Inter v Lazio – Preview: Nerazzurri desperate to end disappointing year on a high against in-form Aquile

Date: 19th December 2014 at 4:36pm
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Inter welcome a rejuvenated Lazio to the San Siro on Sunday evening desperate to enter the winter break in a respectable position.

Roberto Mancini finally got his first win since his return to the Nerazzurri bench last weekend, as goals from Mateo Kovacic and Andrea Ranocchia secured a 2-0 win away to Chievo.

However the former Manchester City coach has struggled so far, picking up a draw and two defeats in his first three league matches.

The pressure will be on the Nerazzurri to deliver a strong performance when they meet an in-form Lazio side, as a defeat would ensure that the San Siro side enter 2015 in the bottom half of the table.

Mancini will be able to rely on a nearly full strength squad, as Jonathan is the only name currently on their injury list.

Lazio recovered from a recent drop in form with back to back victories against Parma and Atalanta and finished Week 15 in the third Champions League place.

A ruthless second half performance saw off the Orobici last weekend at the Stadio Olimpico, with captain Stefano Mauri’s double sending them to victory.

Stefano Pioli has managed to bring some of the confidence back to his side, but they remain in the midst of a crippling injury crisis.

The defence has been the worst hit area, as Santiago Gentiletti, Michael Ciani, Edson Braafheid and Pereirinha are all on the treatment table.

However, the injuries to Antonio Candreva, Lucas Biglia and Ederson add further problems to the coach’s selection process.

The injuries have given the likes of Cristian Ledesma and Felipe Anderson the opportunity to impress Pioli, but the squad will be motivated by the thought that a win would guarantee them third place over the festive period.

Expected Starting XIs

Inter: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Dodo; Guarin, Medel, Kuzmanovic; Kovacic; Icardi, Osvaldo

Lazio: Marchetti; Basta; De Vrij, Cana, Radu; Parolo, Ledesma, Lulic; Anderson, Djordjevic, Mauri

 

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