Southampton boss Claude Puel has called for his side to remain calm when they travel to the San Siro to take on Inter Milan in the Europa League on Thursday.

Saints head to Italy in a rich vein of form as they are unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions and currently sit top of their Europa League group, with four points from their opening two games.

Inter by contrast have made a stuttering start to their campaign, as they are currently in the bottom half of the Serie A standings and have yet to pick up a point in Europe.

Despite the Nerazzurri’s struggles, Puel has called for his side to remain focused ahead of Thursday’s contest, as he believes it is important his men treat the match like any other fixture.

“It’s important to stay calm. Perhaps it’s a big occasion for Inter to react as they need points but for us it’s the same thing,” he said.

The match will kick-start an important few days for Southampton, as they travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday before facing Sunderland in the EFL Cup at St Mary’s three days later.

Puel is refusing to prioritise one game over another and believes it is important that he utilises his squad during the upcoming run of fixtures.

“Of course this game is very important to us but after, the game away against Manchester City [on Sunday], is very important,” he added.

“All the games are important but for me my job is to have every time a good balance on the team with good players and good feeling between them, a good acquaintance. This is my job.”

Southampton are available at 3.00 to secure all three points in Italy on Thursday, while Inter are priced at 2.40 and the draw is on offer at 3.30.