Inter without Martinez heads to revitalised Lecce after Bodo/Glimt setback
The Serie A frontrunners Inter Milan head to a rejuvenated Lecce this Saturday absent their key forward Lautaro Martinez, following the midweek reverse against Bodo/Glimt.
The Argentine forward Martinez came off during the second half of Wednesdays 3-1 Champions League qualifier defeat in Norway.
Reports in the Italian press indicate the 28-year-old team skipper is dealing with a calf problem, which manager Christian Chivu attributed to the synthetic surface at Aspmyra Stadion.
"I am no medical expert and cannot speculate on timelines for recovery," Chivu informed journalists after the loss in the chilly Norwegian weather.
"Once the assessments are complete, we will gauge the extent of the problem," the ex-Inter back added.
The reverse in Norway endangers Inters chances of reaching the Champions League knockout phase, with the second leg scheduled at San Siro next Tuesday.
"Struggling to assess just how badly it spiralled," remarked Inter forward Pio Esposito post-game.
"It is a tough result, yet we get another opportunity and must battle for it.
"Advancing remains within reach," he continued.
Over the weekend, Chivus squad faces Lecce, a side that has secured victories in their last two outings.
Triumph in southern Italy would extend the 20-time title holders advantage to 10 points ahead of city rivals AC Milan, who entertain Parma the following day.
"We must evaluate our position now, as several small issues have arisen post this fixture," Chivu noted.
"Lecce awaits in three days, then we turn attention to the rematch," the 45-year-old Romanian appended.
In other Scudetto pursuits, Napoli in third travel to Atalanta, where Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay is expected back from injury for the title holders.
Juventus, another Serie A outfit recovering from a European mishap, welcome Como, who managed a 1-1 stalemate with AC Milan on Thursday.
The Turin side suffered a 5-2 thrashing by Galatasaray on Tuesday, leaving their knockout aspirations in jeopardy.
Spotlight player: Donyell Malen
The Roma forward has netted five Serie A strikes in five appearances, featuring braces in each of the previous two matches, since joining from Aston Villa last month. Just the ex-Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta has enjoyed a stronger debut stint at Stadio Olimpico.
Essential figures
10 - Inter Milan could establish a substantial gap over AC Milan atop the standings this Saturday.
0 - Napoli have claimed no victories sans Scott McTominay this term.
31.72km/h - Cremoneses Floriani Mussolini, grandson of fascist leader Benito Mussolini, hit that velocity in the campaigns second round, marking the seasons peak, per daily Correre dello Sport.
Schedule (all times GMT)
Friday
Sassuolo v Verona (1945)
Saturday
Juventus v Como (1400), Lecce v Inter Milan (1700), Cagliari v Lazio (1945)
Sunday
Genoa v Torino (1130), Atalanta v Napoli (1400), AC Milan v Parma (1700), Roma v Cremonese (1945)
Monday
Fiorentina v Pisa (1730), Bologna v Udinese (1945)