Spezia vs Inter Milan: Match Preview

With six points secured on the bounce, Inter will make the trip to Liguria to face Spezia on Friday. Inter are now only two points behind AC Milan with a game in hand that will officially be played in a couple of weeks at Bologna. To keep within striking distance of Milan until then, it is important to pick up maximum points from comfortably midtable sides such as Spezia.

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After the departure of manager Vincenzo Italiano to Fiorentina, it looked to be an uncertain season for Spezia. However, the underdog Ligurians have responded with 33 points from 32 matches so far this season, plenty to guarantee Spezia’s safety for the next Serie A season. Much of this is thanks to former Inter midfielder Thiago Motta, who has taken the reins at the club after Italiano and maintained some much needed continuity in the club’s attacking style of play.

While they played out a scoreless draw against Empoli in their last match, Spezia are capable of surprise results against the upper portion of the table. Motta’s team already boast away wins against Napoli and Milan this season. If Inter overlook this match in favor of next week’s Coppa Italia semifinal second leg, they could be in some trouble.

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Inter seem to have fully shaken off their winter woes in favor of a spring surge with wins over Juventus and Verona. The inclusion of Joaquin Correa in attack has also added a different element to this team, making a stale attack much less predictable. Marcelo Brozovic is also fully fit and confident, which is important for the heart and soul of this team. With everyone rounding into form, Milan are looking over their shoulders and having to deal with the pressure of the defending champions on the rise. Inter did not win on this ground last season, so it will be something the team looks to make right this season.

Lautaro Martinez will be back after serving a one match suspension for yellow card accumulation and may get the start with Correa up top. Robin Gosens may also get his first start at Inter with Ivan Perisic just one yellow card away from suspension. Stefan de Vrij, who has struggled with fitness recently, will likely be rested as Milan Skriniar moves to the center of the defense with Danilo D’Ambrosio and Alessandro Bastoni flanking him.

Previous Results

2-0 (H) - 1/12/2021

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1-1 (A) - 21/4/2021

Predicted Starting XIs

Prediction: Spezia 0-2 Inter

Spezia are in a comfortable position going into the latter portion of the season. They are safe in the lower midtable of Serie A and have little to play for at this point. Because of this, an Inter side with more urgency should be able to take care of this Spezia team. Watch for Lautaro to get back on the scoresheet with the aid of Correa up top and a first Inter goal for Gosens on his first start.

Forza Inter!