Inter Milan vs Empoli

" Inter Milan boss Alberton Zaccheroni have urged his players to stick together as a team when they host struggling Empoli at San Siro on Sunday afternoon. Inter's frontman Christian Vieri have caused several problems with the club and Zaccheroni himself, refusing to play Udinese during Nerazzurri's midweek Coppa Italia clash against Udinese. Inter's hope of Scudetto last week was put on hold when they lost to Parma so victory against Empoli would be crucial to avoid any crisis. With that defeat, Inter have dropped further eight points behind leaders AS Roma and the first time they failed to score sonce Zaccheroni took over on October 26. Inter will welcome back Argentine international Matias Almeyda from suspension. Zaccheroni is expected to return to his favoured 3-4-3 formation against Empoli, meaning a recall for Dutch winger Andy van der Meyde, who will play on right wing. After showing dismal performance against Parma, Julio Cruz is also expected to keep his place in the starting line-up while the inclusion of Vieri in the first eleven remains unknown. While the absence of Vieri might be bad news for Inter fans, Empoli chief Attilio Perotti will be delighted should the Italian international miss this encounter. Empoli are currently occupying 17th place in the league and the absence of Vieri will definately be an added advantage to them. But the Tuscan's form is certainly improving with their recent 2-0 win against fellow strugglers Ancona last weekend. Former Italy international Di Natale have provided much of the anspiration alongside Italy Under-21 Ighli Vannucchi, who have been playing well since moving from Serie-B outfit Palermo. Perotti will be glad that he has no serious injury problem ahead of this matchup and should be using the same line-up as last week. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the sudden surge of confidence in the Empoli camp could prove dangerous for troubled Inter Milan. "