Inter Milan's pursuit of Serie A glory continues as they prepare to face Empoli at the iconic San Siro on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 19:45 GMT. With leaders Napoli extending their lead, Inter find themselves six points adrift and desperate for three points against the struggling Azzurri.
The Nerazzurri approach the match off the back of a disappointing 2-2 draw against Bologna, where they squandered what could have been a significant victory, allowing Napoli to extend their grip on the top of the table. Inter previously showcased impressive form with six straight league wins before this midweek setback. They now aim to regain momentum as the title race tightens.
Coach Simone Inzaghi’s side boasts significant depth and quality, but injuries are forcing him to reshuffle the starting eleven. Key midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, along with Joaquin Correa and Yann Bisseck, remains sidelined. Mehdi Taremi will partner with Lautaro Martinez upfront, as the team looks to capitalize on their goal-scoring strength against a defensively shaky Empoli.
Empoli travels to Milan mired in troubles, having lost four of their last five league encounters, including a dismal 3-1 defeat to Lecce. The team now finds itself precariously close to the relegation zone, with only two points separating them from 18th-placed Cagliari. Under the guidance of coach Roberto D’Aversa, Empoli's form has left their supporters frustrated, and they grasp desperately for points as the season progresses.
The visitors are without several first-team players due to injury, including Tino Anjorin and Ola Solbakken, adding to their woes. Unable to secure any points against Inter since 2015, Empoli’s historical record suggests they may be battling more than just their current form; they face the weight of psychological pressure coming up against one of Serie A’s strongest teams.
Inter’s home record is also key to the narrative; they have been relatively dominant at San Siro this season, winning six out of eight home matches. Despite recent struggles, including conceding 12 goals over the last eight home league matches, the Nerazzurri are still statistically the stronger side. They have scored 27 goals compared to their opponents' measly tally, which compounds the difficulties faced by Empoli going forward.
Historically, Inter has been quite comfortable when facing Empoli, winning 27 of their last 32 encounters across all competitions. Their latest meetings have largely been one-sided, with the Azzurri aiming to break this trend. A point against the reigning champions would be monumental for Empoli, but optimism may be hard to come by when considering their form and injury woes.
Inter's fans will be hoping for Flair on Sunday night, knowing the stakes have never been higher. The match could shape the future of both clubs: Inter, vying for their championship aspirations, and Empoli fighting desperately to avoid relegation.
On the injury front, the situation remains dire for both teams. While Inter welcomes back Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the absence of influential players like Calhanoglu stresses the squad. Empoli, equally hindered, cannot find the right combination of players to stabilize their season. D’Aversa is left without key attacking options, leaving him reliant on youngsters and fringe players to perform under the pressure.
The match will undoubtedly feature key battles, particularly between Lautaro Martinez and Empoli's Ardian Ismajli, whose performance will be pivotal for any hope of containing the Argentine's threat up front. The goal-scoring prowess of Martinez is complemented by Taremi’s creativity, which can tear through defenses like Empoli's.
With predictions tipping heavily toward Inter victory due to their home form and squad quality, this clash provides ample intrigue. The expectation is for Inter to reclaim their offensive rhythm, displaying attacking prowess against what has been considered one of the league’s weaker teams this season. The outcome appears certain, with Inter primed to deliver another resounding victory at the San Siro.
Inter's talent-filled roster, combined with the experience of Simone Inzaghi, who is currently serving a touchline ban due to yellow card accumulation, provides the right blend to outsmart the obstacles posed by Empoli. The match promises to be gripping, as both teams have points to prove but under hugely contrasting circumstances.
Overall, the situation lays the groundwork for what could be another remarkable evening at the San Siro as fans wait eagerly to see if their team can dispel the shadows of midweek disappointment and set their title challenge back on course. Inter Milan looks poised to secure not just three points, but possibly inflict more damage on hapless Empoli’s campaign.