Inter Milan head into their encounter with Brescia on Wednesday evening knowing that only victory will do if they realistically wish to remain as contenders in the Serie A title race.
A similar scenario applies to Brescia with regards to survival at a time that they find themselves eight points adrift of safety with just eight matches of the season remaining.
Match preview
© Reuters
For the majority of Sunday's encounter at Parma, it appeared that Inter were on the verge of dropping points for the second game in succession, something which would have realistically left them out of contention for the top-flight crown.
However, two goals in the final six minutes led to a stunning comeback win for Antonio Conte's men, who are back to within eight points of leaders Juventus.
Only an unlikely set of results will see I Nerazzurri challenge the defending champions, but Conte needs to ensure that his team are in a position to capitalise should an opportunity arise.
Conte will take hope from the character shown by his players on Sunday night after they overturned a one-goal deficit, aided by a triple change midway through the second half.
That said, the comeback will count for nothing unless they can take advantage of back-to-back home fixtures against Brescia and Bologna over the next week.
Inter could be aided by Brescia's need to go on the offensive at San Siro as they continue to sit eight points away from safety with just 10 matches left.
Although Diego Lopez will take a certain level of confidence from back-to-back draws with Fiorentina and Genoa respectively, it is not enough for I Biancazzurri at this stage of the season.
On both occasions, Brescia let slip leads after scoring during the opening quarter, and it could result in Lopez contemplating a change of approach ahead of this contest.
The match also represents another chance for prospect Sandro Tonali to impress on the big stage ahead of his increasingly-inevitable exit during the next transfer window.
Inter Milan Serie A form: WLLWDW
Inter Milan form (all competitions): WLDWDW
Brescia Serie A form: DLLLDD
Team News
© Reuters
Inter continue to be without centre-back Milan Skriniar, who serves the second game of a three-match suspension.
Alessandro Bastoni is expected to receive a recall to the starting lineup, potentially at the expense of Danilo D'Ambrosio.
Victor Moses is also pushing for a place in the team after his contribution off the substitutes' bench against Parma.
With their performance level dropping during a time when substitutions were made, Brescia may head into this game with an unchanged lineup.
Romulo could be recalled in midfield if Lopez opts for a more defensive-minded strategy.
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Handanovic; Bastoni, De Vrij, Godin; Moses, Barella, Gagliadini, Biraghi; Eriksen; Lukaku, Martinez
Brescia possible starting lineup:
Joronen; Sabelli, Papetti, Mateju, Semprini; Bjarnason, Tonali, Dessena; Zmrhal; Torregrossa, Donnarumma
We say: Inter Milan 3-1 Brescia
While Inter have been far from convincing since the resumption, this is an opportunity for Conte's side to enjoy a more comfortable 90 minutes. To a certain extent, Brescia will have to throw caution to the wind, and that should free up space for Inter's attacking players.
