After holding last year’s top 6 rivals Torino to a goalless draw at Stadio Olimpico, Inter go into the Sassuolo clash looking to record the first triumph of the campaign. That will be no easy task though even if Neroverdi did not impress in their opening match, having shared spoils with Cagliari.

Not a very good debut for Vidic

Even if they had left the likes of AC Milan and Lazio behind them, Inter could not have been too happy with a fifth-place finish, and club officials in turn did their best to reinforce the squad over the summer. And while a number of fringe players were allowed to move on, the Nerazzurri made some very good signings, adding the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Dodo, Yann M’Vila, Gary Medel and Pablo Osvaldo to their ranks. And with Fredy Guarin and Mauro Icardi staying at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Walter Mazzarri now have a host of quality options in most areas, although the back line still looks a bit shaky. Summer signing from Manchester United Nemanja Vidic had a pretty disappointing debut, committing a penalty before being sent off late in the game and his absence will be felt as Inter back line will have their work cut out for them against the likes of Zaza, Berardi and Sansone. With Hernandes and Kovacic pulling the strings in midfield and Icardi and Palacio up front, the Nerazzurri should have no problems in attack, so chances are we will see a high-scoring encounter at Giuseppe Meazza.

Nemanja Vidic misses out through suspension, but Gary Medel and Jonathan are injury doubts. Yann M’Vila has resumed full training and should start.

Sassuolo forwards star for Azzurri(ni)

It was some strong performances last season that put Sassuolo on the football map of Italy, and the club management have done brilliantly to help the team continue the uptrend in fortunes. The Neroverdi did well to turn the loan deals of Antonio Floro Flores and Davide Biondini into permanent moves, while also signing Andrea Consigli, Saphir Taider, Federico Peluso and Sime Vrsaljko. However, it is two deals with Juventus that should have a key impact on their fortunes, with Sassuolo securing another season-long loan for Domenico Berardi while purchasing the contract of Simone Zaza. And it is the two forwards that have been making the headlines with their performances for the national teams, with Zaza scoring his first goal for the senior Italy national team and Berardi working wonders and scoring a very important goal for the Under-21 side against Serbia. Buoyed by some excellent showings during the international break, the two forwards, together with Nicola Sansone should prove a handful for Inter defence, so I definitely wouldn’t be so brave as to back Inter to win this game.

Paolo Cannavaro is banned, while Gianluca Pegolo and Ettore Gliozzi are out injured. Thomas Manfredini is not yet ready to return.

Verdict

Inter Milan have yet to hit the ground running following the numerous changes in the summer, but an attack-minded approach should produce results against Sassuolo, who have conceded in both matches this season. Neroverdi, on the other hand, are heavily relying on the excellent attacking trio and they, too, are expected to net at least once at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Top pick: Both teams to score   1.95 (19/20) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Over 2.5 goals   1.78 (39/50) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Sassuolo +1.25 AH   1.85 (17/20) @ bet365