Baptism of fire for new Inter boss
FLORENCE: New Inter Milan coach Stefano Pioli (pic) faces a baptism of fire in tomorrow’s derby against AC Milan, who are on a hot run of form as they seek their first Serie A title since 2011.
Chinese-owned Inter wielded the axe when they sacked Frank de Boer after just 11 games, and Pioli has the toughest of assignments in what will be a cauldron atmosphere at the San Siro stadium.
The ex-Lazio boss looks set to revamp Inter’s line-up for what he has called a “crucial” game as they bid to rise from their current ninth position in Serie A, 13 points off leaders Juventus.
“It’s a crucial game for us. Milan are doing well, but we’ll go into it with confidence,” Pioli said.
One option for Pioli is to deploy a 4-3-3 with Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, who has hit a league-tying 10 goals in 12 appearances, flanked by Antonio Candreva and Argentina’s Ever Banega.
Meanwhile AC Milan will hope to brush aside Carlos Bacca’s goal drought and defender Alessandro Romagnoli’s injury and keep up their title charge.
The seven-time European champions are finally back in contention after years of mediocrity, although Colombia striker Bacca has failed to score in their last five league outings and Romagnoli’s absence is a key concern.
Yet the setbacks have not stopped Vincenzo Montella’s youthful Rossoneri side giving leaders Juventus a run for their money.
Milan’s purple patch, which includes one defeat in their last nine games, has left them just five points off the top in a run which has won plaudits.
Milan’s hopes of securing a place in European competition next season were boosted by a 1-0 home win over Juventus at the San Siro last month.
Roma, in second place, travel to Atalanta without veteran playmaker Francesco Totti, who was set to start from the bench before suffering a knock to his hip.
Mohamed Salah’s maiden league hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Bologna a fortnight ago ensures the Egyptian will line up alongside Radja Nainggolan and Diego Perotti in Roma’s midfield.
It leaves Bosnia international Edin Dzeko as the lone striker, but in prime position to add to the leagueleading goal tally he shares with Icardi.
Elsewhere, fourth-placed Lazio host Genoa hoping to close the gap on Milan, while sixth-placed Napoli travel to Udinese with one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League clash at home to Dinamo Kiev.
Juventus are in a similar position, and coach Massimiliano Allegri will be forced to dig deep into his injurydepleted squad ahead of today’s home game with struggling Pescara to keep legs fresh for Tuesday’s trip to Sevilla.
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AFP
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