Giuseppe Bellini
It’s been a week of ups and downs for Andrea Stramaccioni.
After coming back from two goals down to beat Catania last weekend, the Nerazzurri were turned over by Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in midweek, which will probably end their Europa League hopes.
In spite of the mixed bag of results, a worryingly lack of fit personnel and reported squabbling between Stramaccioni and Antonio Cassano, Inter remain just four points off a possible Champions League berth for next season.
They face a Bologna side that come into this game on the back of two consecutive victories - albeit at home and there lies the problem. The Rossoblu haven't been able to replicate their form at the Dall'Ara on the road so far this season. They have lost ten of their 13 away games, including nine of their last 11. However, Stefano Pioli's side will be out to put the record straight and avenge an extra time 3-2 Coppa Italia Quarter Final defeat to the Nerazzurri back in January.
Bologna did find joy in this fixture last season, running out 3-0 victors, while Inter are one of only three clubs to have come away from Bologna with three points this season, winning 3-1 back in Week 9.
Juan Pablo Carrizo looks set to make his Inter debut between the sticks, covering for the suspended Samir Handanovic. The Argentine shot stopper hasn't played much Football so far this season, featuring just once for Lazio in the Coppa Italia.
Given Inter's shortage of strikers, last week's goal hero Rodrigo Palacio is expected to lead the line after starting the Spurs game from the bench. Cassano should provide the support with Tommaso Rocchi on standby.
Alberto Gilardino and Alessandro Diamanti have 17 Serie A goals between them thus far and will look to capitalise on Inter's current frailties. Mikael Antonsson returns to shore up the backline, but Cesare Natali misses the trip through injury and Panagiotis Kone is suspended.
Inter Milan injuries and suspensions
Out: Luca Castellazzi, Walter Samuel, Yuto Nagatomo, Matias Silvestre, Joel Obi, Gaby Mudingayi, Diego Milito (injured) Samir Handanovic (suspended)
Bologna injuries and suspensions
Out: Cesare Natali (injured) Panagiotis Kone (suspended)
Match Date/Time: Sunday 10th March 2013 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: San Siro, Milan, Italy
TV: Sky Calcio 1(Italy) RAI Internazionale (U.S)
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