Champions League a factor in Inter Milan’s selection for Cagliari clash

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi faces a balancing act this weekend as his side resume their Serie A title quest at home to Cagliari.

Inzaghi must consider whether to rest players ahead of the second leg of Inter’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich next Wednesday.

The Serie A leaders claimed the initiative in that tie with an impressive 2-1 victory at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

Yet whilst there might be a temptation to keep certain big guns fresh for the visit of the Bundesliga pace-setters, Inzaghi will be well aware of the potential cost of any slip-ups on Saturday.

Last week’s frustrating 2-2 draw at Parma prevented the champions from extending their lead over second-placed Napoli, who were also held at Bologna, at the top of the table.

The gap remains three points with seven games to play in a tight race for the Scudetto.

While Inter have the chance to crank up the pressure as they host 15th-placed Cagliari at the San Siro, Napoli will hope to respond to any mistakes as they take on relegation-threatened Empoli on Monday.

Complicating the matter further is treble-chasing Inter’s continuing involvement in the Coppa Italia – they face rivals AC Milan in the second leg of their semi-final later this month – while Napoli have no further cup distractions.

Striker Lautaro Martinez is among those likely to make way if Inzaghi does opt to rotate his squad.

The Argentinian, who has notched 11 goals in Serie A this season, opened the scoring against Bayern with a fine flicked finish and his presence in the side for the second leg is crucial. Veteran Marko Arnautovic could fill in on Saturday.

Poland international Nicola Zalewski could also come in on the right for his first start since joining the club on loan from Roma in January, with Matteo Darmian rested. Federico Dimarco is fit again after injury and could get a run-out.

Cagliari go into the game having eased their relegation fears by collecting four points from their last two outings but, sitting six points above the bottom three, they still have work to do.

Coach Davide Nicola told reporters at a press conference: “Inter are a team with a coach who has done an extraordinary job.

“We will have to try to play a game with strong intent, intelligence and tactical clarity. It will not be easy but that is the intention.”