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A lot remains on the line Sunday when Inter Milan will return to the Giuseppe Meazza to host Atalanta.
Inter are currently third in Serie A on 56 points, while the Orobisi have climbed up to fifth on 51 points. The Nerazzurri need a result to keep hold of a Champions League position, while Atalanta are looking to climb into the top four as they sit one point back of AC Milan for the fourth and final position.
Inter can increase its lead over Milan if their rivals drop points at Juventus Saturday, while Atalanta can move into fourth with a win and a Milan loss in Turin.
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Inter Milan news (W-L-W-W-L)
After a goal and an assist in his return for a 4-0 win at Genoa Wednesday, Mauro Icardi looks to return to the Inter Milan starting lineup against Atalanta.
Of course, this time he will be facing, not only Atalanta, but the Curva Nord at the Giuseppe Meazza.
His penalty was instrumental in getting Genoa’s Cristian Romero sent off and Genoa playing with just 10 men during the match.
Icardi will be looked upon again for offense as Lautaro Martinez will likely remain out of the match after an injury he sustained during the international break.
Inter will also be without Stefan de Vrij – of which Joao Miranda will earn a spot for – and Sime Vrsaljko who is out for the rest of the season.
Radja Nainggolan made a triumphant return to the lineup against Genoa, helping spur two attacks that led to goals for the Nerazzurri. Roberto Gagliardini has, in my mind, earned a start following his brace at Genoa.
Both should provide ample support to Perisic and Matteo Politano up front against an Orobisi defense that has allowed 41 goals this season – highest among the top six teams in Serie A.
Probable lineup: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Miranda, Skriniar, Asamoah; Gagliardini, Brozovic; Politano, Nainggolan, Perisic; Icardi
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Atalanta news (W-W-D-W-W)
The biggest news for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side is the loss of striker Duvan Zapata.
Zapata will sit out the match Sunday thanks to a suspension in Atalanta’s 4-1 win against Bologna. In that match, the Orobici notched all of their goals in the first 15 minutes of the match.
Because Zapata is out, Atalanta lose the 20-goal scorer and capocannoniere in a match they need to win to keep pressure for a Champions League position. It is largely because of Zapata that Atalanta lead Serie A with 64 goals scored.
Their offense has been the main reason why they are where they are as their defense has given up 41 goals, yet the Orobisi still have a +23 goal differential – third-best in Serie A.
It is likely that Gasperini will bring in Musa Barrow in place of Zapata. Another option is to use either Papu Gomez or Josip Ilicic has a false nine with Mario Pasalic in support.
Defensively, Atalanta remain without Rafael Toloi, who is out due to injury.
Probable lineup: Gollini; Mancini, Djimsiti, Masiello; Hateboer, De Roon, Freuler, Gosens; Gomez, Pasalic; Barrow
Match information
Time and Date: 12 p.m. EDT Sunday, April 7, 2019
Location: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (Milan)
How to watch: In the United States, you can view the match on ESPNNEWS, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes+. If you are in the United Kingdom, the match can be seen on Premier Sports 1. In Italy, the match is live on Sky Supercalcio HD, Sky Sport Serie A, Sky Calcio 2 and Sky Go Italia.
Click here to see how you can watch the match from anywhere in the world.
Other matches to watch this weekend
Bologna vs. Chievo – Their loss midweek have dropped Bologna into the relegation zone. A win over Chievo – who is all but relegated – could move Bologna back into safety. (2:30 p.m. EDT Monday)
Juventus vs. AC Milan – Thanks to results from the midweek matches, the Old Lady could, in theory, win the Scudetto this weekend with a win and a loss by Napoli. On the other hand, AC Milan have been hit with injuries and need a win to remain in a Champions League position. (12 p.m. EDT Saturday)
Napoli vs. Genoa – Neither team fared well in the midweek. Napoli need a win to keep some pressure on Juventus (and to keep teams like Inter off their backs). (2:30 p.m. EDT Sunday)
Sampdoria vs. AS Roma – A loss would likely end any hopes of the Giallorossi earning a Champions League position next season as it would move Sampdoria level with them on 48 points. (2:30 p.m. Saturday)
What do you think? Post your comments below!