Joao Mario is set to make his third successive league start this weekend with Radja Nainggolan struggling physically according to a report from Tuttosport.
Nainggolan showed signs of struggle due to lack of match fitness during the 1-1 draw with Barcelona and is likely to be rested for Sunday’s game away to Atalanta and will only be used in a case of serious need. Luciano Spalletti plans to allow him to recover over the next few weeks when there is the international break so he can – all going well – return in top condition for the tough fixture run against Barcelona, Roma and Juventus that follows Frosinone, which is the first game back after the break.
Having scored and provided three assists in the last league game with Genoa, it makes perfect sense for Spalletti to entrust Joao Mario in behind Mauro Icardi. The Portuguese provides a balance to the team, something that was especially noticeable in Inter’s 3-0 win over Lazio which was the 25-year-old’s first appearance this season.
