Inter director Beppe Marotta admits their position in the Serie A table is ‘fairly strange’, while his timeframe on Milan Skriniar’s contract has changed to ‘within a few weeks’ rather than November 13.
The match with Bologna kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.
The Nerazzurri are feeling the pressure after their 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Derby d’Italia, which left them languishing in mid-table.
“Every game is delicate and important, for the points and to guarantee some level of consistency,” Marotta told DAZN.
“The coach must reflect and find the right corrections to improve our position in the table, which is fairly strange. At the same time, we are equally confident, because the coach is talented, everyone is working well and the players are responding in the best way.
“The season is an anomalous one, we must respond well in the final two rounds before the break and stay as close as possible to the leading pack.”
Marotta was asked if Inter are expecting more from their coach, their players, or both?
“We must always give more, every game is a test and once you pass one, there is immediately another. The respect for the jersey we wear is extremely important, so aside from the technical-tactical issues, motivation is also an important aspect in a team sport where everyone has to be on the same page.
“The club, team and coach are very much in sync, we need to have courage to gain consistency.”
Time is ticking down and reports claim Inter are close to agreeing a new contract with defender Milan Skriniar, despite the pressure from Paris saint-Germian.
“I am very optimistic,” added Marotta. “We are dealing with a serious professional who loves the shirt that he wears. It’s only right that he asks for what he is worth, Piero Ausilio and I will meet with his agent over the next few days to continue a very relaxed negotiation process.
“We want to reach a conclusion without pressure and I am optimistic, although I don’t know if we’ll be able to get it done before the team goes for the break on Sunday.
“I think we will find a conclusion within a few weeks.”
This is very different to Marotta’s comments not too long ago that he was optimistic about securing Skriniar’s signature by November 13.
That leaves the possibility of the World Cup influencing his decision and with the current contract set to expire in June, he could begin negotiations with PSG from January.