Inter Milan vs Sampdoria preview - Stramaccioni hoping to keep momentum going

In-form Inter Milan host Sampdoria in Serie A, with coach Andrea Stramaccioni relishing the chance to put some pressure on leaders Juventus.

The Nerazzurri face Juve in a mouthwatering clash at the weekend, but know they need to win on Wednesday night to remain at the worst four points adrift of them.

Should results work out, though, then they will head to Turin a point behind the Old Lady, and Stramaccioni, whose side have won five league games in a row, knows it is important to keep up the heat.

"We need to win the games that go into the head-to-head," the 36-year-old said today.

"If we don't win games then we won't have a direct confrontation.

"You ask me if I'm able not to think about Juventus? Yes, personally I am able to do that. I take games one at a time and try to give everything without making any mistakes.

"We really are taking each game as it comes because matching our rivals' results in each game is crucial.

"At the moment I have to beat Samp and I think it's going to be extremely tough. We must make sure Inter go out there hungry to win and with an attacking mindset."

Beating Samp will not be easy for Inter, although they are a side on the slide and playing them now is a more enticing proposition than it was earlier in the campaign.

Having started the season well, the Blucerchiati have not won in their last six, but Stramaccioni is remaining on his guard.

"There have been lots of games in which Sampdoria have played well but come away empty-handed," he added.

"We shouldn't be fooled by the league position they're in at the moment. They'll want to get things back on track and take points away from San Siro.

"Their team is well equipped to cause us difficulties but we're trying to prepare for this encounter as best as we possibly can."

Samp were beaten by Cagliari at the weekend but sporting director Pasquale Sensibile is calling for cool heads.

"It is up to us to improve things from this negative situation," he said.

"We must remain strong and have no fear: we are calm but not complacent."