Inter vs Sampdoria: Preview – Lineups, Stats, and Prediction
Inter is trying to continue its good form on Saturday when the team hosts Sampdoria. Simone Inzaghi’s side is entering the fixture with great momentum after securing a spot in the Round of 16 in the Champions League. Here is our preview for Inter vs Sampdoria.
After losing to Roma at the beginning of the month, the Nerazzurri are on a streak that includes six wins and the famous 3-3 draw at Camp Nou.
Sampdoria started the season poorly and Marco Giampaolo was replaced by Inter legend Dejan Stankovic. There was a positive impact and the team earned four points in the last three rounds. In the meantime, they also qualified for the next round of Coppa Italia. Despite the better performances in recent times, Inter is still the strong favorite in this encounter.
Inter vs Sampdoria: Statistics and Encounters
Inter won eight of the last ten fixtures versus Sampdoria. That includes the last five games played at “Giuseppe Meazza”.
Simone Inzaghi’s team is averaging two goals per game in Serie A this season, finding the net eight times in the last three fixtures.
Sampdoria is sitting in 18th place with just six points. Four of them came in the last two away fixtures versus Cremonese and Bologna.
Suspensions, Injuries, and Team News
Romelu Lukaku finally returned to the pitch on Wednesday versus Viktoria Plzen. The striker made an immediate impact scoring the fourth goal in the important victory.
Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella are in spectacular form in the last weeks and are expected to lead the team once again versus Sampdoria.
In the defensive line Onana, Skriniar and Bastoni are expected to keep their spots. In the center of the defense, De Vrij will probably replace Acerbi.
Marcelo Brozovic is still injured and is not expected to return before the game versus Juventus. Gagliardini is back and will be on the bench. Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan should form the midfield trio alongside Barella. Still, Asllani may get an opportunity to start and give the Turkish midfielder a rest.
On the right wing, Darmian is the favorite to start over Dumfries. Dimarco will keep his place on the left side. That means Robin Gosens will have to once again settle with limited minutes during the second half.
Romelu Lukaku will most likely once again start from the bench. After the great performance on Wednesday Dzeko is the favorite over Correa to form the attacking duo with Lautaro Martinez.
Dejan Stankovic will not be able to count on the injured Manuel De Luca and Harry Winks. The coach is expected to receive a warm welcome at the stadium, similar to Jose Mourinho when he first returned to “Giuseppe Meazza”. with Roma.
Probable Lineups
Inter (3-5-2): Onana; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Dzeko
Sampdoria (4-4-2): Audero, Bereszynski, Ferrari, Colley, Murru, Leris, Rincon, Villar, Djuricic, Caputo, Gabbiadini
Prediction
Despite the improvement in recent weeks, Sampdoria will need a miracle to earn even a point. Inter is playing its best football since the beginning of the season and should aim for a comfortable win before The Derby d’Italia versus Juventus next week.
Inter: 3
Sampdoria: 0
