Post by Taxigirl on Jan 16, 2004 10:09:37 GMT
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
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Inter’s Scudetto hopes were hit hard by the defeat at Parma, so a victory against relegation battlers Empoli is essential to prevent talk of a crisis.
The Nerazzurri slipped eight points adrift of leaders Roma following that 1-0 setback at the Tardini and they failed to score for the first time since Alberto Zaccheroni’s debut on October 26. The midfield was reshuffled for that tie due to the continuing absence of the injured Cristiano Zanetti and suspended Matias Almeyda. Obafemi Martins should return to the starting eleven as part of a trident attack with Christian Vieri and Julio Cruz, moving Emre Belozoglu back into a deeper role.
If Inter’s confidence was hit by that weekend result, then Empoli are more motivated than they have been all season. The 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Ancona enabled them to push towards the possibility of safety and they have no injury worries going into this game. Antonio Di Natale, who was once linked with a move to the San Siro, is back on form with two goals in as many games, while Ighli Vannucchi was also on target in Sunday’s match. With nothing to lose, Empoli could be a dangerous banana skin for Zac’s men.
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Inter (probable): Toldo; Cordoba, Adani, Cannavaro; J Zanetti, Emre, Farinos, Pasquale; Martins, Vieri, Cruz
Empoli (probable): Bucci; Belleri, Cribari, Vargas, Lucchini; Grella, Ficini; Busce’, Vannucchi, Di Natale; Rocchi