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Southampton: 3 Inter Milan Players to Watch

By Matt Hickson

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 16: Joao Mario of FC Internazionale (C) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 16, 2016 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa - Inter/Inter via Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 16: Joao Mario of FC Internazionale (C) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 16, 2016 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa - Inter/Inter via Getty Images) /
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Ahead of our trip to the San Siro on Thursday, I take a look at three Inter Milan players that Southampton need to look out for!

Southampton face an interesting test in the Europa League as they head to the San Siro to take on one of the historic clubs in world football, Inter Milan. The San Siro has not been the fortress that supporters are used to but it still presents a challenge for the Saints.

For Southampton, not only will the ground and stadium be a challenge, but the stars of Inter will want to put their horrid start to the Europa League group stage behind them and win their first match of the season in the competition.

Here are the three Inter Milan stars that Southampton need to pay extra attention to this week:

1) Éder-Striker

Italian forward Éder is definitely one to watch on Thursday. He joined from Sampdoria in the 2016 January transfer window and has been ever present in the Inter squad since.

Éder was also part of Italy’s Euro 2016 squad, scoring once against Sweden in the group stages. With his pace and accuracy, Éder is going to be a test for the Saints defenders!

2) Mauro Icardi-Striker

Mauro Icardi is another player that Saints will have to be wary of on Thursday night. Icardi joined Inter in the 2013 Summer Transfer Window from Sampdoria, for £11m, and has played a key part in the squad since.

So far this season, Icardi is Inter Milan’s top scorer with 6 goals in 10 appearances (in all competitions). The Argentinian’s quick pace and intelligent play will, if he’s on his game, give Saints a lot to worry about!

3) Ivan Perisic-Winger/Striker

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 16: Ivan Perisic of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 16, 2016 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa – Inter/Inter via Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 16: Ivan Perisic of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 16, 2016 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa – Inter/Inter via Getty Images) /

Another player to watch is Croatian winger Ivan Perisic. Perisic joined Inter Milan in August 2015 for £13.6m and his former clubs include Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg. So far this season, Perisic is Inter’s second top scorer with 2 goals in 9 appearances.

The Croatian is known for his pace and he has a keen eye for goal. I can tell you one thing for sure, he will be a handful for the Saints back line!

Stats: www.transfermarkt.co.uk