Inter desperately need to end the five-match winless run, whereas Bologna wouldn’t mind recording a fifth straight draw as that would mean they keep their advantage over the relegation rivals.

The Neroazzurri recovered well from the disappointing start to the season and they managed to record eight straight victories in December and January.

The impressive run of results came to an abrupt end as Inter were first beaten by Napoli in Coppa Italia, before going on to take just one point from next four games.

Narrow defeats to Lecce and Novara as well as the 4-0 loss to Roma served as major blow for the players’ confidence, meaning that Claudio Ranieri’s side could really do a morale-boosting victory ahead of the Champions League clash with Marseille.

Therefore, odds of 1.40 (2/5) offered by Sportingbet on home win do look tempting, especially when we know that the hosts will have plenty of time to recover before the Marseille clash on Wednesday.

Maicon returns to the side from suspension, but Samuel and Guarin remain sidelined. Keeper Julio Cesar is doubtful with an elbow problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Cesar – Maicon, Lucio, Rannochia, Chivu – Zanetti, Cambiasso, Stankovic – Sneijder – Milito, Pazzini.

Bologna had no less than two games postponed due to adverse weather conditions, meaning this will be their first game after 12 days.

That could prove to be a problem as the Rossoblu had just raised their form after the somewhat slow start to the season.

Stefano Pioli’s side are unbeaten in last five Serie A games and have four straight draws, while it is important that they brought points from San Paolo and Olimpico during this period.

The team enter this match without any pressure as they are now four points clear of the bottom three, but with two games in hand, and the Felsinei are expected to make life difficult for Inter.

Apart from defender Simone Loria, boss Stefano Pioli can choose from a fully fit squad, with effervescent Marco Di Vaio set to be deployed as a lone striker.

Probable starting line-up (3-4-2-1): Gillet – Raggi, Portanova, Antonsson, Garics – Perez, Mudingayi, Morleo – Taider, Ramirez – Di Vaio.