It has been a bit longer than expected given the postponement of the match against Bologna, but Inter will be back on Sunday to face Lazio in a match that could get heated on a cold Milan night. The first matchup between these two teams ended in fireworks and red cards after Felipe Anderson’s goal while Federico Dimarco was down on the pitch. Luis Felipe also drew one of the dumbest red cards ever after the final whistle by jumping on the back of former teammate Joaquin Correa. Given the scenes in the last match and the connections between the two clubs with Simone Inzaghi, Joaquin Correa, and Stefan de Vrij, this match will not be short of interesting storylines.
Inter have not taken the pitch since their 1-0 win over Torino just before Christmas. The postponement of the match against Bologna may give Inter a rest advantage over Lazio, but could also be an issue for match sharpness and add to an already congested fixture list in the coming weeks. Despite not playing, the Nerazzurri are still one point clear of Milan and six clear of Napoli, a comfortable place to be, but still a spot that may give Milan some hope. A win against Lazio would help ease any worry that the current look of the table may bring.
With no matches, Inter have been able to return Correa, Matteo Darmian, and Edin Dzeko. However, because of the Bologna situation, Inter will likely be without Hakan Calhanoglu because of the yellow card suspension he received after being carded against Torino. If the match is considered a Bologna forfeit, he will be able to play, but that decision has yet to come.
Lazio’s match against Empoli was able to be played on Thursday and ended in a chaotic 3-3 draw in which Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s stoppage time goal saved Maurizio Sarri’s team from a shock loss to the newly promoted side. As the only team to beat Inter domestically this season, they will looking to do the double over the reigning champions for the first time since the 2012-2013 season.
The Biancocelesti will be without their best defender. Francesco Acerbi suffered an injury early in the match against Empoli and will not be fit to face Inter, meaning that Patric will be the likely starter against Serie A’s most potent attack.
Previous Results
3-1 (H) - 14/2/2021
3-1 (A) - 16/10/2021
Predicted Starting XIs
Prediction: Inter 3-2 Lazio
Out for revenge after what happened earlier in the season, Inter will be ready to take it to Lazio. This Inter squad is also much more settled and has a better understanding of the manager and each other than they did in October. Lazio may be a little less fresh but won’t make things easy for Inzaghi and his team, but the absence of Acerbi will be a big issue for them against such a potent attack.
Forza Inter!
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