Inter Milan will look to get back to winning ways when they travel to Empoli midweek in Serie A.
Defending champions Inter Milan will look to bounce back from their thrilling 4-4 draw with Juventus by claiming all three points against Empoli on Wednesday. Despite throwing away a two-goal lead at home in a chaotic Derby d’Italia, Inter remain well-positioned in Serie A, sitting second in the standings. Simone Inzaghi’s men have lost just once in 12 matches this season and are fresh from a narrow 1-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League, which kept them on course for the last 16.
Inzaghi will be keen to see his side sharpen up defensively after conceding four to a Juventus side that had let in just one league goal prior to their meeting. However, on the attacking front, Inter are firing on all cylinders, with Piotr Zielinski continuing his run of impressive performances, scoring twice from the spot against Juve. Wing-back Denzel Dumfries also found the net, highlighting the Nerazzurri’s potency from all areas of the pitch. Heading into a midweek fixture against an Empoli side that has been largely goal-shy, Inter will be confident of returning to winning ways.
Empoli, meanwhile, are on a four-game winless streak, having last triumphed in mid-September. Their weekend draw against Parma was reflective of their season so far: grinding out points despite struggling to create clear-cut chances. The Azzurri’s lack of offensive threat was evident as they managed just one shot on target but nearly held on for victory until conceding late. Ange-Yoan Bonny’s missed penalty in the dying minutes ultimately preserved a point for Roberto D’Aversa’s side.
Despite a solid start to D’Aversa’s tenure, Empoli have stumbled in recent weeks, suffering back-to-back losses to Napoli and Lazio. They now find themselves in the top half of the table, albeit with an uphill battle against Inter Milan, who have historically dominated this fixture. Empoli have lost 13 of their last 14 encounters with the Nerazzurri, and the challenge ahead may appear even more daunting given the Scudetto holders’ strong form.
The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Empoli FC
Empoli will be dealing with several injury concerns as they host Inter Milan, with goalkeeper Samuele Perisan, defender Tyronne Ebuehi, and long-term absentee Saba Sazonov still sidelined due to ongoing issues. Additionally, the Azzurri’s attack may be reshuffled if Sebastiano Esposito is not fit in time. The 22-year-old, who is currently on loan from Inter Milan, faces a race against time to recover from the thigh strain that kept him out of the weekend’s game. Should Esposito miss out, more pressure will fall on Lorenzo Colombo, who is co-leading the line for Empoli.
In terms of setup, Roberto D’Aversa is likely to continue with a 3-4-2-1 formation. Devis Vasquez will retain his spot between the posts, protected by a back three featuring Irakli Goglichidze, Ardian Ismajli, and Mattia Viti. In the midfield, Emmanuel Gyasi and Giuseppe Pezzella are set to operate as the wing-backs, providing both defensive cover and attacking width. In the centre, Tino Anjorin will likely pair up with Alberto Grassi to offer balance and creativity.
Ahead of the central four, Tommaso Baldanzi and Ola Solbakken are expected to be deployed as the dual attacking midfielders, supporting Lorenzo Colombo, who will operate as the lone striker upfront.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Anjorin, Grassi, Pezzella; Fazzini, Solbakken; Colombo
Inter Milan
Inter Milan head into their clash with Empoli having experienced a physically and emotionally taxing encounter with Juventus, which ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw. As a result, coach Simone Inzaghi may opt for a few changes to the starting lineup. The main injury concern surrounds Piotr Zielinski, who was withdrawn from the Derby d’Italia due to thigh flexor fatigue. Having already seen Zielinski convert two penalties against Juventus, Inzaghi will hope to have the Polish midfielder available, given Hakan Calhanoglu’s continued fitness uncertainty.
Brazilian wing-back Carlos Augusto and veteran defender Francesco Acerbi are still unavailable due to their respective injuries. In their absence, Inter may call upon some of their fringe players to start against Empoli. This could include Yann Bisseck in the back three and Mehdi Taremi leading the line in attack.
Inzaghi is likely to stick with his preferred 3-5-2 formation. Yann Sommer should continue as the goalkeeper, shielded by a three-man defence consisting of Yann Bisseck, Stefan de Vrij, and Alessandro Bastoni. Matteo Darmian is expected to feature on the right flank, with Federico Dimarco providing width on the left. In the middle of the park, Davide Frattesi could join Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to form a central trio.
Up front, Marcus Thuram is set to partner with Mehdi Taremi, offering a combination of pace, power, and technical skill to break down the Empoli defence.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Frattesi, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Taremi
Key Stats
- Inter Milan have won 13 of their last 14 Serie A meetings against Empoli, highlighting their strong record against the Tuscan club. The only exception was a 1-0 loss at Stadio Castellani in April 2019.
- Empoli have struggled offensively this season, scoring only seven goals in their Serie A campaign so far. This tally ranks among the lowest in the league, which poses a challenge when facing an Inter side that’s known for its defensive solidity.
- Inter Milan have been resilient on the road, with the Nerazzurri losing just once in their last seven Serie A away matches (W4 D2). This impressive form is a positive indicator for Simone Inzaghi’s team heading into the fixture.
- Empoli have managed just one clean sheet in their last five Serie A matches, indicating defensive frailties that Inter will be keen to exploit, given the Nerazzurri’s offensive firepower.
Player to Watch
Marcus Thuram
Known for his physicality, pace, and ability to lead the line, Thuram has seamlessly adapted to life in Serie A, forming a lethal partnership with Lautaro Martinez. The French forward’s blend of size and speed makes him a constant threat in behind defences, while his aerial prowess and clinical finishing have added a new dimension to Inter’s attack.
Thuram’s performance against Juventus in the Derby d’Italia was a prime example of his influence. He played a key role in linking up play and helping to create chances, despite having two goals ruled out for offside. His presence stretches defences and creates space for teammates, and his knack for getting on the end of crosses has been invaluable for Simone Inzaghi’s side.
With Empoli’s backline having shown vulnerability this season, Thuram will look to capitalize on any gaps and use his instinctive movement to add to his goal tally. His ability to hold up the ball and link up with midfielders will be crucial in breaking down Empoli’s defensive setup at Stadio Castellani. All eyes will be on the Frenchman to see if he can once again influence the outcome for the Nerazzurri
Prediction
Empoli 0-2 Inter Milan
Empoli may put up a fight at Stadio Castellani, but Inter’s firepower and superior quality should prove too much for the hosts. Expect Simone Inzaghi’s side to return to winning ways with a comfortable victory, as they aim to keep the pressure on Napoli at the top of the table.