Inter Milan enters Thursday's UEFA Europa League match on a high after taking on Catania and winning 2-0 in Serie A play on Oct. 21.
The club sits atop the Group H standings in the Europa League, while their opponent Partizan is tied for last place. The two teams will meet at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan.
It is an important match for both clubs, considering Internazionale is tied with FC Rubin Kazan at the top of the group with four points. It will be crucial for both teams to leave the match with at least a point.
Internazionale has earned four points in two league matches played, winning 3-1 against Neftchi and drawing 2-2 against FC Rubin Kazan on Sept. 20. The club has not earned a win yet in three European home games this season, playing to two draws and one loss.
Inter Milan has won the past five matches it has played and has also beaten Partizan in three of the past four meetings, the other match being a draw. The club played brilliantly in their last match in Serie A play, putting in two goals on eight shots.
While the club is in first place, it takes no opponents lightly.
'We expect a team in good form who are top of their league with eight wins and just one defeat," said Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni to ESPNFC.com. They have talented players and we have a lot of respect for Partizan. We know it will be a tough game.''
Inter Milan is dealing with some lineup issues since Wesley Sneijder went down with a calf injury. He has not played since September.
'He is highly motivated and wants to return as soon as possible, but they will only return if they are 100 per cent. I do not want to rush him back," said Stramaccioni.
A win by Partizan would be a major upset for Inter Milan.
''Our young team has come to Milan to play a great game and gain experience for the future," said Partizan coach Vladimir Vermezovic. "We know what awaits us but sometimes the power and authority of youth can surprise.''
Although Partizan is first in the Serbian Super Liga, the club has earned only one point in two Europa League matches, drawing 0-0 against Neftchi and losing 2-0 against FC Rubin Kazan on Oct. 4. The club has had a rough go of it lately, winning only one of the past five matches it has played.
According to UEFA.com, "Partizan have lost their last three away games in Europe since kicking off with a 4-1 win at Valletta FC in this season's UEFA Champions League second qualifying round."
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The starting lineups for both squads are:
Internazionale:
S. Handanovic
M. Silvestre
E. Cambiasso
Juan
F. Guarin
W. Gargano
Jonathan
Y. Nagatomo
Philippe Coutinho
R. Palacio
M. Livaja
For Partizan Belgrade:
V. Stojkovic
A. Lazevski
I. Ivanov
M. Ostojic
A. Miljkovic
S. Markovic
Medo
L. Markovic
S. Ilic
N. Tomic
A. Mitrovic
