Inter Milan welcome Russain outfit Rubin Kazan to the San Siro on Thursday in their opening Europa League encounter in Group H.

Inter have started their domestic campaign in a solid run of form with two wins from three games, but have won just one of their last four European home games.

Having lost their last two games, Rubin currently sit eighth in the Russian Premier League and will not travel to Italy full of confidence.

The last time the two sides met was in the 2009-10 Champions League campaign when Inter went on to claim the trophy under Jose Mourinho.

Inter are expected to name a strong team for Thursday's encounter, although Esteban Cambiasso is still struggling with a thigh complaint. Meanwhile, Rubin have a fully-fit squad to choose from and will look to Jose Salomon Rondon to score the goals.

Recent form:

Inter Milan: WWDLW
Rubin Kazan: WLWLL

Possible lineups:

Inter Milan: Handanovic; Zanetti, Juan, Chivu, Pereira; Stankovic, Sneijder, Mariga, Cambiasso; Cassano, Milito

Rubin Kazan: Ryzhikov; Kuzmin, Navas, Marcano, Bocchetti; Ornaiz, Ryazantsev, Natcho, Eremenko; Davydov, Rondon

Sports Mole says: 3-2

Previews by email