Post by Taxigirl on Dec 7, 2003 12:00:14 GMT
Alberto Zaccheroni insists Inter can only best prepare for their crunch tie in Kiev by playing their best men against Perugia.
“I believe that our chances of beating Dynamo Kiev depend on how we perform on Sunday,” noted the Coach.
The Nerazzurri must win in the Ukraine on Wednesday to have a chance of qualifying for the next stage of the Champions’ League.
“This is a step on our journey and every result helps build the team up. My intention is therefore to make as few changes as possible.”
Juventus boss Marcello Lippi was criticised for rotating the squad this week and Zac has taken those lessons to heart.
“There will be a few variations,” he added, “but these will only be linked to injury problems we are struggling with.”
Christian Vieri is unlikely to feature this weekend as he recovers from a bruised back, while Alvaro Recoba and Fabio Cannavaro are also struggling.
“I hope to have almost everybody back for the trip to Kiev, but I am worried by the time Francesco Coco and Marco Materazzi will stay on the sidelines.”
Coco underwent surgery to clean up a long-running back problem this week, while Materazzi’s torn calf muscle will keep him out until the New Year.
Meanwhile, Zaccheroni has handed the credit for recent results to the long-suffering Inter fans.
“Right now this project is supported by most of the fans and I think the 3-1 win at Juventus was in part thanks to them. After the 5-1 defeat to Arsenal they did not stage protests and that helped the team recover quickly.”
Inter shocked the Stadio Delle Alpi with that victory, but will be expected to sweep Perugia aside.
“This is certainly a less difficult task,” conceded Zac, “but Perugia will leave us less space to play in and it must therefore be interpreted differently.”
The club has dominated headlines this week with talk of January swoops for a number of players – above all Dejan Stankovic.
“I have not spoken to the President about this,” revealed the Coach. “Stankovic is an important player who can make the difference and settle in at Inter. But right now I want to understand the squad I have at my disposal.”