Preview: Empoli vs. Inter Milan

Roberto Mancini has the opportunity to extend Inter Milan's unbeaten run in Serie A to five matches when his side take on Empoli on Saturday.

A 3-1 victory over Genoa last weekend was enough to take Inter up to ninth in the table, just one point behind fierce rivals AC Milan as the two Italian giants still desperately attempt to turn their respective seasons into a success.

Mancini has been busy welcoming new arrivals this month as he looks to build his squad at San Siro, with Xherdan Shaqiri completing his move from Bayern Munich last week to join fellow January signing Lukas Podolski.

Shaqiri was an unused substitute in the win over Genoa, and he may have to settle for a place on the bench once again as the Swiss midfielder looks to reach full fitness with his new club.

Inter are likely to field an unchanged side as they look to close the gap on the sides bidding to secure European football for next season.

Empoli head into the match just three points above the relegation zone, and they will be looking for their first win in six league games.

Empoli:

Form in Serie A: DDDDDL Form in all competitions: WDDDDL

Possible starting lineup: Sepe; Hysaj, Rugani, Barba, Mario Rui; Croce, Valdifiori, Vecino; Verdi; Maccarone, Pucciarelli

Inter Milan:

Form in Serie A: LLWDDW Form in all competitions: DWDLDW

Possible starting lineup: Handanovic; Campagnaro, Vidic, Andreolli, D'Ambrosio; Medel, Guarin; Palacio, Hernanes, Podolski; Icardi

Sports Mole says: 1-2