The preview between Inter + Porto
Mancini mounts Inter offensive
Tuesday, 15 March 2005
By Ivan Carvalho in Milan
As FC Internazionale Milano aim to become the third Serie A side in the draw for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, coach Roberto Mancini has pledged that his players will not be sitting back as they welcome holders FC Porto to the San Siro in the second leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday.
Uncharacteristic error
Inter came back from the Estádio do Dragão with a 1-1 draw after an uncharacteristic error from goalkeeper Francesco Toldo enabled Porto's Ricardo Costa to cancel out Obafemi Martins' opener for the visitors. A goalless draw in Milan would see Inter through but Mancini is adamant that his side will not be playing for anything other than victory. "We will look to control the match," said the coach. "Success in this game is fundamental for us and for our season. We have great respect for Porto and for what they have done. But this is a different match and Inter will play to win."
Stakes high
Captain Javier Zanetti echoed his coach's comments, saying: "We will have to be wary of the potential pitfalls, but we want to take the match into our own hands." With Inter 16 points adrift of leaders AC Milan in Serie A, Zanetti is well aware the Champions League is the club's best chance of silverware this season. "We know what is at stake," he said.
Striking partners
Mancini's men breezed through the group stage, scoring 14 goals thanks in part to the spellbinding powers of striker Adriano, who despite a recent slump has produced some memorable performances in Europe. But recent fitness concerns surrounding Martins and Christian Vieri may force Mancini to start Argentinian Julio Cruz alongside Adriano.
Defensive worries
An even bigger worry for Mancini is his defence as Colombian Iván Cordoba and left-back Giuseppe Favalli are both suspended. With Nicolas Burdisso also missing for family reasons, Inter must rely on 36-year-old Sinisa Mihajlovic to pair up with Italian international Marco Materazzi in the centre of defence.
Tempting fate
Porto, meanwhile, have endured their own tribulations after winning the tournament last May. Since José Mourinho left for the managerial job at Chelsea FC in the summer, Luigi Del Neri and Victor Fernández have both been hired and fired, and the latest incumbent, José Couceiro, tempted fate as he led his side to a 4-0 loss at home to CD Nacional on Friday - their worst home defeat in 30 years.
Risky policy
Couceiro conceded that the Italian side have the upper hand after scoring in Porto. "We're at a disadvantage, so it means we will have to risk more than Inter," said Couceiro. "All of their forwards have great technical skill and are threats so we have to keep an eye on them."
Patient approach
The holders will be reassured by the presence of Brazilian playmaker Diego and veteran defender Jorge Costa in the team after both missed the first match through suspension, and team captain Jorge Costa emphasises that experience in European competition will be a big psychological help for his side. "We know how to play in big games like this," he said. "We just have to be patient over the 90 minutes and wait for our chance to strike."
'Terrible situation'
Besides missing José Boswinga to injury, forward Luís Fabiano, whose mother was kidnapped last Friday in Brazil, did not travel with the squad. Regarding Fabiano, Costa said: "It is a terrible situation to be in but we are all behind him at this difficult time."
source: uefa.com
As the article stated, both sides r =ly shit, but I think the chances of Inter winning r higher. Porto is having a low morale now, so I think Inter would pounce on them rather easily
Mancini mounts Inter offensive
Tuesday, 15 March 2005
By Ivan Carvalho in Milan
As FC Internazionale Milano aim to become the third Serie A side in the draw for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, coach Roberto Mancini has pledged that his players will not be sitting back as they welcome holders FC Porto to the San Siro in the second leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday.
Uncharacteristic error
Inter came back from the Estádio do Dragão with a 1-1 draw after an uncharacteristic error from goalkeeper Francesco Toldo enabled Porto's Ricardo Costa to cancel out Obafemi Martins' opener for the visitors. A goalless draw in Milan would see Inter through but Mancini is adamant that his side will not be playing for anything other than victory. "We will look to control the match," said the coach. "Success in this game is fundamental for us and for our season. We have great respect for Porto and for what they have done. But this is a different match and Inter will play to win."
Stakes high
Captain Javier Zanetti echoed his coach's comments, saying: "We will have to be wary of the potential pitfalls, but we want to take the match into our own hands." With Inter 16 points adrift of leaders AC Milan in Serie A, Zanetti is well aware the Champions League is the club's best chance of silverware this season. "We know what is at stake," he said.
Striking partners
Mancini's men breezed through the group stage, scoring 14 goals thanks in part to the spellbinding powers of striker Adriano, who despite a recent slump has produced some memorable performances in Europe. But recent fitness concerns surrounding Martins and Christian Vieri may force Mancini to start Argentinian Julio Cruz alongside Adriano.
Defensive worries
An even bigger worry for Mancini is his defence as Colombian Iván Cordoba and left-back Giuseppe Favalli are both suspended. With Nicolas Burdisso also missing for family reasons, Inter must rely on 36-year-old Sinisa Mihajlovic to pair up with Italian international Marco Materazzi in the centre of defence.
Tempting fate
Porto, meanwhile, have endured their own tribulations after winning the tournament last May. Since José Mourinho left for the managerial job at Chelsea FC in the summer, Luigi Del Neri and Victor Fernández have both been hired and fired, and the latest incumbent, José Couceiro, tempted fate as he led his side to a 4-0 loss at home to CD Nacional on Friday - their worst home defeat in 30 years.
Risky policy
Couceiro conceded that the Italian side have the upper hand after scoring in Porto. "We're at a disadvantage, so it means we will have to risk more than Inter," said Couceiro. "All of their forwards have great technical skill and are threats so we have to keep an eye on them."
Patient approach
The holders will be reassured by the presence of Brazilian playmaker Diego and veteran defender Jorge Costa in the team after both missed the first match through suspension, and team captain Jorge Costa emphasises that experience in European competition will be a big psychological help for his side. "We know how to play in big games like this," he said. "We just have to be patient over the 90 minutes and wait for our chance to strike."
'Terrible situation'
Besides missing José Boswinga to injury, forward Luís Fabiano, whose mother was kidnapped last Friday in Brazil, did not travel with the squad. Regarding Fabiano, Costa said: "It is a terrible situation to be in but we are all behind him at this difficult time."
source: uefa.com
As the article stated, both sides r =ly shit, but I think the chances of Inter winning r higher. Porto is having a low morale now, so I think Inter would pounce on them rather easily
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