Inter director Piero Ausilio doubts it’s “do or die” against Fiorentina and insists Geoffrey Kondogbia critics “don’t understand football.”

It kicks off at the Stadio Franchi at 19.45 GMT, follow the action on our LIVEBLOG.

President Erick Thohir flew in on Friday and is in the stands, his first away match in Serie A.

Inter director Piero Ausilio doubts it’s “do or die” against Fiorentina and insists Geoffrey Kondogbia critics “don’t understand football.”

It kicks off at the Stadio Franchi at 19.45 GMT, follow the action on our LIVEBLOG.

President Erick Thohir flew in on Friday and is in the stands, his first away match in Serie A.

“The most important thing is that the President is close to the club, which he is. He calls me every day, speaks to the Coach and the other directors. Having him actually here is further motivation, but we do not feel abandoned when he’s away. His presence is constant.”

Tonight it is a head-to-head for third place, while Roma and even Milan are in the running too.

“There’s nothing to say, it is an important match, but not a decisive one. There’s still a long way to go before the end of the season.

“Doing well here would mean a lot in terms of confidence and the result, but next Sunday there’s another match already.

“I don’t think this is do or die this evening, especially as some other teams have come back into the race with a series of positive results.

“I don’t think anyone in September expected us to be top of the table in January, having changed so many players. We are realistic and objective. This side was built from scratch with a new Coach who built the team with the directors in the summer.

“We are on track with the plans we set out at the start of the season. Other teams are fighting for third place, but we knew it would be a battle and they too will do everything to achieve this target.”

Kondogbia starts tonight, as Felipe Melo is suspended, but Ausilio slammed critics of the €31m buy.

“If you are unable to appreciate Kondogbia, then you do not understand football. He is young and needs time to improve, even learning from his mistakes.

“The difference is that we forgive errors, whereas others might not. You cannot value a player purely based on his transfer fee.

“He will soon show what he can do and we can all fully appreciate his quality.”

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