As the Serie A season progresses, Inter Milan are set to face Empoli this Sunday at the iconic San Siro stadium. After a disappointing draw against Bologna in their last outing, the reigning champions are eager to return to winning ways and close the gap on league leaders Napoli.
Inter Milan’s ambitions for a seventh consecutive league victory were thwarted midweek when they could only manage a 2-2 draw against Bologna. The Nerazzurri found themselves trailing early due to a goal from Bologna’s Santiago Castro but rallied back just before halftime with goals from Denzel Dumfries and Lautaro Martinez. However, Bologna equalized in the second half, leaving Inter three points behind Napoli, who currently lead the Serie A standings.
Despite this setback, Inter remain firmly in contention for the Scudetto, alongside Napoli and Atalanta. Coach Simone Inzaghi’s side has shown resilience throughout the season, scoring in every home league match for over a year. Historically, they have dominated Empoli, winning 13 of their last 14 encounters in Serie A and maintaining an impressive record at home.
In stark contrast, Empoli arrive at San Siro struggling for form. The Tuscan club have lost five of their last seven matches, including a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Lecce last week. This recent slump has left them precariously close to the relegation zone, with only two points separating them from danger.
Empoli’s defence has been a significant concern, having conceded 25 goals this season. They will need to find a way to shore up their backline if they hope to stand a chance against an attacking powerhouse like Inter. Historically, they have struggled against the Nerazzurri, losing more matches (26 out of 33) and conceding more goals (69) than against any other team in Serie A.
Inter are likely to adopt an aggressive approach at home, utilizing their potent attacking options and high pressing game. With players like Dumfries and Martinez in form, they will look to exploit any defensive frailties shown by Empoli.
On the other hand, Empoli will need to adopt a more cautious strategy, focusing on solidifying their defense while looking for counter-attacking opportunities through Esposito and Colombo. The Tuscan side will need a disciplined performance if they wish to avoid another heavy defeat.
Team News
Inter Milan welcome back Henrikh Mkhitaryan for this crucial match, while veteran defender Francesco Acerbi may also make his return from injury. However, they will still be without several key players, including Yann Bisseck, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Joaquin Correa due to various injuries. Despite these absences, captain Lautaro Martinez is expected to lead the line as he looks to add to his tally after scoring in recent matches.
Empoli face their own challenges with injuries and suspensions affecting their squad. Key players such as Emmanuel Ekong are unavailable due to suspension, while several others are sidelined with injuries. Milan loanee Lorenzo Colombo and Inter-owned Sebastiano Esposito will spearhead Empoli’s attack in hopes of breaking through Inter’s defence.
Expected Starting XIs
Inter: Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Augusto; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
Empoli: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Cacace, Pezzella; Esposito; Colombo
Match Prediction
Given Inter Milan’s current form and historical dominance over Empoli, expectations are high for a comfortable victory for the Nerazzurri. With their attacking prowess and home advantage at San Siro, a scoreline of 2-0 in favour of Inter seems plausible as they aim to keep pace with Napoli in the title race.
Prediction: Inter 2-0 Empoli
