Preview: Sampdoria vs. Inter Milan

Inter Milan head into Sunday's fixture with Sampdoria without a win in five games in all competitions.

The Nerazzurri had looked to have turned a corner under Roberto Mancini, but their recent run has seen them fall eight points off sixth place in Serie A and bow out in the Europa League to Wolfsburg.

Mancini isn't necessarily under pressure at the San Siro, but after winning just eight of his 24 matches in charge, he needs a strong end to the campaign.

Samir Handanovic and Xherdan Shaqiri are expected to return to the starting lineup, while Lukas Podolski is in contention after missing out in Europe in midweek.

Mancini is regarded as a club legend at Sampdoria having made 566 appearances at Stadio Luigi Ferraris during his playing career, and the 50-year-old will be aware that his team are up against it facing one of the league's in-form sides.

The Blucerchiati have recorded three wins in a row to move to within four points of a Champions League spot, while they are yet to lose at home in the league in 13 matches this season.

After witnessing his team win 2-0 at Roma on Monday night, head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is unlikely to tinker with his starting lineup.

Sampdoria:

Recent form: DLDWWW

Possible starting lineup: Viviano, De Silvestri, Silvestre, Regini, Romagnoli, Palombo, Soriano , Pedro Obiang, Eto'o, Okaka, Eder

Inter Milan:

Form in Serie A: WWWLDD Form in all competitions: WLDLDL

Possible starting lineup: Handanovic, Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan, Dodo, Guarin, Medel, Hernanes, Shaqiri, Palacio, Icardi

Sports Mole says: 1-1