Post by Taxigirl on Jan 30, 2004 10:00:04 GMT
LIVE on British Eurosport (KO 7.30pm UK time)
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
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It’s crisis time at Inter and a strong result is needed against plucky Siena at the San Siro.
Alberto Zaccheroni’s honeymoon period came screeching to a halt with a series of dismal results. Even the arrival of Adriano and President Massimo Moratti’s resignation failed to shake them out of their stupor, as highlighted by their disappointing 1-1 draw at minnows Modena and previous 1-0 home defeat to Empoli. When these two teams met in Week 2, Inter’s 1-0 win was only sealed by a controversial Marco Materazzi goal, so the Tuscans will be out for revenge.
The real problem appears to be in midfield, where the absence of long-term injury cases Cristiano Zanetti, Francesco Coco and Matias Almeyda is added to Emre Belozoglu’s suspension. Adriano made his first appearance for the club last Sunday, but is expected to start this tie in a trident attack with Andy van der Meyde and Julio Cruz. Surprisingly, the Argentine hitman was not used at all against Modena and question marks remain over Zac’s plans for his growing collection of strikers.
Siena will find this city familiar territory by the time this match comes around, as they also step into the San Siro on Wednesday for their rescheduled game with Milan. So far the newly promoted side has been far more comfortable on home turf, but proved it has battling spirit by scoring two late goals to beat Perugia 2-1 last week. Enrico Chiesa is still searching for his best form, but his experience and the height of Tore Andre Flo can be dangerous tools against a shaky Inter defence. Former Nerazzurri striker Nicola Ventola will also be eager to impress his old club.
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Inter (probable): Toldo; Cordoba, Adani, Cannavaro; J Zanetti, Lamouchi, Farinos, Pasquale; Cruz, Adriano, van der Meyde
Siena (probable): Rossi; Cirillo, Argilli, Mignani, Cufre; Taddei, Vergassola, D’Aversa, Guigou; Flo, Chiesa