Cagliari vs Inter: Nerazzurri look to get back on track after frustrating draw
The Nerazzurri will be looking to stay ahead of resurgent cross-town rivals AC Milan.
Inter will be seeking to get back to winning ways following a disappointing draw against Fiorentina as they travel to face struggling Cagliari in Sardinia on Friday evening.
The Nerazzurri currently find themselves in third spot, but now have both cross-town rivals AC Milan and Roma creeping up on them. With Juventus and Napoli locking horns on Sunday, Inter could potentially close the gap on the Partenopei to just six points if they can beat Cagliari and Carlo Ancelotti’s side fail to defeat Juventus.
Luciano Spalletti’s side have been beset with some much unwanted drama over the past few weeks, notably concerning the future of skipper Mauro Icardi. The Argentinian striker has been stripped of his captain’s armband as he has yet to sign a contract extension. In addition, he has been reportedly declared “fit to play” but continues to be frozen out of the squad.
Nonetheless, Inter have forged ahead without the no. 9, with other players, including Croatian star Ivan Perisic stepping up and delivering in his absence. The draw against Fiorentina was shrouded in controversy, as the Viola were given a dubious penalty in the latter stages in the game, but the visiting side won’t have much time to dwell on dropping two points.
Although Cagliari have lost four of their last five games, they will be desperate for a result here to further widen the gap between themselves and 18th placed Bologna. The Rossoblu sit six points clear of them and will be looking to try to get something out of this match in order to build a more comfortable cushion for themselves.
Inter too, will be desperate for a result as if things don’t go their way, the Nerazzurri could actually slip out of the top four by the time the weekend ends. Roma do have to face Lazio in a tricky Derby della Capitale clash on Saturday, while Milan lock horns with bogey side Sassuolo on the same day.
Given the excellent form of the Rossoneri lately – they have won three in a row and are unbeaten in their last eight across all comps – Inter will not want to leave anything to chance. They have a great opportunity here as they have won all but one of their last seven meetings with Cagliari across all comps. Will they take advantage of this chance and get back on track?
