Inter Milan vs. Chievo preview: Flying Donkeys aim to frustrate Inter

Inter Milan now haven't won in three Serie A matches and as a result of their dreadful performance against bottom-of-the-table Siena last week, are now being labelled a club in crisis. Inter's defensive frailties were laid bare in Siena, with the pace and power of Innocent Emeghara causing real problems as time and time again, Inter's high defensive line was punished on the counter attack. Cristian Chivu's sending off in Siena means Andrea Stramaccioni will be forced into a defensive reshuffle, and it remains to be seen whether Matias Silvestre will slot into Strama's favoured three man backline or whether he makes wholesale tactical changes on the back of the Romanian's absence. Fredy Guarin is also suspended after picking up a booking last week, and young deadline day signing Mateo Kovacic may slot in as a direct replacement.

Chievo managed to make Juventus work for their victory last week, the Bianconeri coming out on top 2-1 in the end. Chievo's strength lies in frustrating their opponents, as displayed in their 1-0 away victory over Lazio two weeks ago. Whilst Lazio dominated possession and passed the ball around at will, Chievo's staunch five man defence stymied any creativity, and the Flying Donkeys managed to take advantage of their one clear chance to take home all the points. Following their good display against Juve, Chievo will be confident on gaining something from this match, especially given Inter's shaky recent form and the fact that they struggled against Torino, who are level on points with the Flying Donkeys, and Siena who lie at the bottom of the table.

Inter have a lengthy list of absentees which could affect them. Added to the suspensions of Chivu and Guarin are Gaby Mudingayi and Walter Samuel, whilst Diego Milito and Esteban Cambiasso are both doubtful. Chievo have their fair share of injury worries, with Gennaro Sardo and Adrian Stoian out and Mamadou Samassa on his way back from the Africa Cup of Nations, having scored in Mali's third-place playoff triumph over Ghana.

Out: Luca Castellazzi, Walter Samuel, Gaby Mudingayi (injured), Fredy Guarin, Cristian Chivu (suspended); In Doubt: Esteban Cambiasso, Joel Obi, Diego Milito, Dejan Stankovic