Simone Inzaghi insists there is ‘plenty of time’ to turn Inter’s Serie A campaign around as they visit Atalanta, as ‘everyone aside from Napoli had a very similar campaign so far.’
It kicks off at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo at 11.30 GMT.
The Nerazzurri have not won a single head-to-head battle in the league this season, which is one of the reasons why they are floundering in joint fifth place alongside La Dea on 27 points.
“We know that we need to improve in Serie A, especially this type of match. We have a tough opponent today, coming off two consecutive defeats, so we need to have the right attitude,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.
Napoli are currently 11 points clear at the top of the table, having played an extra game, and make the Scudetto look like a one-horse race.
“I think everyone aside from Napoli had a very similar campaign so far, we are all within two or three points. Napoli are doing something incredible in terms of points, even those in other top leagues aren’t keeping that kind of pace. But we are only 15 rounds in, there is plenty of time left.”
Hakan Calhanoglu has been a revelation in midfield since taking over from injured Marcelo Brozovic, and the Croatian is not risked from the start today even after returning to full fitness.
“He did well, what he needed to do during a complicated period for us with many games and the Champions League to be secured. Marcelo is better, we considered starting him this evening, but we saw players who have been out for a while need to come back gradually. He will play a bit, then go to the World Cup and hopefully return in top shape.”