Andrea Stramaccioni's side will need to return from the Stadio Olimpico with maximum points to maintain pressure on league leaders Juventus.

Inter Milan travel to Rome's Stadio Olimpico to take on an extremely difficult Lazio outfit knowing that they must obtain a desirable result not to lose touch with Juventus.

The Nerazzuri proved that they are worthy title candidates after edging Napoli 2-1 in a hotly-contested clash at the San Siro last weekend, but are more than aware of the fact that Lazio have one of the best home records in the league, with 6 wins, one draw and one loss from eight games.

In fact, the last two times Inter met Lazio in Rome they were on the wrong end of disappointing 3-1 defeats, with the last of these encounters taking place in May of this year.

For Saturday's clash, Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni will be unable to count with a few players, including Joel Obi, Cristian Chivu, Dejan Stankovic and injury-plagued Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder. 

Experienced Argentine defender Walter Samuel returns to the side after serving a suspension, meaning that Stramaccioni will finally have his desired defence available.

The young coach has decided to play Diego Milito and Antonio Cassano in Inter's powerful attack, with former Boca Juniors star Rodrigo Palacio occupying a place behind the pair. While Juventus are the highest-scoring team in the competition with 33 goals, Inter are joint second along with Napoli and Fiorentina, with 29 goals.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Petkovic, the coach of Lazio, has to deal with a selection nightmare as no less than nine of his players are either injured or suspended. The extensive list includes important players like Mauro Zarate, Ederson, Andre Dias, Christian Brocchi and Tommaso Rocchi.

But the good news is that German striker Miroslav Klose will be back available to lead Lazio's attack after missing out on last weekend's goalless draw with Bologna.

If Klose is provided with adequate service from the likes of influential Brazilian playmaker Hernanes, the chances are that the 34-year-old will find the back of the net on Saturday.

Lazio's last four matches

Dec 10, 2012: Bologna 0-0 Lazio (Italian Serie A)

Dec 6, 2012: Maribor 1-4 Lazio (Europa League)

Dec 2, 2012: Lazio 2-1 Parma (Italian Serie A)

Nov 27, 2012: Lazio 3-0 Udinese (Italian Serie A)

Inter's last four matches

Dec 9, 2012: Inter 2-1 Napoli (Italian Serie A)

Dec 6, 2012: Inter 2-2 Neftchi (Europa League)

Dec 2, 2012: Inter 1-0 Palermo (Italian Serie A)

Nov 26, 2012: Parma 1-0 Inter (Italian Serie A)

Facts

- Lazio have beaten Inter 3-1 the last two times the sides met at Rome's Stadio Olimpico.

- Inter currently trail Serie A league leaders Juventus by just four points after 16 rounds.

Prediction

Lazio 1-1 Inter