Post by Taxigirl on Feb 8, 2004 10:41:57 GMT
Alberto Zaccheroni has hinted that today's clash with Sampdoria will see Alvaro Recoba, Christian Vieri and Adriano together.
“All I can do is try to put together a team that is tough and balanced,” commented the Inter boss, “with added character and the determination to never give in.”
Vieri is back in the squad three weeks after suffering a thigh strain, but the stunning form of Recoba and new signing Adriano force a tactical rethink for the Coach.
It seems as if Zaccheroni will emulate the Scudetto-winning Milan system with Recoba playing behind the front two rather than as part of a more traditional trident.
“We are recovering some of our players at last. Cristiano Zanetti has been in full training for a fortnight, but lacks match fitness. Our only problem is that three of the six men still out of action are defenders.”
Marco Materazzi is suspended until March 29 for punching Siena’s Bruno Cirillo, while Carlos Alberto Gamarra, Jeremie Brechet and Francesco Coco are sidelined.
“Dejan Stankovic is still trying to regain full fitness,” added Zac, “but he needs time to become used to this new system and he will eventually perform those darting runs that are his trademark.”
Inter have not won an away game in Serie A since mid-December and must beat Sampdoria to maintain any hope of a Scudetto challenge.
“I think we are capable of getting just as many points as the top three,” insisted the former Milan and Lazio Coach, “and I really doubt that the others will maintain this pace until May. Everything is still possible.”
Samp have struggled against the big teams so far this season, but have an Italian international on fine form in Fabio Bazzani.
“Sampdoria are like Udinese in my view, a team that has character and remains solid for the entire 90 minutes. They have great forwards and an excellent midfield. It certainly won’t be an easy task.”
Finally, Zaccheroni was asked about the reports that Inter are aiming to bring Ronaldo back to the San Siro.
“We talked about the transfer market for the last five months and it is now closed,” he noted. “In any case, right now I would prefer to sign a new defender instead.”