Serie A PREVIEW: Inter v Udinese

After getting hold of a goalless draw in their last league fixture, Serie A action returns for Inter as they host 9th-placed Udinese today at the San Siro.

Inter were dealt a frustrating draw against lowly Sampdoria but they still remain second in the standings, 18 points short of league leaders Napoli. The Nerazzurri attempted an astounding record of 25 shots at goal in their visit to Sampdoria but goalkeeper Emil Audero showed inspirational form as the 19th-placed side earned a clean sheet. The draw also brought an end to Inter’s endeavour to muster a winning run and cement their position in second place.

Since their loss to Empoli after returning with the Supercoppa Italiana title from Saudi Arabia, Inter have come short on the goalscoring department. Though Lautaro Martinez seems to be on top form in this half of the season, the other attackers haven’t shown any kind of promising attitude in front of goal. 

Simone Inzaghi will aim to secure a win in order to set his side’s spirits high before they go into the Champions League. 

Meanwhile, Udinese have suffered a sharp fall after having an inspirational start to the season.

The home reverse of this fixture was won by Udinese as two late strikes handed them the three points and they will hope fora reversal of the same.

The Friulani haven’t found much success in their recent outing as they have only picked up one win in their last 7 matches in all competitions. Though they hold a psychological edge over their today’s rivals, they aren’t the favourites and are expected to rely heavily on countercharges.

Results from their last five matches in all competitions

Inter:

D W W W L

Udinese:

D L D W L

Team News

Simone Inzaghi is expected to miss Joaquin Correa, Marcelo Brozovic and Robin Gosens for this match as they have suffered minor injuries,

Alessandro Bastoni is expected to deputize at the back for Stefan de Vrij. Federico DiMarco will replace Gosens in a wide role.

As for Udinese, Gerard Deulofeu and Illija Nestorovski is out with long-term injuries.

Destiny Udogie is expected to continue his stellar form from the back. Beto and Issac Success is expected to lead the Udinese attack

Predicted XIs

Inter (3-5-2): Onana; Skriniar, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Dimarco; Martinez, Lukaku

Udinese (3-5-1-1): Silvestri; Becao, Bijol, Perez; Ehizibue, Samardzic, Walace, Lovric, Udogie; Pereyra; Beto

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN