Inter Milan vs US Sassuolo Calcio preview - Inter wary of in-form Zaza

Posted Saturday, September 13, 2014 by PA

Inter Milan defender Marco Andreolli has warned his team-mates to keep a close eye on Sassuolo striker Simone Zaza in Sunday's game at the San Siro.

The Nerazzurri go into the encounter in Milan looking for their first win of the season after being held to a goalless draw at Torino in their Serie A opener.

Andreolli, a former Sassuolo player, is wary of the threat posed by Zaza.

"Zaza is the man of the moment," Andreolli told Sky Italia. "We will need to pay particular attention to him.

"We have prepared well for this game and we are really determined to win our first game at the San Siro this season.

"I'm very happy that Sassuolo are playing in Serie A for a second straight season."

Zaza became the first Sassuolo player to be called up to the national team and made his Italy debut in a 2-0 triumph over Holland in a friendly earlier this month.

The 23-year-old scored his first goal for the Azzurri in Tuesday's 2-0 victory at Norway in a Euro 2016 qualifier.

"My life has changed and the past few weeks have been a dream come true," Zaza said. "I'm not used to being in the limelight, but I will have to get used to it.

"My aim is to continue to do well and to keep my place in the national team.

"I'm really looking forward to the game at the San Siro as last year I was on the bench against Inter."

Sassuolo will have plenty of motivation to win at Inter.

Eusebio Di Francesco's men drew 1-1 against Cagliari in their Serie A opener and are looking to make amends for last season's 7-0 humiliation at the San Siro.

Inter coach Walter Mazzarri will be without former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic, who is suspended.

Andreolli will replace Vidic in Inter's three-man defence, while Rodrigo Palacio is set to partner Mauro Icardi in attack.