Preview: Cagliari Calcio vs. Inter Milan

Roberto Mancini takes his Inter Milan side to play Cagliari Calcio encouraged by the signs of improvement over the past three games in all competitions.

The Nerazzurri have scored seven goals in league wins over Palermo and Atalanta, and although the Italian giants twice surrendered a lead against Celtic in the Europa League, Mancini will be delighted with their goal return over the past two weeks.

New signing Xherdan Shaqiri is becoming increasingly influential for Inter, with the Swiss winger netting twice and playing his part in a number of other goals as he starts to settle after his switch from Bayern Munich.

Striker Mauro Icardi could replace Lukas Podolski in attack in what could be the only change from their last appearance in Serie A.

Cagliari go into the fixture with Inter sitting in the relegation zone and without a win in three games, but boss Gianfranco Zola won't be too concerned with his team's lack of points.

Their setbacks have come in tight matches, while their draw away at Torino gives Zola reason for optimism, but the former West Ham United and Watford boss will be aware that the club can't afford to lose any further ground on the teams above them.

Cagliari haven't kept a clean sheet since Zola's arrival in December, but it's in attack where alterations could come, with Paul-Jose M'Poku pushing for a start.

Cagliari:

Form in Serie A: WDWLLD Form in all competitions: LDWLLD

Possible starting lineup: Brkic, Rossettini, Danilo Avelar, Capuano, Donsah, Conti, Dessena, Ekdal, Cossu, Sau, M'Poku

Inter Milan:

Form in Serie A: WDLLWW Form in all competitions: LLLWWD

Possible starting lineup: Handanovic, Campagnaro, Santon, Ranocchia, Juan, Kuzmanovic, Medel, Guarin, Shaqiri, Palacio, Icardi

Sports Mole says: 1-2