Inter have found their voice under new Coach Frank de Boer and aim to build on the Derby d’Italia success by visiting Empoli.
It kicks off at the Stadio Castellani at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). Follow the build-up and action from all NINE of tonight’s Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.
Inter have found their voice under new Coach Frank de Boer and aim to build on the Derby d’Italia success by visiting Empoli.
It kicks off at the Stadio Castellani at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). Follow the build-up and action from all NINE of tonight’s Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.
The Nerazzurri were already dealing with talk of sacking De Boer when they emerged like a phoenix from the flames by beating Juventus in the Derby d’Italia.
Now that enthusiasm cannot be allowed to dissipate and there is the risk of a celebratory hangover in this trip to tactically-astute Empoli.
Ever Banega is suspended following his red card against Juve, while Marco Andreolli is the only remaining injury absentee.
That’s because Cristian Ansaldi is back in the squad and Gabriel Barbosa – commonly known as Gabigol – is on the bench for the first time since his €29.5m move from Santos.
We could yet see the 19-year-old Brazilian hitman get his Serie A debut this evening.
Meanwhile, Ivan Perisic is back in the starting XI with Antonio Candreva and Mauro Icardi.
Geoffrey Kondogbia comes into midfield for a 4-3-3 formation.
Empoli are forced to do without injured Andrea Costa and Roman Tchanturia, but Massimo Maccarone is back partnering Manuel Pucciarelli after a rest at the weekend.
Alberto Gilardino is ready to come off the bench, while it’s a special game for ex-Milan men Riccardo Saponara and Jose Mauri.
Inter are unbeaten against Empoli since a 1-0 result in April 2006, managing one draw from the next 10 meetings, home and away in all competition.
Empoli: Skorupski; Laurini, Bellusci, Barba, Dimarco; Tello, Dioussé, Buchel; Saponara; Maccarone, Pucciarelli
Inter: Handanovic; D'Ambrosio, Miranda, Murillo, Santon; Joao Mario, Medel, Kondogbia; Candreva, Icardi, Perisic