Post by Taxigirl on Dec 3, 2005 10:36:05 GMT
Serie A Week 14 - 3/12/05 (19.30 UK)
Inter - Ascoli
San Siro
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Marco Giampaolo’s Ascoli side will travel to the San Siro for their clash with Inter knowing that they have a mountain to climb if they are to come away with anything. Despite inconsistency on their travels, the Nerazzurri have been solid at home and have recently shown signs of finding form. Roberto Mancini will be well aware that once again nothing less than a victory is acceptable and will look to his side to continue their recent improvement.
After an encouraging start to life in Serie A, Giampaolo’s minnows have struggled recently. The Bianconeri have gone six games without a win and, for a side yet to take three points away from home, there can be few more daunting places to visit. However, stubborn defensive performances earned draws with Chievo and Palermo, and although this is an altogether greater task, Giampaolo will have been encouraged by his side’s resilience.
Inter have had a turbulent season and again external events will have to be put to the back of the players’ minds. Accusations of racist abuse by fans are lingering over the San Siro and sanctions may be imposed, possibly meaning more games behind closed doors. Mancini will be determined to make the right kind of headlines and will hope that troubled star Adriano can find some consistency after a season of instability. While wins over Parma, Artmedia Bratislava and Messina have eased the pressure on the Inter boss, he knows his side must perform and can call on a full strength squad to ensure maximum points.
Giampaolo’s already significant injury problems have worsened. Michele Fini joins Mirko Cudini, Valerio Virga, Domenico Cristiano and Daniele Adani on the sidelines. Ex-Inter striker Corrado Colombo will miss out, leaving fellow ex-Nerazzurri marksman Marco Ferrante favourite to start after his goal against Palermo. While Massimo Paci returns from suspension, Nicolas Cordova is still not in the Coach’s plans after his anger at being substituted against Fiorentina in Week 11.
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Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; J. Zanetti, Cordoba, Materazzi, Favalli; Figo, Veron, Cambiasso, Stankovic; Martins, Adriano
Ascoli (probable): Coppola; Comotto, Domizzi, Corallo, Del Grosso; Foggia, Guana, Parola, Della Morte; Ferrante, Bjelanovic
Ref: To folllow
www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/sa0506/int-asc.html