Inter will hope recent history can inspire them to victory at Sampdoria as they strive to secure a place in the Europa League.
Walter Mazzarri’s men make the trip to Luigi Ferraris on Sunday still in possession of fifth place – but only on goal difference from Parma.
The Nerazzurri have endured a difficult spell in Italy’s top flight in the past month, with a run of four matches without a win hindering their European ambitions.
Inter have been held to three consecutive draws against sides who are currently in the bottom half of the table, allowing the teams below them to make up ground.
Sampdoria, who sit 12th, will be aiming to frustrate Inter again this weekend, but if recent league encounters are anything to go by, the visiting supporters will return to Milan in high spirits.
Inter are unbeaten in the last six Serie A encounters with the Blucerchiati and have lost just one of the past 19 league fixtures between the two teams.
Just nine points separate the two sides and a rare victory against Inter could give the hosts an outside chance of securing an unlikely fifth-placed finish.
Sinisa Mihajlovic’s charges have failed to win their last two matches, though, as they were held to a goalless draw at home to Fiorentina and then suffered a 2-0 setback at Lazio last weekend.
However, the Genoa-based outfit have an impressive home record, having lost just once in their last 10 Serie A outings at the Luigi Ferraris.
Consequently, Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin knows that the Nerazzurri will have to be at their best to prevail.
“It’s a tough match against Sampdoria,” the Colombian told his club’s official website. “We think it will be a difficult game.
“It’s not easy, but we must always sit with our head held high. We have to win this game because we need it so much.”
Inter will be without full-back Juan Jesus after he suffered a serious knee injury in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Bologna at San Siro, while fellow defender Jonathan is doubtful with a muscle injury.
Forward Manolo Gabbiadini is likely to be missing for Sampdoria due to a shoulder problem, so Gianluca Sansone could deputise.