Post by Taxigirl on Aug 26, 2005 8:44:30 GMT
www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/aug25l.html
Inter boss Roberto Mancini is confident of Champions League qualification following Thursday’s draw.
The Nerazzurri will face Porto, Rangers and Artmedia Bratislava after being drawn in Group H.
"It is a good result for us, it could have been a lot worse," stated the tactician. "However, it will still be tough.
"Porto are a side who play good football and Rangers, especially at home, are a team to be feared.
"The Portuguese have lost some important players but have some good youngsters coming through.
"I saw Rangers beat Celtic 3-1 and they are a good outfit. They are a team with very strong character."
Nerazzurri chief Giacinto Facchetti was also smiling after a ‘fortunate’ afternoon in Monte Carlo.
"We can’t complain really," said the club legend. "Porto and Rangers are prestigious clubs, but clubs of the past.
"It will be important now to not underestimate our opponents. Qualification is in our own hands.
"The only problem now is that two of our home games will be played in an empty stadium. Perhaps it would be better to play on a neutral ground and give the gate receipts to charity."
Inter were handed a three-match home ban following last season’s abandoned Milan derby at the quarter-final stage.
Inter boss Roberto Mancini is confident of Champions League qualification following Thursday’s draw.
The Nerazzurri will face Porto, Rangers and Artmedia Bratislava after being drawn in Group H.
"It is a good result for us, it could have been a lot worse," stated the tactician. "However, it will still be tough.
"Porto are a side who play good football and Rangers, especially at home, are a team to be feared.
"The Portuguese have lost some important players but have some good youngsters coming through.
"I saw Rangers beat Celtic 3-1 and they are a good outfit. They are a team with very strong character."
Nerazzurri chief Giacinto Facchetti was also smiling after a ‘fortunate’ afternoon in Monte Carlo.
"We can’t complain really," said the club legend. "Porto and Rangers are prestigious clubs, but clubs of the past.
"It will be important now to not underestimate our opponents. Qualification is in our own hands.
"The only problem now is that two of our home games will be played in an empty stadium. Perhaps it would be better to play on a neutral ground and give the gate receipts to charity."
Inter were handed a three-match home ban following last season’s abandoned Milan derby at the quarter-final stage.