Inter ended 2016 on a positive note, now is the time to continue on this path and to start 2017 in a good manner. Going to Udinese will be a tough challenge though, and the Friuli is far from the warm Marbella where the nerazzurri prepared for the second half of the season.
Tactics: Pioli doesn’t think about the mercato and wants everybody to be focused on the field, especially after the three consecutive victories against Genoa, Sassuolo and Lazio that has made Inter climb in the standings. Probable formation will be 4-2-3-1 with either Banega or Joao Mario as a playmaker.
Opponents: Udinese coach Delneri has turned the season around after a weak start and is now focusing on organisation and confidence. Something that seems to work, even teams like Juventus and Napoli have had tough games against Udinese. 4-3-3 will probably be the formation with the recuperated Thereau as part of a tridente together with Zapata and De Paul. The four-man defence is confirmed while Jankto or Hallfredsson will take the midfield. Badu and Wague are absent due to the African Cup.
Where to hit: Without the coverage of Badu and the physicality of Wague Udinese lack some speed in the midfield so attacking this will be crucial. Icardi’s movement will be a key and the Argentinian must avoid standing still waiting for passes from his teammates.
All eyes on: Kondogbia. Everything suggests that Pioli once again will start the youngster, who made a good finish last year, especially against Lazio. This is exactly what Inter need. With Gagliardini coming and rumours about Luiz Gustavo, the french-man has to confirm the positive trend today at Dacia Arena, just like everyone at Inter.
Probable formations:
UDINESE (4-3-3): Karnezis; Widmer, Danilo, Felipe, Samir; Fofana, Kums, Jankto; De Paul, Zapata, Thereau.
Substitutes: Scuffet, Perisan, Angella, Heurtaux, Faraoni, Adnan, Hallfredsson, Bovolon, Magnino, Matos, Perica, Ewandro.
Coach: Delneri.
INTER (4-2-3-1): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Murillo, Miranda, Ansaldi; Brozovic, Kondogbia; Candreva, Banega, Perisic; Icardi.
Substitutes: Carrizo, Berni, Andreolli, Ranocchia, Santon, Nagatomo, Gnoukouri, Joao Mario, Biabiany, Palacio, Eder, Gabriel Barbosa.
Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Doveri
