Inter to come through tough Empoli challenge
Inter have the chance to regain top spot in Serie A temporarily when they welcome Empoli to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza early on Friday evening. Their vastly superior goal difference over deadly rivals AC Milan means the latter need to match I Nerazzurri's results to stay ahead of them to scoop the scudetto, but Aurelio Andreazzoli's side aren't just going to roll over in the northern city. Read our preview here:
Bar-ring their way
Simone Inzaghi's charges have three fairly kind fixtures (on paper) from which to extract maximum points and increase their hopes of retaining the title, but must do so without highly rated centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who is likely to be a summer transfer target for a clutch of Premier League clubs. Elsewhere, Nicolò Barella faces a late fitness test to be involved at the outset. The influential playmaker is key to keeping the front two active and as involved as possible.
Pina up
The visitors are pretty much safe from relegation and set for a second season in the top tier, which in recent weeks is mostly owed to their shock 3-2 victory over third placed Napoli. Loanees Petar Stojanović and Valerio Verre are both suspended, and the XI should line up as a 4-3-1-2. Striker Andrea Pinamonti, on loan from the hosts, has had a breakout term, netting 12 goals in the blue of the Tuscany side.
Betting tip
That Napoli result shows that Empoli can be dangerous on their day, and Inter should take nothing for granted. betway have odds of 2.37 for a home win with both teams scoring.
