Mauro Icardi is set to return this weekend for Inter Milan. The Argentine striker has had a soap opera-esque saga with Inter Milan over the last month-plus.
Icardi had the captain’s armband taken off him by the club due to issues over injuries and his contract. Transfer speculation is swirling over Icardi’s possible departure. He is expected to play in some capacity as Lazio arrive at the San Siro.
Inter Milan have won their last four Serie A matches against Lazio. The Nerazzurri went to the Stadio Olimipico and claimed a 3-0 victory earlier this term. Lazio did gain some revenge with a 1-1 draw in the Coppa Italia. The Biancocelesti went through on penalties at the San Siro following the draw.
Both sides go into the fixture in good form. Lazio are undefeated in five of their last six games with four ending in victory. Lazio defeated Parma 4-1 just before the international break with former Liverpool striker Luis Alberto scoring twice. The Biancocelesti have outscored their opponents 11-4 in their last six matches.
Lazio are fighting for a top-four finish and a win over Inter Milan would enable them to gain ground. Lazio are currently six points behind fourth-place AC Milan. Meanwhile, Inter Milan sit in third place and eight points ahead of Lazio.
Despite Icardi being absent from the Inter Milan team, they have done well over their last six matches. The Nerazzurri are undefeated in five Serie A games with four ending in wins. Inter Milan have outscored their opponents 12-9. Their defence has been suspect over the course of those six matches, but they have still found a way to win.
Both clubs defeated their city rivals prior to the international break. Lazio defeated Roma 3-0. Meanwhile, Inter Milan beat AC Milan in a close contest, 3-2. The wins could buoy the sides to strong finishes. Lazio still have the Coppa Italia semifinals to look forward to, while Inter Milan’s focus is solely on a top-four finish.
Lazio haven’t beaten Inter Milan in Serie A at the San Siro since 2015. Inter Milan have defeated Lazio in their last five matches in Serie A play. Although Lazio has bested Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia, they have failed to gain three points in their league fixtures.
Sunday night’s match will once again see Inter Milan win against Lazio. The fixture will be a traditional low-scoring Italian game with fewer than 2.5 goals. Inter Milan will strengthen their top-four bid as Lazio fall to another loss at the San Siro.