CONFIRMED lineups for Inter v Lazio showdown

Having claimed the lead of the Serie A table at the weekend - thanks to their win over Genao and Napoli's defeat at Como - Inter will be eager to face Antonio Conte's side in what could almost be deemed a title-deciding showdown. However, before the trip to the Diego Armando Maradona, the 'Nerazzuri' have another huge game to take care of as they host Lazio for a place in the Coppa Italia semi-finals. 

After the Supercoppa Italiana defeat to local rivals AC Milan (2-3), Inter cannot afford to let the Coppa Italia slip away from their grasp as it is their only shot at winning a domestic cup competition. But as Simone Inzaghi is reunited with his former side at the San Siro, the 'Biancocelesti' will do their best to make life difficult for the reigning Serie A champions. The winner of this clash will meet Conceicao's Milan in the semi-finals after they eliminated Roma.

With the crunch against Napoli in mind, Inzaghi has made a few changes in his usual 3-5-2 formation. Goalkeeper Martinez makes successive starts, with veteran Sommer sidelined after undergoing surgery on a broken thumb. Bisseck starts in the defensive backline alongside Pavard to give Bastoni a rest, while Asllani, Zielinski and Frattesi are deployed in midfield. Dumfries is demoted to the bench to make way for Darmian on the flank, while Taremi and Arnautovic make up upfront instead of the usual Lautaro-Thuram duo.

As for Lazio, who face the 'Rossoneri' in their upcoming league fixture, head coach Baroni has also made several tweaks to last week's starting lineup against Verona (0-0). Mandas is between the posts, with Pellegrini, Romagnoli, Gigot and Lazzari starting in front of him in defence. Rovella is back in midfield alongside Guendouzi while the final third is made up of Isaksen, Zaccagni, Dia and new entry Tchaouna, who comes in to replace the injured Castellanos.

Possible confirmed for Inter v Lazio clash

Inter's confirmed starting XI (3-5-2): Martinez (GK); Pavard, De Vrij, Bisseck; Darmian, Zielinski, Asslani, Frattesi, Dimarco; Arnautovic, Taremi. 

Lazio's confirmed starting XI (4-2-3-1): Mandas (GK); Lazzari, Gigot, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Tchaouna.

 

February 25, 2025