Inter boss Simone Inzaghi says that Romelu Lukaku and Milan Skriniar ‘are improving’ and hopes Ciro Immobile ‘takes a break tomorrow.’
The Nerazzurri visit Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 UK time on Friday.
Inzaghi, a former Biancocelesti boss, will return to Rome for the second time as an opposing coach.
“We face a strong team that has become even stronger this summer. They’ve kept their best players and we know we’ll find a prepared team playing in front of their fans. We’ll have to pay attention,” Inzaghi said at a press conference.
“Maurizio Sarri is a prepared coach, I met him when he was at Napoli and Juventus. I have a strong bond with Ciro [Immobile], he had made important seasons with me but did the same with Sarri last term. It’s a special game and we all want to do well. I hope Ciro scores in every, but hopefully, he’ll take a break tomorrow.”
Inter won the opening two Serie A games of the season, with Lukaku collecting one goal and one assist. Milan Skriniar, on the other hand, has been linked with PSG but seems destined to stay at San Siro.
“I see Skriniar well, he is focused and is improving. He started the season with an injury he had suffered with the national team,” said Inzaghi.
“Lukaku did well in the first two games, we are getting in shape and we knew that we needed to play games to reach the peak.
“We have started well and we are trying to improve. We have a packed fixture list with one only break. We’ll need to be all available, everyone is available tomorrow except Mkhitaryan.”
Could Roberto Gagliardini start against Lazio tomorrow?
“It could be an option, on Sunday, he did well. Luckily I train many strong players who put me in trouble when I have to make decisions,” said Inzaghi.
“I know changes are needed, and the team feels well, but I have to make choices from one match to another, changing three or four players depending on opponents.
“Federico Dimarco is an important player with technique and mobility. He is getting playing time because he deserves it. I see him as a wing-back or left defender [in a three-man defence]. I will use him where I need him the most, depending on the games.”
I hope Immobile breaks Inter’s defense. A hat trick would be nice, or a brace from him and SMS should do the trick. I don’t want Inter gaining any momentum this early in the season.