Mancio has Zalayeta fear Thursday 25 November, 2004
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Inter boss Roberto Mancini doesn’t expect the absence of Alex Del Piero to be felt by Juventus on Sunday.
The No 10 has been ruled out of the clash between the two sides but Mancio believes they are still a dangerous team to face.
"Del Piero is a great player but Marcelo Zalayeta is certainly doing well in his place," stated the Nerazzurri Coach.
"Every time that he is given a chance he always manages to do something important for them."
Inter, who drew 1-1 with Werder Bremen last night, go into the clash 15 points behind the League leaders.
"We played well against Werder and were always in control of the game," added the former Lazio tactician.
"It was important to avoid defeat and maintain our leadership in the group. But now we are focused on Juventus.
"We are well behind them in the standings and we really need to reduce that gap as soon as we can.
"However, I think that 15 points are too excessive when you consider how well we have played at times."
Mancini added that Adriano will return to the side, after he missed last night’s tie through suspension, even if fitness doubts remain over Juan Veron.
"Adriano will play but we’ll have to see what sort of shape the Argentine is in," he concluded.