Preview: Sassuolo vs. Inter Milan

Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini takes his side to Sassuolo on the back of their first defeat in eight games in all competitions.

The last-minute loss to Torino has hindered Mancini's efforts to get the Nerazzurri up the league standings as they attempt to qualify for Europe, but despite the defeat, they only sit five points adrift of sixth place.

Mancini could recall recent signing Xherdan Shaqiri after the winger only featured as a substitute last week as he continues to settle in at the club.

New teammate Lukas Podolski could be the player to drop out after making five appearances over a short space of time after sitting out the previous month at Arsenal.

Sassuolo go into the fixture having recorded just one victory in their last seven games, but that sole triumph did come at San Siro against Inter's rivals AC.

However, just two defeats have come during the same period, and although the Neroverdi have struggled for clean sheets, that record has been offset with goals in their previous nine games.

Defender Francesco Acerbi misses out after being sent off against Cagliari last week, with Emanuele Terranova in contention to replace him in the starting lineup.

Sassuolo will overtake Inter in the league table should they win at the Mapei Stadium.

Sassuolo:

Form in Serie A: LDWDDL Form in all competitions: DWDLDL

Possible starting lineup: Consigli, Cannavaro, Gazzola, Vrsaljko, Terranova, Brighi, Missiroli, Magnanelli, Zaza, Sansone, Berardi

Inter Milan:

Form in Serie A: WDDWDL Form in all competitions: DDWDWL

Possible starting lineup: Handanovic, Vidic, Andreolli, D'Ambrosio, Kuzmanovic, Guarin, Obi, Kovacic, Palacio, Shaqiri, Icardi

Sports Mole says: 1-1