Match Preview, Serie A Week 16: Inter vs. Lazio

MATCH FACTS:

Date: Sunday, December 21, 2014

Location: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza; Milan, Italy

Time: 2:45pm ET / 11:45 am PT / 20:45 CET

Inter recorded their first win in Serie A play in a while with a win over Chievo Verona last week by a scoreline of 2-0. It was the club's first win in six Serie A matches since new Inter manager Roberto Mancini took over managerial duties.

Since his return to Inter, Mancini has preached that his men must learn to play in a cohesive, unified manner in order to get results. It appears that the Nerazzurri players may have finally begun to understand and accept the new coach's philosophy, if their handy dispatch of The Flying Donkeys is any indication.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, though, it is worth noting that Lazio are on a run of three wins straight and currently sit fourth in the Serie A table with 26 points. Inter now sit at 11th, but could come within three points of the Biancocelesti if they manage to take all three points.

A win for Inter would almost certainly see the club move to the top half of the table before the winter break; but more importantly, it would put them only four points behind third-place Napoli and would give real credibility to the Nerazzurri's third-place aspirations

Luckily, Inter coach Mancini will have access to a near-full squad, with winger Jonathan the only player on the injury list.F

From the other side of the pitch, Lazio are suffering from an injury crisis, with Santiago Gentiletti, Michael Ciani, Edson Braafheid, Pereirinha, Antonio Candreva, Lucas Biglia, and Ederson all set to miss the coming match.

Lazio boss has relied on several talented youngsters and less-experienced players in order to come away with results. He will probably have to to the same on Sunday if he hopes to withstand a full-strength and fairly well-rested Inter. Below are Inter's 23-man roster to face Lazio as well as the projected Starting XIs for the match.

INTER MILAN 23-MAN ROSTER TO FACE LAZIO

Goalkeepers: Handanovic, Carrizo, Berni

Defenders: Juan Jesus, Andreolli, Campagnaro, Vidic, Dodo, Ranocchia, Mbaye, D'Ambrosio, Nagatomo

Midfielders: Kovacic, Guarin, Kuzmanovic, Medel, Obi, Krhin, Hernanes, M'Vila

Forwards: Palacio, Icardi, Bonazzoli

PROJECTED STARTING XIs

F.C. Internazionale Milano: Handanovic; D'Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Dodo; Guarin, Medel, Kuzmanovic; Kovacic; Icardi, Palacio

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

(source: Forza Italia Football)