Empoli vs Inter Milan preview - Shaqiri set for Inter debut

Xherdan Shaqiri is expected to make his Inter Milan debut in Saturday's Serie A match at Empoli.

The Switzerland midfielder joined Inter on a four-and-a-half-year contract last week from Bayern Munich.

"I can't wait to make my debut," Shaqiri told Inter's official website. "I'm training with the rest of the squad and hope to play at Empoli. I feel good."

The 23-year-old joined Bayern from Basle in 2012 and won two Bundesliga medals and the 2013 Champions League with the German club, but he struggled to establish himself in the first team.

"I will try to make the most of my time at Inter," Shaqiri said. "I need to play consistently in order to prove how much I'm worth.

"I wanted a new experience and now I can't wait to start playing.

"I'll try to make a big contribution so that we win as many games as possible.

"Inter must always play to win, no matter what the opponents' plans are.

"The goal is to get back into the Champions League.

"I'm convinced we'll get back up there soon."

Shaqiri watched from the bench as Inter beat Genoa 3-1 last Sunday to celebrate their first win of 2015.

The victory, only their second in their past nine league games, lifted the Nerazzurri to ninth place, six points adrift of third-place Lazio, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

"We are on the right path," Inter coach Roberto Mancini said. "But we still have room for improvement."

Rivals Empoli have failed to come out triumphant in their last six league games and last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Sampdoria dropped the Tuscan minnows to 15th place, three points clear of the danger zone.

However, Empoli are unbeaten at home since November 1.

Maurizio Sarri's side is without Portuguese defender Mario Rui, who must serve a one-match ban this weekend.

Inter defender Juan Jesus is still suspended.