Inter will have to play with a high tempo if they want to get the better of Udinese tomorrow, according to the Nerazzurri’s former midfielder Antonio Manicone.

Antonio Conte’s side are due to face off against the Bianconeri at the Dacia Arena in their final match before reaching the halfway mark of their Serie A campaign.

Inter sit second in the standings with Udinese lying 23 points behind in 15th, but Manicone warned Conte’s players cannot afford to take Luca Gotti’s side lightly.

“Udinese are a well balanced team with good individuals,” he told Inter TV.

“Inter must play with a high tempo in the game and they need a victory to have consistency in their results.

“This season when they have faced teams without full intensity they have struggled, therefore they must not underestimate Gotti’s team.

“After this game Inter have the Milan derby in the Coppa Italia so a convincing match here is needed in order to prepare for that match.”

Manicone, who is the current assistant manager of the Swiss national team, played for Inter for four years between 1992 and 1996.

The one-time Italian international made 79 appearances, in which he scored two goals and tallied as many assists.

He was part of Inter’s side that won the UEFA Cup in 1994 under Gianpiero Marini.