Team News: Lukas Podolski returns for Inter Milan against Sampdoria

Lukas Podolski has returned to the Inter Milan starting lineup ahead of this evening's Serie A clash against Sampdoria.

The 29-year-old was not registered to play in their Europa League defeat against Wolfsburg earlier this week, but he is back to link up with Mauro Icardi and Xherdan Shaqiri in the forward line.

There are a number of other changes made by Roberto Mancini, as Samir Handanovic replaces Juan Carrizo in goal, Nemanja Vidic is drafted into the defence and Marcelo Brozovic starts in midfield.

Sampdoria, meanwhile, have made two changes to their side, after claiming an impressive victory over Roma on Monday evening.

Luis Muriel, who came off the bench to score at the Stadio Olimpico, and Afriyie Acquah take Pedro Obiang and Stefano Okaka's places in the starting XI.

Sampdoria: Viviano, De Silvestri, Silvestre, Romagnoli, Regini, Acquah, Palombo, Soriano, Eder, Eto'o, Muriel

Inter Milan: Handanovic, D'Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Vidic, Juan Jesus; Guarin, Medel, Brozovic, Shaqiri, Podolski, Icardi