Inter will take on Sassuolo in a midweek Serie A clash at the San Siro. The game was rescheduled due to a small COVID-19 outbreak in Inter’s camp.
Inter returned to action last week against Bologna and took care of the business at the Dal’Arra. A gutsy 1-0 victory over Bologna extended Inter’s lead at the top of the table to 8 points. With a game in hand, Inter can propel their league into double digits with only 10 games remaining.
Inter will be looking to win their 10th consecutive league match for the first time since the glory days of 2007 when they set an unprecedented record of 17 straight wins.
Statistics & Encounters
Sassuolo has a knack for turning up big against Inter, having won 7 of their last 15 matches. They have drawn twice and lost only 6 times.
However, the last encounter between Inter and Sassuolo ended with an emphatic victory 3-0 for the Nerazzurri.
Romelu Lukaku’s goal tally is up to 20 goals already this season with 10 games remaining.
Romelu Lukaku became the seventh player in Serie A history to score 20+ goals in two consecutive seasons with Inter.
Inter form guide in the Serie A: W-W-W-W-W
Sassuolo form guide in the Serie A: D-L-W-L-D
Suspensions, Injuries & Team News
Alessandro Bastoni and Marcelo Brozovic will miss this crucial fixture due to suspensions. Kolarov (if fit) or Ranocchia are likely replacements for Conte’s back 3.
Eriksen is expected to drop back and take Brozovic’s role as he did earlier in the season and performed quite well. Gagliardini or Sensi will be in contention for the starting job alongside Barella.
Arturo Vidal and D’Ambrosio are still recovering from their respective injuries.
Domenico Berardi and Francesco Caputo have been ruled out once again due to injuries.
Midfielder Mehdi Bourabia (hamstring) and long-term injury absentee Filippo Romagna (knee) both are also unlikely to return for this fixture.
Manual Locatelli is available for selection following a negative COVID test.
Probable Line-ups
Inter (3-5-2): Handanovic, Ranocchia, Di Vrij, Skrniar, Young, Gagliardini, Eriksen, Barella, Hakimi, Lautaro, Lukaku
Sassuolo (4-2-3-1): Consigli, Rogerio, Chiriches, Marlon, Jeremy Toljan, Magnanelli, Locatelli, Maxime Lopez, Traore, Filip Djuricic, Giacomo Raspadori
Prediction
In spite of missing few key players in the attacking half, the flee-flowing Sassuolo will pose a massive threat to Inter. They will be hoping to put an end to Inter’s winning steak.
The grind is expected to continue for Inter as they will stick to their guns and hope to extend their lead in pursuit of the title.
Inter: 2
Sassuolo: 1