Irritation is growing in the Inter camp after one point from two rounds and suspended Simone Inzaghi could make changes for this trip to Andrea Pinamonti’s Empoli.
The Nerazzurri were already smarting after their 3-1 defeat to Lazio, so seeing two points snatched away in the final minute by a soft Juventus penalty on Sunday only cranked up the tension. Inzaghi was sent off for dissent and will have to watch this one from the stands. That’s one win in four Serie A games now and Inter are slipping away from the leaders.
With a midweek round, Edin Dzeko, Ivan Perisic, Hakan Calhanoglu and Stefan de Vrij could be rested, with Arturo Vidal recovering from his flu symptoms.
Empoli had raced into a 4-0 lead by half-time away to Salernitana on Saturday, taking their foot off the gas for an eventual 4-2 result. Ex-Inter youth product Andrea Pinamonti is in sparkling form upfront and will be eager to impress his old club, while Liam Henderson also shows promise in this more advanced role.
Form Guide: Empoli (W L L W W) Inter (D L W D W)
Stat fact: Empoli have lost each of their last seven Serie A meetings with Inter. Their worst losing streak against a single opponent was eight with Juventus from 2014 to 2019.
Probable line-ups
Empoli (4-3-2-1): Vicario; Stojanovic, Ismajli, Luperto, Marchizza; Haas, Ricci, Bandinelli; Bajrami, Henderson; Pinamonti
Suspended: None
Injured: Di Francesco, Furlan, Romagnoli
On a yellow card: Stojanovic
Inter (3-5-2): Handanovic; Skriniar, Ranocchia, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Brozovic, Vecino, Dimarco; Sanchez, Lautaro Martinez
Suspended: None
Injured: None
On a yellow card: None
Pinamonti Hattrick incoming
Hope Satriano has chance.