Inter travel to the Stadio Olimpico to take on Champions League hopefuls Lazio on Sunday 10 May (kick off 20:45 CET), with a feeling of optimism after a 6 match unbeaten run.
Inter come into this game on the back of two wins against Roma (2-1) and Udinese (2-1) and an uneventful 0-0 draw against Chievo last weekend and with three of their next four matches coming against top half teams, Roberto Mancini will be very aware that getting into the top six will be difficult.
After the draw with Chievo and the other results from last weekend, Inter now sit 8th in the Serie A table, 2 points behind 6th place Sampdoria and 3 points behind 5th place Fiorentina in the race to qualify for the Europa League.
Lazio who after spending recent seasons on the outside looking in as other Italian sides challenged for success in Europe, are in a strong position to not just qualify for the Champions League, but to claim 2nd place in Serie A, which would see them enter the Champions League at the group stage.
Lazio currently sit 3rd in Serie A, 1 point behind Roma in 2nd but will be looking over their shoulders with Napoli 4 points behind the Biancoceleste. With Lazio’s last two fixtures being against Roma and Napoli, Stefano Pioli will want maximum points against Inter and Sampdoria next week before those last two matches.
Lazio come into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Chievo and a win against Parma (4-0) before last weekend’s disappointing 1-1 draw at Atalanta.
Here is the Inter team news and probable line up as reported by GDS:
Samir Handanovic keeps his place between the posts.
In central defence captain Andrea Ranocchia is a doubt because of a muscle strain. Juan Jesus is expected to be moved from left back to partner Nemanja Vidic although Mancini could go with Felipe.
On the flanks Danilo D’Ambrosio is expected to start on the right with Davide Santon at left back as Inter rotate because of the doubt on Ranocchia.
In midfield Gary Medel is expected to start alongside the inconsistent Fredy Guarin with three players competing for the last midfield place and at this stage 18 year old Assane Gnoukouri could get the nod ahead of Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic.
In the trequartista role Hernanes is expected to start against his former employers ahead of Xherdan Shaqiri.
Up top the Argentine duo of Mauro Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio are expected to start, leaving Lukas Podolski on the bench.
Probable Inter line up (subject to change): (4-3-1-2) Handanovic, D’Ambrosio, Vidic, Juan Jesus, Santon, Medel, Guarin (c), Gnoukouri, Hernanes, Icardi, Palacio.
Bench: Berni, Carrizo, Andreolli, Ranocchia, Felipe, Nagatomo, Di Marco, Kovacic, Brozovic, Podolski, Puscas, Shaqiri, Bonazzoli.
Some Stats:
In the earlier fixture this season on 21 December 2014, 2 goals from Felipe Anderson saw Lazio lead at half time but Inter came back for a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Kovacic and Palacio.
Inter haven’t beaten Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico since 2 May 2010 when Inter won 2-0 with goals from Walter Samuel and Thiago Motta.
Lazio have won 5 of their last 6 matches at home in Serie A with at least 2 goals scored in each of them 5 wins.
Inter have 3 players that if booked will miss next weekend’s Derby D’Italia against Juventus. The players walking on eggshells are Hernanes, Palacio and Shaqiri.
Player to Watch: Hernanes – The Brazilian will be emotional returning to his former club, and his form has improved, and as we have seen countless times players tend to score when returning to face former clubs in their careers.
My Prediction: Lazio 2-2 Inter
Scorers: Candreva, Klose (Lazio), Hernanes, Vidic (Inter)
Officials: Referee: Davide Massa Assistants: Passeri, Di Fiore
Fourth Official: Musolino Additional Assistants: Domato, Condussio
Author’s Note: A match between two sides that still have a lot to play for. The pressure will be on Lazio to breakdown Inter who will probably play on the counter attack. I expect an exciting game with goals. Inter need a confident performance to boost their hopes ahead of the Derby D’Italia next weekend. Both teams won’t want to lose this game ahead of tough run ins and a draw would probably suit both teams.