Simone Inzaghi admits Hakan Calhanoglu’s injury is a blow for Inter against on-form Fiorentina tomorrow, but Marcelo Brozovic and Romelu Lukaku have rediscovered their form. ‘I am feeling confident.’
It kicks off on Saturday at 17.00 GMT, opening a run of fixtures that will include the Champions League quarter-final with Benfica and Coppa Italia semi-finals against Juventus.
The break for international duty has not been kind to the Nerazzurri, as Calhanoglu picked up an injury playing for Turkey.
“With so many games to be played, there is always the risk of injuries,” Inzaghi told Inter TV.
“We are also missing Milan Skriniar and probably also Federico Dimarco, but there’s no point complaining now, we just have to focus on Fiorentina.”
Calhanoglu had taken over from Marcelo Brozovic in the midfield playmaker role and they struggled to work together, so this is a big opportunity for the Croatian to get back into the side.
“We know how important these players are for the team and Brozovic returned in good shape from international duty. Kristjan Asllani is back too and we will need everyone.”
Romelu Lukaku saw his confidence boosted by four goals for Belgium during the EURO 2024 qualifiers and hopes to bring that scoring streak to his club football as well.
“We are happy for him and have been working on the fact we lately didn’t convert many of our chances, so I am hopeful. Edin Dzeko is ready, Tucu Correa is getting better and Lautaro Martinez returned yesterday from Argentina. I am feeling confident.”
Alessandro Bastoni and Robin Gosens are in the squad, but not believed to be fit enough to start the game on Saturday.
Fiorentina are one of the form teams in Italy and Europe at the moment, winning their last seven matches in all competition, reaching the Coppa Italia semi-finals and the Conference League quarter-final.
“We know that Fiorentina are in good shape, motivated and doing well in various tournaments. We will need the best Inter. The Viola know how to put their players in the best positions, but what we need above all is the motivation of Inter, the desire to go one step further for their teammates.”