Inter can once again count on a decisive back-up in attack with Alexis Sanchez, according to the Nerazzurri’s former defender Francesco Colonnese.
Sanchez struggled for fitness during his first 18 months at the club, having signed on an initial loan deal from Manchester United before joining permanently last summer.
But the Chilean forward has now hit form, providing three goals and one assist in his last five league appearances for Antonio Conte’s side – and he could be in line to start tomorrow’s game against Sassuolo.
“Ever since Sanchez regained his fitness he’s returned to being the decisive player we’d seen in the past,” Colonnese told Sky Sport Italia today.
“It’s an extra weapon for Inter to have an alternative option of this calibre.
“Sanchez is a well-established player who makes the difference with his pace, goals and defensive work.
“He’s a very useful player, if he started against Sassuolo it would prove that Conte is keen to make the most of his second-string players when he has the chance to do so.”
Inter have not beaten Sassuolo at San Siro since way back in 2014, when Walter Mazzarri led the Nerazzurri to an incredible 7-0 win.
Colonnese was not concerned by the thought of them being a bogey team for Conte’s side though, adding: “The numbers might say that, but Inter’s season changed precisely in the reverse fixture against Sassuolo (when they won 3-0 in November) and now they’ve found consistency.
“I think that in previous home games against the Neroverdi, even when they played great games, they were punished for fatal lapses in concentration.
“Inter will study the game carefully to avoid suffering the possession that Roberto De Zerbi’s teams are known for.
“They can see the Scudetto is close and they’re defending with aggression now: when you watch Inter now you see a very compact team which doesn’t concede much to its opponents.
“Inter are a clinical and efficient team, the most complete side in Serie A.”
Inter will open up an 11-point gap over AC Milan at the top of Serie A if they can beat De Zerbi’s side tomorrow evening.
