Hoping for a change in momentum in Serie A, Inter make the trip to Mapei Stadium on Saturday to lock horns with Sassuolo in the ninth round of league fixtures in the 2022/23 campaign.
The Nerazzurri made a narrow escape in their Champions League encounter against Barcelona with a 1-0 win in the midweek. The result would’ve given the Italian team some much-needed morale boost. But even the fans can understand that the performance was far from overwhelming, and perhaps Inter were fortunate to come out of the game with all three points.
Considering that, the dark clouds of uncertainty continue to hover over the future of Simone Inzaghi as his team has failed to win any of their last two league matches. On the other hand, Alessio Dionisi’s side, following an underwhelming start to the season, has made the top half of the table, thanks to the consecutive wins in their last two matches.
Last five results in all competitions:
Sassuolo: D-D-L-W-W
Inter: W-W-L-L-W
Team News
Sassuolo are missing some key players ahead of their league clash against Inzaghi’s men. Domenico Berardi remains sidelined with a muscle injury in his biceps. Among the long-term absentees, there are Mert Müldür, Grégoire Defrel, and Hamed Junior Traorè.
As for the visitors, Romelu Lukaku is still unavailable. Marcelo Brozovic keeps the treatment table occupied with a hamstring injury. The Croat is expected to return to action at the end of the month. Joaquin Correa has been struggling with a knock in his left knee lately, and Roberto Gagliardini remains a doubt for Inter.
Predicted XIs
Sassuolo (4-3-3): Consigli; Toljan, Erlic, Ferrari, Rogerio; Frattesi, Maxime Lopez, Thorstvedt; Ceide, Pinamonti, Laurientè.
Inter (3-5-2): Handanovic; Skriniar, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Calhanoglu, Dimarco; Dzeko, Lautaro.
The top of the table looks far away from Inter at the moment. However, a win on Saturday will be a statement to the fans, critics, and managers keeping tabs on Inzaghi’s every move on and off the field. Sassuolo at home always play like a different beast. When these two teams crossed paths in a league encounter in February, Sassuolo thumped the Nerazzurri 2-0.
GIFN | Jyotirmoy Halder
