Post by Taxigirl on Jan 2, 2004 10:19:31 GMT
Alberto Zaccheroni has increased speculation that Adriano will return to Inter in January to partner Christian Vieri.
“It would be an extraordinary striking partnership that the rest of Europe would envy us for,” confessed the Nerazzurri boss.
“Of course they can play in the same side and would complement each other well.”
Up until now Zaccheroni has always quashed talk of bringing in mid-season reinforcements, but Parma’s financial woes make it increasingly likely that Adriano (pictured) will change sides.
It was believed that the Brazilian’s arrival would push the already unsettled Vieri towards Manchester United or Chelsea.
“We will always deal with rumours about Vieri’s state of mind at Inter,” sighed Zac, “because the press likes to blow these stories out of all proportion."
"This doesn’t worry me or his teammates and if it helps him to keep scoring goals then they can carry on talking all they like.”
However, the tactician continues to calm newspaper talk of an imminent slew of new buys including Edgar Davids and Dejan Stankovic.
“Right now we don’t need any new players,” he told the ‘Corriere dello Sport’ newspaper.
“I am working with this squad and want to continue with them until the end of the season. Stankovic is a great player and very welcome here, but not until June.”
The Nerazzurri have fallen back from the leaders following their 2-1 defeat at Lazio before Christmas.
“The Scudetto race is still wide open,” maintained the former Milan Coach. “A Championship is decided in the long run and not on single match results.”
The team has certainly turned a corner since Zaccheroni’s arrival, picking up six wins and a draw before that Olimpico setback.
“The club has understood what we are trying to do here and so have the fans. They take note of mistakes, but do not put excess pressure on us throughout the week.”
Hector Cuper’s departure did see a downturn in their European results and an early elimination from the Champions’ League.
“The trip to Kiev was one of our best performances of the season,” insisted Zac, “but there was a bit of bad luck and we were knocked out.”