Coming off last week’s disappointing loss against Torino, Inter take the short drive to Bergamo to face neighbours Atalanta. Match on Saturday at 20:45 CET

There’s no doubt that the loss against Torino last week stung. Not only did Inter drop out of the top four because of it, but the fact that it came against the run of play, and a pretty solid showing by the Nerazzurri means that there’s always the potential of hitting the fragile Inter psyche hard. Thankfully this match will be the last in a trio of tough away matches and with a win here, not only do the Nerazzurri guarantee a return to the top four, but a draw in the Rome derby on Sunday might even see them finish the week in third.

There’s no doubt that the midfield trio of Rafinha, Roberto Gagliardini and Marcelo Brozovic are the Nerazzurri’s strongest and most in-form midfield module. However, with the loss of Brozovic to suspension, Luciano Spaletti will be loth to start Borja Valero who put in a poor showing against the Granata last week. Antonio Candreva will also be expected to start the match on the bench given Yann Karamoh’s strong performance last week.

Atalanta will be without the services of suspended striker Andrea Petagna and the possibly still injured Josip Illicic and Leonardo Spinazzola, meaning that ex-Inter coach and ever-aspiring-to-be-Inter-party-pooper Gian Piero Gasperini will be without plenty of firepower.

It is rare for a team to be given an opportunity to recover from two consecutive disappointing results in such a critical point in the season and Inter must give their all to capitalize on this rare chance. There can be no illusions here, anything but a win will be a huge blow to Inter’s Champions League hopes, and to honest, if Inter can’t step up to the plate and take all three points here, maybe we don’t deserve to be part of Europe’s elite just yet.

Team News

Marcelo Brozovic, one of Inter’s standout performers in the last few weeks is suspended for the match. Thankfully, Matias Vecino has returned to fitness and will probably replace the Croatian in a straight man for man swap. News from Appiano seems to indicate that Yann Karamoh will replace the under-performing Antonio Candreva on the right wing.

Probable Inter line-up (subject to change): (4-2-3-1) Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Miranda, Skriniar, Cancelo; Vecino, Gagliardini; Perisic, Rafinha, Karamoh; Icardi (C)

Stats

Last Season: Atalanta 2 – 1 Inter

Last 10 Head to Head: Inter have gotten the better out of their Lombardy cousins, beating Atalanta in five of the last ten matches to Atalanta’s three wins. Interestingly, there have been just two draws in the last ten matches, both of which were in Bergamo.

Keep an Eye on

Rafinha: The match in Turin last week showed just how important the ex-Barcelona midfielder has become. There is no one on the current Inter roster who can distribute the ball in the final third as well as Rafinha does. But Rafinha is not just a great ball distributor, his ability to provide a passing outlet to the often pressed Gagliardini and carry the ball into the opponents’ danger zone cannot be undermined as well.

Officials

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Assistants: Vivenzi, Lo Cicero

Fourth Official: Calvarese

Additional Assistants: Damato, Ranghetti

Prediction & Authors Note

Prediction & scorers: Atalanta 1-2 Inter with Icardi, Rafinha bringing home the points for Inter.

Author’s Note: With the Rome derby taking place this matchweek, it will be critically important for Inter to take all three points here and guarantee themselves a return to the top four.

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