Inter Milan vs. Verona: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie A Game
Ninth-placed Inter take on 11th-placed Verona in what is a critical match for both sides.
Inter's form has been patchy all season, and they are coming off a shock loss to Parma in the league which followed on from two straight wins.
Coach Walter Mazzarri can't manage to shake off talk that his job is under threat.
Verona, meanwhile, have not won any of their last four games and are sliding down the table after what had been a bright start to their campaign.
Here are some of the issues that could define the game.
Can Verona Shut Down Dodo?
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Roma-owned left-back/wing-back Dodo has been in superb form in recent weeks for the Nerazzurri.
While the central players in Mazzarri's midfield have not always fired, the Brazilian fullback can be relied on to create chances with his adventurous runs down the left flank.
If Verona can stifle his influence, containing Inter will be a much easier task.
Lively right-sided forward Nicolas Lopez can help their cause by getting involved in the game as much as possible and forcing Dodo to help out in defence.
Frederik Sorensen will need to be at his sharpest, too, to ensure the Brazilian is contained.
Will Inter's Shaky Defence Be Able to Handle Luca Toni?
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Inter's usual back three of Juan Jesus, Nemanja Vidic and Andrea Ranocchia are all accomplished defenders but have rarely looked completely comfortable in 2014-15.
Silly errors from Vidic especially have cost the Nerazzurri goals on several occasions.
The former Manchester United captain will need to be careful not to make any mistakes in his personal battle with Verona veteran Luca Toni, who is a master of poaching goals in the box if given half a chance.
The 37-year-old forward banged in 20 goals last season in Serie A and will be keen to add to his tally of two this time around.
Not only that, the physical match-up between the giant Italian and the powerful Serb should be intense and entertaining to watch.
Will Mazzarri Shuffle His Front Line?
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A lack of goals from open play from Rodrigo Palacio and Mauro Icardi may be giving Mazzarri a few headaches.
Icardi has five goals from 10 appearances in the league, though two of those came from the penalty spot and three came in the 7-0 rout of Sassuolo.
Palacio is yet to score this season.
The manager tried out youngster Federico Bonazzoli in the Europa League match against Saint-Etienne during the week. Although he did well enough, he wasn't able to find the net either.
Thankfully for Mazzarri, Dani Osvaldo is getting back to match fitness after his adductor injury and may see more game time this weekend.
The decision on who plays up front for Inter could have a major say on the team's chances of winning.
Which Rafael Marquez Will Show Up?
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Much like his counterpart Vidic, Verona defender Rafael Marquez is still a crafty exponent of the defensive arts, but he is also capable of having poor matches.
In recent weeks he has been his old, confident self, but there have been times this campaign when he showed his 35 years, and not in a good way.
The Mexican veteran was particularly poor when Verona shipped six goals against Napoli.
Coach Andrea Mandorlini will be hoping Marquez has one of his better games at the San Siro.
Will Inter Attack Throughout?
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The Nerazzurri played one of their best halves of the season in the first 45 minutes against Saint-Etienne during the week, and that was largely due to their positive attitude.
Inter's passing was crisp, there was plenty of movement, and players looked to get forward whenever possible.
In the second term they retreated into their shells somewhat, and the French outfit were able to come back into the game.
The Milan club could well overwhelm Verona if they opt to play vibrant, attacking football at the San Siro.
It's up to the coach to get send his players out with the right mindset.
