Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi said yesterday that striker Romelu Lukaku is not quite match-fit to be a part of the squad to face Fiorentina in Serie A today. Lukaku was sidelined with a thigh injury in August and is close to returning but the trip to Florence comes too soon for the Belgium international.
“Lukaku has been training partially with the group for two days, he clearly needs to regain match fitness but is very motivated,” Inzaghi said. “Finally, after a long time, that lesion has healed, he won’t be with us tomorrow, but we hope to have him by Wednesday (Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League). Seeing him work, I am feeling confident.”
The Italian coach said that goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, midfielders Marcelo Brozovic and Roberto Gagliardini are also sidelined and will not be available for today’s match.
Inter have had a difficult start to the season, as they sit seventh in the league standings. However, three wins from their last four games, including one over Barcelona in the Champions League, have put them back on track. Inzaghi still expects a tough clash against Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina, who are 13th in the standings.
Inter have five league fixtures as well as two Champions League games, including Bayern Munich away, before the World Cup begins in Qatar on November 20.
Pioli says Milan must adapt to hectic schedule
AC Milan players will have get used to a hectic schedule as they have to turn out for seven games in 22 days before Serie A takes a break for the World Cup, manager Stefano Pioli said ahead of today’s game against Monza.
Pioli’s side will have to cram in five league fixtures as well as two Champions League games before the World Cup begins in Qatar on Nov 20. “Many of the lads have played a lot but I have a group of strong players,” Pioli told reporters. “My only wish is for the team to play at the level they know how to. The Monza match marks the beginning of a period that will see us play seven games in 22 days, and starting well would be important.”
Milan will host Monza, who have turned things around after Raffaele Palladino took charge of the club last month and are now in 14th place.
Milan will be without keeper Mike Maignan who suffered a left calf muscle injury during training on Wednesday. Pioli said midfielder Charles de Ketelaere and defender Simon Kjaer would return after being sidelined due to injuries.
Fixtures (times GMT)
Today: Salernitana v Spezia (1300), AC Milan v Monza (1600) Fiorentina v Inter (1845)
Tomorrow: Udinese v Torino (1030), Bologna v Lecce (1300), Atalanta v Lazio (1600), Roma v Napoli (1845)
Inter Milan players train on Friday.
