Atalanta vs. Inter Milan, Preview and TV schedule: Nerazzurri sure to take points...

Inter Milan's victory over Hellas Verona on Saturday was their first after three negative results, but if they want to mount a true challenge, they'll need to fix their away form. The nerazzurri have managed just a point apiece from their last two away matches, against Cagliari and Torino. Atalanta is of similar quality and it won't be any easier for Inter to get three points from Bergamo. Despite their loss to Sampdoria this weekend, the bergamaschi are among the teams in best form in Serie A.

Walter Mazzarri is still without Hugo Campagnaro, recovering from an injury to his right leg, whose absence was felt even in the win against Verona. Rolando will step in once again, but the nerazzurri boss might make use of Walter Samuel as well. The experienced defender was expected to start against Verona, but Mazzarri decided to put his trust in Andrea Ranocchia and Juan Jesus once again. It's likely one of the two will sit in hopes that Inter can fix their defensive woes.

Samir Handanovic will be back between the sticks after a one game suspension, but Ishak Belfodil sits out two after seeing red at the end of the Verona game, when he got into a scuffle with Vangelis Moras. It is also expected that Mateo Kovacic will be fit for the game after shaking off a slight injury, but it's still doubtful whether Mazzarri will start him or chose Saphir Taider, who is weaker technically but offers more protection for the defense. The biggest threat for Atalanta will be Rodrigo Palacio, who already has six goals to this season and seems to be in the best form of his life.

For the hosts, Stefano Colantuono will have to make do without regulars Giacomo Bonaventura and Gianpaolo Bellini. The absence of Bonaventura, one of Atalanta's most talented players, leaves a major gap in the attack. Franco Brienza will likely step in, although some reports suggest it might be young Croat Marko Livaja. Defender Bellini came off injured in the first half against Sampdoria and, to make things worse for Atalanta, his replacement, Constantin Nica, was sent off later in the game. In absence of the captain, Colantuono will most likely give veteran Lionel Scaloni his first start for the side. Finally, Atalanta are still without Stefano Lucchini and Luigi Giorgi, both still recovering from injuries.

The nerazzurri from Milan are definitely the favorites, with more quality to their side. But the other, smaller nerazzurri are a solid, well-chosen team that can challenge even the biggest sides. Inter's shaky defense will have problems containing German Denis and Maxi Moralez, who are among the best attacking duos on the peninsula, at least among the so-called small clubs. Atalanta may also have the means to stifle Inter's attack. Ricardo Alvarez and Rodrigo Palacio will help Yuto Nagatomo and Jonathan overload the flanks and create 2vs1 situations, but since the hosts play a reactive 4-4-1-1 formation, they will have two players on each flank. Depending on how well Brienza (provided he plays) and Cristian Raimondi do at helping their defense, Atalanta could get a result here.

Inter Milan injuries and suspensions: Cristian Chivu, Javier Zanetti, Hugo Campagnaro, Diego Milito (injured); Ishak Belfodil (suspended)

Atalanta (4-4-1-1): Andrea Consigli; Lionel Scaloni, Guglielmo Stendardo, Mario Yepes, Cristiano Del Grosso; Cristian Raimondi, Luca Cigarini, Carlos Carmona, Franco Brienza; Maxi Moralez; German Denis

Inter Milan (3-5-1-1): Samir Handanovic; Juan Jesus, Andrea Ranocchia, Rolando; Yuto Nagatomo, Saphir Taider, Esteban Cambiasso, Fredy Guarin, Jonathan; Ricardo Alvarez; Rodrigo Palacio

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