As Inter Milan prepare to face Empoli in Serie A, manager Simone Inzaghi receives a boost with the return of key players. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to rejoin the squad, while veteran defender Francesco Acerbi makes his long-awaited comeback from injury. Both are expected to start on the bench.
However, the Nerazzurri are not without their injury concerns. Yann Bisseck, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Joaquin Correa remain sidelined with thigh problems. Additionally, midfielder Davide Frattesi, amid transfer speculation, has been training separately due to a muscular issue.
With a busy schedule ahead, including a midweek fixture and a Champions League trip to Prague, Inzaghi may opt to rotate his squad. Nevertheless, captain Lautaro Martinez is likely to lead the attack. The Argentine striker, who has had an up-and-down season, aims to score in back-to-back league games at San Siro for the first time since last February.
Empoli’s offensive threat comes from an intriguing duo with Inter connections. Milan loanee Lorenzo Colombo partners with Sebastiano Esposito, who is on loan from Inter. Esposito, who made seven Serie A appearances for Inter in the 2019-20 season, holds the distinction of being the second-youngest scorer in club history. This season, he has been particularly prolific away from home, matching Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui with six goals on the road.
In goal for Empoli, Devis Vasquez could make a return after his unexpected omission against Lecce. However, the visitors will be without Tino Anjorin and Ola Solbakken, who join the list of long-term absentees including Pietro Pellegri, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov, and Tyronne Ebuehi.
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Augusto; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Zielinski, Dimarco; Martinez, Taremi
Empoli (3-5-2): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Cacace, Pezzella; Esposito, Colombo
