Simone Inzaghi has ‘full faith’ in his Inter players against Empoli after squad rotation in a packed fixture list and thanks the FIGC for revoking Romelu Lukaku’s Coppa Italia ban in a ‘message against racism.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Castellani at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action from today’s five Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.
It has been a mixed week for the Nerazzurri, who booked their place in the Champions League semi-final for a derby showdown with Milan after drawing 3-3 with Benfica, winning 5-3 on aggregate, but also were bumped down to sixth in Serie A.
That is because Juventus partially won the appeal against a 15-point penalty, which goes back to the FIGC Federal Court of Justice for a new trial.
“We know that the fixture list is packed, this is a very important game for us and we need everyone. There have been a few changes, but I have full faith in my players,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“Our strength must be working together as a team, knowing that we are playing every two and a half days. We need sharpness, strength and focus from every single element of the squad.
“Aside from the Champions League qualification, I saw the players in good shape.”
They are also preparing for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Juve on Wednesday, it was 1-1 in the first leg and Lukaku will be able to play after his ban was revoked by the FIGC due to the racist abuse he was reacting to from the stands.
“I am happy for Rom, but also very happy for the message the Federation wanted to send to everyone, especially young people, in the fight against racism.”
The two yellow cards cannot really be revoked by the appeal, and they weren’t, but the FIGC stepped in to essentially give Lukaku a pardon for the provocation from Juve fans.