Post by Taxigirl on Nov 23, 2005 8:59:54 GMT
soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=188823&cc=5739
KO - 19:45 UK - San Siro
MILAN, November 22 (Champions League) - Internazionale coach Roberto Mancini is hoping that Adriano will regain his golden touch in Wednesday's Champions League Group H clash against Artmedia Bratislava.
A draw would be sufficient to see the Nerazzurri through to the knockout stages of the competition.
Inter, who have suffered only one defeat while claiming three victories so far, lead the group with a four-point advantage over Artmedia and Rangers.
Former European champions Porto lie at the bottom of the group having only managed to clinch three points in their four games.
However going into the clash against the Slovakians, Mancini's main concern is to coax the best out of his Brazilian striking star as soon as possible.
Adriano has struggled to find his form this campaign with only six goals in 16 appearances for the Nerazzurri.
``Adriano only has to think about returning to play how he knows and score goals,'' said Mancini.
``In other words, do what he has always done.''
Inter had to rely on goals from former Real Madrid midfielders Luis Figo and Esteban Cambiasso to return to winning ways against Parma at the weekend.
The 2-0 victory enabled the Nerazzurri to defend fourth position in the Serie A standings and was timely for their coach.
``The win against Parma has given us a boost in confidence for our next games,'' said Mancini.
But the Milan outfit, who won by a single goal in their opening game in Bratislava, know they will face tough opposition from the Slovakians, who have yet to lose on their travels.
``It's not going to be an easy game,'' conceded Mancini.
``Artmedia have taken great results in the group, winning at FC Porto and drawing in both their games against Rangers, so I don't believe they are a weak rival.''
It will be even more challenging as Inter must play at an empty San Siro as they serve the last game of their stadium ban following the punishment handed out by UEFA for the crowd trouble during last season's quarter-final against AC Milan.
``It's a good thing this is the last game we will play without our fans,'' added Mancini.
``To play behind closed doors is strange and offers a different type of football. I doubt that we will miss playing in an empty stadium.''
Inter are set to be boosted by the returns of captain Javier Zanetti and midfielder Dejan Stankovic, who will be included in the starting XI with Ze Maria and Kily Gonzalez both out of action through injury.
Adriano, who has struck just once in European competition so far this season, is set to play alongside Julio Cruz in Inter's attack.
Artmedia head into the clash with coach Vladimir Weiss declaring they are not in Milan to see the sights.
``We live in a nice, advanced dream and we want to keep our chances of playing in the next part of this competition after the game in Milan,'' Weiss said.
``We will not travel to Milan to see fashion shows or ruins that's for sure.''
The Slovakians have been the surprise package in the Champions League this season and forward Lukas Hartig is adamant they must continue with the tactics that have served them so well.
Unbeaten on their travels in the group stages, after a thrilling 3-2 win over Porto was followed by a gutsy goalless draw at Rangers, Hartig believes that trying to outplay their illustrious Italian hosts could backfire on them.
He said: ``We will try to surprise again. We have to play like we have played up to now. We have to concentrate on good defence and look for dangerous fast breaks.
``It is not possible to play an open game with opponents like Inter - the game could finish very badly for us in that case.''
Artmedia could be without defender Ondrej Debnar after he suffered a knee injury during the league game against Spartak Trnava last weekend, but goalkeeper Juraj Cobej should return after his shoulder problem.
Branislav Fodrek, Branislav Obzera and Pavol Stano are walking a disciplinary tightrope and will miss the home game against Porto if they are booked in Milan.
KO - 19:45 UK - San Siro
MILAN, November 22 (Champions League) - Internazionale coach Roberto Mancini is hoping that Adriano will regain his golden touch in Wednesday's Champions League Group H clash against Artmedia Bratislava.
A draw would be sufficient to see the Nerazzurri through to the knockout stages of the competition.
Inter, who have suffered only one defeat while claiming three victories so far, lead the group with a four-point advantage over Artmedia and Rangers.
Former European champions Porto lie at the bottom of the group having only managed to clinch three points in their four games.
However going into the clash against the Slovakians, Mancini's main concern is to coax the best out of his Brazilian striking star as soon as possible.
Adriano has struggled to find his form this campaign with only six goals in 16 appearances for the Nerazzurri.
``Adriano only has to think about returning to play how he knows and score goals,'' said Mancini.
``In other words, do what he has always done.''
Inter had to rely on goals from former Real Madrid midfielders Luis Figo and Esteban Cambiasso to return to winning ways against Parma at the weekend.
The 2-0 victory enabled the Nerazzurri to defend fourth position in the Serie A standings and was timely for their coach.
``The win against Parma has given us a boost in confidence for our next games,'' said Mancini.
But the Milan outfit, who won by a single goal in their opening game in Bratislava, know they will face tough opposition from the Slovakians, who have yet to lose on their travels.
``It's not going to be an easy game,'' conceded Mancini.
``Artmedia have taken great results in the group, winning at FC Porto and drawing in both their games against Rangers, so I don't believe they are a weak rival.''
It will be even more challenging as Inter must play at an empty San Siro as they serve the last game of their stadium ban following the punishment handed out by UEFA for the crowd trouble during last season's quarter-final against AC Milan.
``It's a good thing this is the last game we will play without our fans,'' added Mancini.
``To play behind closed doors is strange and offers a different type of football. I doubt that we will miss playing in an empty stadium.''
Inter are set to be boosted by the returns of captain Javier Zanetti and midfielder Dejan Stankovic, who will be included in the starting XI with Ze Maria and Kily Gonzalez both out of action through injury.
Adriano, who has struck just once in European competition so far this season, is set to play alongside Julio Cruz in Inter's attack.
Artmedia head into the clash with coach Vladimir Weiss declaring they are not in Milan to see the sights.
``We live in a nice, advanced dream and we want to keep our chances of playing in the next part of this competition after the game in Milan,'' Weiss said.
``We will not travel to Milan to see fashion shows or ruins that's for sure.''
The Slovakians have been the surprise package in the Champions League this season and forward Lukas Hartig is adamant they must continue with the tactics that have served them so well.
Unbeaten on their travels in the group stages, after a thrilling 3-2 win over Porto was followed by a gutsy goalless draw at Rangers, Hartig believes that trying to outplay their illustrious Italian hosts could backfire on them.
He said: ``We will try to surprise again. We have to play like we have played up to now. We have to concentrate on good defence and look for dangerous fast breaks.
``It is not possible to play an open game with opponents like Inter - the game could finish very badly for us in that case.''
Artmedia could be without defender Ondrej Debnar after he suffered a knee injury during the league game against Spartak Trnava last weekend, but goalkeeper Juraj Cobej should return after his shoulder problem.
Branislav Fodrek, Branislav Obzera and Pavol Stano are walking a disciplinary tightrope and will miss the home game against Porto if they are booked in Milan.