have perhaps the best midfield in Serie A.”
In conclusion Rocchi shared his views on the likely duel between Inter striker Romelu Lukaku and Lazio central defender Francesco Acerbi.
“It will be interesting.
“Acerbi will have to be intelligent and understand when to use his physique and when to wait and try to stall Lukaku.”
The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico in October, with Lautaro Martinez and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic providing the goals in either half.
Both sides finished the match in the capital with 10 men after Ciro Immobile and Stefano Sensi were sent off.