Inter Milan will be vying to get closer to league leaders Napoli when they host Serie A’s surprise package Torino at San Siro.
Serie A is shaping up an exciting title challenge with at least four teams in the mix, but there could be more given how many teams are in close proximity to leaders Napoli. Inter Milan are also there, but they have had a stuttering start to their title defence this season as they get set to take on Torino this weekend.
After going winless in three games recently, including the goalless draw away at Manchester City and the home loss to AC Milan, Inter Milan have bounced back with a win over Udinese and then against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League. Should Napoli win their early Serie A clash with Como, the pressure will be on Inzaghi’s men to stay close to Antonio Conte’s men in the standings.
Inzaghi will aim to get another win with the home game against Torino, although the visitors’ form could make it an interesting battle. Inter Milan must step up their efforts to retain the domestic title. But things are set to spice up in Italy with an exciting title race on the horizon.
Paolo Vanoli could be in for a big challenge as he faces his former side, Inter Milan, where he was an assistant to Conte during their title-winning campaign in 2021. The current Torino boss helped Venezia return to the top flight last season before landing the big job in Turin.
He has had an impressive start to life as Torino’s boss, leading them to the top of the table a few weeks earlier. They are currently stationed just below Inter Milan in fifth, with the current champions only ahead on goal difference.
Torino could become the season’s surprise package and take Bologna’s place in that regard. Vanoli will know a big win away at Inter Milan is a difficult prospect, but if they get that, it will be a massive boost to their confidence and one that would give momentum to an unlikely charge for UEFA Champions League places.
Team News & Tactics
Inter Milan
Simone Inzaghi will again be without midfield maestro Nicolo Barella, who continues to nurse the thigh injury suffered in the AC Milan clash. Hence, the Inter Milan boss has the decision to make on either one of Piotr Zielinski or Davide Frattesi, with the latter seemingly better placed to get the nod.
There could be a few more changes across the field, as Inzaghi will look to rotate his pack following some exciting lineup decisions in midweek against Red Star Belgrade. The significant change would be on the attacking side, as Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram are set to resume their partnership after Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic started in midweek.
Benjamin Pavard is expected to start in a back three, while Matteo Darmian will play in the right wing-back role. Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are also set to stay in their midfield setup, as Inzaghi is set to name a solid lineup for face Torino.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Torino
At least four critical stars are missing from action for Torino: Perr Schuurs, Aaron Ciammaglichella, Emirhan Ilkhan, and Alieu Njie. The big boost for the team is goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who has the best shot-stopping record in the top five leagues in Europe this season.
Torino will continue with a back three of Sebastian Walukiewicz, Saul Coco, and Adam Masina against Inter Milan. The in-demand Samuele Ricci will sit at the base of midfield, supported by Adrien Tameze and Ivan Ilic.
Valentino Lazaro and Marcus Pedersen are expected to keep their spots in the wing-back roles. Up front, Duvan Zapata and Antonio Sanabria are expected to start. The duo will hope to trouble Inter Milan’s tight defensive setup.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Milinkovic-Savic; Walukiewicz, Coco, Masina; Pedersen, Tameze, Ricci, Ilic, Lazaro; Sanabria, Zapata
Key Stats
- Inter Milan are undefeated in 36 of their last 38 matches in Serie A.
- Inter Milan have won nine of their last ten matches against Torino in all competitions.
- Inter have kept a clean sheet in their last four matches against Torino in all competitions.
- Torino are undefeated on the road in Serie A this season.
Player to Watch
Lautaro Martinez
Lautaro Martinez has entered the frame this season at this stage, following the end of a goal drought last weekend following five games without a goal. The Inter Milan skipper then came off the bench in midweek to score against Red Star Belgrade, and Simone Inzaghi will now want his captain fit and firing on all cylinders against Torino.
Inzaghi will need Martinez in his best form from here on, as Inter Milan cannot afford to drop any more points if they are to keep pace with leaders Napoli. Hence, Martinez will be focused on the Nerazzurri over the weekend as his side aims to close the gap at the top of the standings.
Prediction
Inter Milan 2-1 Torino
Torino have been in good form since the campaign began and are expected to keep up their fight to push above their weight. However, going to San Siro to face the reigning champions might be a big ask, as they will be expected to take a loss here.
Given Inter Milan’s lack of form, Torino might look for chunks in their armour. But as things stand, Inzaghi will demand a complete performance. For starters, he will want defensive solidity, and with his captain back in form, Simone Inzaghi will expect a win at the San Siro on Saturday.
