Simone Inzaghi says Davide Frattesi is ready for his Inter debut and explains why squad rotation is ‘an opportunity, not a problem’ against Empoli.
It kicks off at the Stadio Castellani at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).
The Nerazzurri are aiming to maintain their 100 per cent Serie A record this season and break three points clear at the top of the table.
As for Empoli, they lost all four games and failed to score a single goal, so Paolo Zanetti was sacked following the 7-0 defeat to Roma, replaced by Aurelio Andreazzoli.
“It is a complicated game on paper, as they all are in Serie A,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.
“Empoli did not have a good start to the season, they changed the coach, Andreazzoli knows the club very well. I feel bad for Zanetti, who is a friend and a colleague who did very well last season. With his talent, he will have more chances in future.”
Frattesi scored in the Derby della Madonnina victory over Milan and is rewarded with his first start in the Inter jersey, while Benjamin Pavard gets his Serie A full debut.
“I expect Frattesi to do what he’s done since he arrived in July, he always did well in training and in games. He will start today against an opponent that will do everything it can to cause us problems.”
There is some squad rotation after the midweek 1-1 Champions League draw away to Real Sociedad, which was earned by a late Lautaro Martinez goal.
“It must not be a problem, but an opportunity, when you have a squad with this sort of strength in depth. With so many games close together, it is my duty to use as many players as possible and see that as a bonus.”