Inter could have the chance to put some distance between them and the league chasers, but first most content with tricky Atalanta at the San Siro. Match tomorrow Monday at 20:45 CET.
Inter are currently on a six match win streak and can now look at taking a genuine step towards winning the scudetto when they host potential title contenders Atlanta.
This match pits the Serie A’s two highest scoring teams against each other, with Inter edging La Dea with 62 goals scored by just two goals; the difference between the sides’ respective records is that Inter currently have the league’s second best defense while Atalanta have the second worst defensive record amongst the top ten teams.
Atalanta are a great side, there is no doubt about it, however, they are a team that can be beaten. Lazio have shown that the Bergamaschi can definitely be had at; in there match earlier this year, Lazio gave them the lion’s share of posession and made them pay dearly for any mistake, a plan that has suited Inter frequently.
There is plenty of debate among Interisti as to who is a better fit alongside Marcelo Brozovic and Nicolo Barella in the midfield; Christian Eriksen or Arturo Vidal.
Eriksen has been in fine form since his Nerazzurri resurrection in 2021, however, Antonio Conte might decide it is more defensively prudent to have Vidal sit a bit deeper to cover his back three from the runs of Duvan Zapata, Luis Muriel and Matteo Pessina.
Another key match-up could be between another Conte resurrect in Ivan Perisic against Joakim Maehle. The Danish full-back could have his hands full dealing with an inspired Perisic who has incrementally grown into his new role.
Conte will need to make sure that his side defends well, but doesn’t give their opponents any reference point when breaking on the counter.
Inter will be presented with a great opportunity here, to put the entire league table on notice, but it will take nothing less than their best performance to win against a very difficult Atalanta.
Team News
The biggest surprise out of the Inter camp is the fact that Stefano Sensi is injury free and will make an appearance in the squad selection. Otherwise, there is no real news to report out of Appiano.
Probable Inter line-up (3-5-2): Handanovic (C); Bastoni, De Vrij, Skriniar; Perisic, Barella, Vidal, Brozovic, Hakimi; Lautaro, Lukaku.
Stats
Last Season: Inter 1 – 1 Atalanta.
Last 10 Head to Head: It’s quite finely balanced between the two sides with Inter slightly edging the visitors with three wins to two, ominously, draws have been the most prominent result over the past ten league encounters.
Keep An Eye On
Romelu Lukaku: Inter fans are running out of plaudits to lay at Big Rom’s feet. The Belgian wrecking ball has become a truly inspirational and transformational player for the Nerazzurri.
Not only is he right up there on the capocannoniere charts, but he’s quickly become Inter’s joint highest assist-maker. Lukaku arguably become Inter’s most important player and to win against Atalanta, Inter will need the best version of Rom.
Officials
Referee: Maurizio Mariani.
Assistant referees: Bindoni and Imperiale.
Fourth Official: Sacchi.
VAR: Valeri and Ranghetti.
Prediction & Concluding Remarks
Prediction & scorers: Inter 3 – 2 Atalanta with Sanchez, Lukaku and Santo Danilo clinching the three points.
Concluding remarks: Inter have not beaten Atalanta in Milan since November of 2017. In this match, Inter will need every ounce of concentration, willpower and desire to take all three points.