Lukaku: Conte told me that I was trash in front of the Inter team. Romelu says that the head coach is the best one he worked with. In the team, we’re all equal
Internazionale’s team condition
Having dropped points in four of their last six Serie A matches, Inter Milan have fallen four points behind leaders Juventus. Any hopes of a revival will have to override their recent home league form, with Inter dropping points in four of their last seven Serie A home games. Inter’s penchant for scoring first remains intact, with the ‘Nerazzurri’ having done so in 16 of 20 Serie A games, going on to win 12 and lose none. Inter have managed 15 Serie A first-half clean sheets this season, with 64.71 per cent of their Serie A goals against (11 of 17) coming during the second half. Inter also remains top of the Serie A first-half table with a record.
Maran’s results of wrong tactics
Expected to lose heavily, Cagliari is in freefall, losing four of their last five SA fixtures and remaining without a win since matchday 14. Six of Cagliari’s last nine Serie A matches saw over 3.5 total match goals, which has been the case with 45 per cent of their Serie A matches overall (nine of 20). Cagliari’s struggles continue on the road, but they have scored exactly two goals in four of their last six Serie A away matches, with three finishing 2-2. Furthermore, Cagliari has conceded at least twice in each of their last nine Serie A games and exactly twice in seven.
Will not play
From Inter: Candreva – Yellow cards, D’Ambrosio – Thigh injury; Questionable: Asamoah – Knee injury.
From Cagliari: Cappitelli – Foot injury, Pavoletti – Knee injury, Pisacane – Yellow cards; Questionable: Cerri – Thigh injury, Mattiello – Illness, Ragatzu – Illness, Rog – Thigh injury.
Players to watch
Romelu Lukaku has been Inter’s last scorer in seven of the previous nine Serie A games where he has scored. Meanwhile, Cagliari have won four of five Serie A games to see Giovanni Simeone get on the scoresheet.
Stat attack: Inter is yet to concede a set-piece goal this league season.
Ten of Cagliari’s 31 Serie A goals against have been conceded beyond the 80th minute.
The last six Serie A H2Hs have seen the winner leading at the break.