Inter director Ausilio on Argentina irritation and PIF reports
Inter director Piero Ausilio confessed to frustration after their Argentina internationals flew in just hours before the big game with Lazio, but shrugged off questions about a potential PIF takeover.
It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
Lautaro Martinez and Joaquin Correa are on the bench, as they only arrived in Rome straight from Argentina late last night.
“We are Inter, we are a strong and competitive squad, but having said that, it wasn’t easy to prepare with so few players available and some returning only last night,” Ausilio told DAZN.
Some Liga teams postponed their Saturday matches because of the South American internationals, but Inter did not have that alternative.
“Unfortunately, there was no other option, we could not postpone the game, so we start and here have players who can come off the bench to make a difference.
“With the Champions League, and the Supercup will be there too, we simply couldn’t move the game. The real problem was whoever decided to schedule international duty in mid-October.”
This is Simone Inzaghi’s first time back at the Stadio Olimpico as an opponent for Lazio and he is expected to receive a warm welcome from the supporters.
“It’s natural that he’s going to be emotional after 22 years at Lazio, so I expect him to be moved when he first steps out there and sees the fans, but he’s a great professional and will be fully focused.”
Finally, Ausilio was asked to comment on the reports that Saudi investment fund PIF could try a takeover of Inter after purchasing Newcastle United in the Premier League.
“I am a director of sport, so I cannot answer. I don’t know who PIF is,” he smiled.