Prediction: Salernitana vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Inter Milan win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to claim a much-needed boost on Friday afternoon, Inter Milan will make the trip to the Stadio Arechi when they meet Salernitana.

Salernitana

Starting with the hosts, marking their return from the international break with a 1-1 draw away at Spezia over the weekend, Salernitana have gained a reputation as a real stalemate specialist over recent weeks. In fact, on a run that is highlighted by an eye-catching 1-1 draw against defending champions AC Milan, Paulo Sousa’s men have played out a draw in each of their last four top-flight contests. Opening Friday’s showdown at the Stadio Arechi holding a commanding nine-point buffer over the drop zone, the former Poland boss should find the mood in his camp at a high. Signing off February with a 3-0 romp against Monza, Salernitana will be desperate to spring a heavyweight upset on home soil. However, tipped as a landslide underdog here, Sousa should be concerned by his side’s extended struggles in Campania. It should be noted, the Garnets have recorded just a single victory at the Stadio Arechi from their previous eight attempts – a run that stems all the way back to October 22nd.

Team News

Both dealing with recent injury issues prior to the international break, Salernitana look set to once again be without Domen Crnigoj and Pasquale Mazzocchi on Friday afternoon. However, slowly working his way back to full fitness, 36-year-old Federico Fazio could be handed a full recall this weekend.

While one-time AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek might have failed to bag a single Serie A strike since way back on November 5th, the Polish international is expected to spearhead Sousa’s attack here.

Inter Milan

As for the visitors, while Inter Milan might have opened their Coppa Italia semi-final battle with a 1-1 draw away at Juventus earlier in the week, it doesn’t cover what has been a nightmare blip for the Nerazzurri. Marking their return from the international break with another downbeat display as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at home against Fiorentina, Simone Inzaghi’s men have come under a huge amount of scrutiny. In fact, heading into the fortnight interval with another 1-0 defeat against the Old Lady on home soil, Inter Milan are in the midst of a five-match winless run across all competitions. With their woeful spell highlighted by an infamous 2-1 loss at the hands of Spezia, the one-time Lazio boss has seen his side come tumbling down the Serie A standings. Making the trip to Campania on Friday afternoon with just their goal difference keeping them in the top-four, there is no doubt that the Italian heavyweights will be desperate to claim a much-needed boost this weekend.

Team News

Still dealing with a back injury, Inter Milan will make the trip to Campania on Friday afternoon without defensive talisman Milan Skriniar. Likewise, suffering a knock while away with Turkey on international duties last month, Hakan Calhanoglu still remains on the sidelines.

Shown a pair of bookings after coming off the bench away in at Juventus earlier in the week, Romelu Lukaku will serve a suspension here. Although Lautaro Martinez might have drawn a blank in each of his last five domestic appearances, the 25-year-old will lead Inter’s attack this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse meeting on October 16th, Inter Milan claimed a 2-0 victory at the San Siro.
• Likewise, Friday’s guests have won each of their last three meetings against Salernitana by an aggregate score of 12-0.
• However, the Nerazzurri have failed to win any of their last five domestic appearances across all formats – a run that stems back to March 5th.
• Salernitana have recorded just a single victory at the Stadio Arechi since back on October 22nd.
• Four of Inter Milan’s last five appearances away from the San Siro have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Now facing what looks set to be a real battle in their bid to claim a crucial top-four finish this season, Inter Milan know that they can not afford another public slip-up here. Without a win from any of their last five domestic appearances, the Nerazzurri will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders this weekend. However, facing a Salernitana side who have continued to gain a reputation for their issues on home soil, Inzaghi’s men should be excited by a stellar record against Friday’s hosts. Claiming a deserved 2-0 victory when they welcomed the Garnets to Milan on October 16th, we are expecting a similar outcome in Campania.

Verdict: Inter Milan win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet