Preview: Inter Milan vs. Wolfsburg

Inter Milan have it all to do on Thursday when they host Wolfsburg for the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

The Nerazzurri suffered a damaging 3-1 defeat in Germany last week, despite taking an early lead at the Volkswagen Arena.

Roberto Mancini will be hoping that his side can turn the tide in their favour after recently admitting that their hopes of Champions League qualification are all but over.

Inter currently sit 12 points adrift of third-placed Lazio in the Serie A table following a three-game winless run. Their last outing in the league saw them held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Cesena at San Siro.

However, the record book shows that they are strong at home in European competition thanks to seven wins and four draws in their previous 11 matches.

Wolfsburg make the trip to Italy having suffered just one defeat in their last 21 games in all competitions - a run that includes 16 victories.

While the Bundesliga title race looking like it is already over, Dieter Hecking's side have cemented their place behind leaders Bayern Munich due to a return of 22 points from the last 27 on offer. Striker Bas Dost has played a key role in Wolfsburg's season so far, scoring 15 goals in 21 games.

The Germans are also impressive away from home in European competition, going unbeaten in their previous three matches.

Naldo is suspended for the visitors, while Aaron Hunt misses out with a knee problem. Patrick Drewes could also be be sidelined. Inter's only injury absentee is Yuto Nagatomo, who has been ruled out due to a thigh complaint.

Inter Milan:

Form in Europa League: DWDDWL Form in all competitions: WWLDLD

Possible starting lineup: Carrizo; D'Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Juan, Santon; Guarin, Medel, Hernanes; Icardi, Shaqiri, Icardo

Wolfsburg:

Form in Europa League: WLWWDW Form in all competitions: DWWLWW

Possible starting lineup: Benaglio; Vierinha, Klose, Knoche, Rodriguez; Guilavogui, Luiz Gustavo; Caligiuri, De Bruyne, Schurrle; Dost

Sports Mole says: 1-2