Post by Taxigirl on Mar 11, 2006 8:07:08 GMT
soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=188193&cc=5739
KO - SAT 19:30 UK - San Siro
MILAN, March 10 (Serie A) - Brazilian striker Adriano is hopeful he can still have an impact on Internazionale`s faltering season starting with a match-winning display against Sampdoria on Saturday.
Adriano has missed the last two Serie A games through suspension and 2006 has so far failed to live up to expectations for the South American.
He has only found the net twice and that was back on January 15 against Cagliari.
But Inter fans are hoping a rested Adriano can come up with the goods this weekend and add to his tally of 12 league goals so far this campaign.
``I am not going through the most positive of times,'' Adriano admitted.
``But this week I've been able to train well and I feel much better.
``I hope that I can return to score those goals that are so important for my team to improve this season.''
Inter coach Roberto Mancini will also be keeping his fingers crossed that is the case as he will need Adriano to be at his best for what is set to be a challenging week.
A victory against Samp would be a big morale boost in view of Wednesday's Champions League return-leg against Ajax.
The Nerazzurri will be looking to join AC Milan and Juventus in the quarter-finals of Europe's elite competition but there is still everything to play for following their 2-2 opener in Amsterdam.
This weekend's result could also prove vital for the Nerazzurri's hopes of finishing second in Serie A.
With Inter having already ruled themselves out of the Scudetto race, as they are 14 points behind Serie A leaders Juve with 10 games remaining, the team`s aim is simply to finish above their neighbours Milan.
Inter go into Saturday's clash four points behind second-placed Milan, who face a battle of their own on Sunday night when they take on Juve at the Delle Alpi.
Visitors Samp know what awaits them as an Inter side without Adriano managed to end Roma's record-breaking 11-game winning streak last weekend.
``Inter are a very strong side but we must get a positive result in Milan,'' said Samp midfielder Marco Pisano.
Walter Novellino's men travel to the San Siro hoping to avoid their fourth straight defeat after slip-ups against Siena, Ascoli and Juventus.
Last Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Juve left the Blucerchiati in ninth position in the standings, seven points behind Livorno, who hold the last UEFA Cup slot.
Fortunately for the visitors, Inter will be without suspended defensive duo Marco Materrazzi, who scored the equaliser against Roma, and captain Javier Zanetti.
Midfielder Aimo Diana is absent for Samp through suspension along with injured striker Fabio Bazzani.
KO - SAT 19:30 UK - San Siro
MILAN, March 10 (Serie A) - Brazilian striker Adriano is hopeful he can still have an impact on Internazionale`s faltering season starting with a match-winning display against Sampdoria on Saturday.
Adriano has missed the last two Serie A games through suspension and 2006 has so far failed to live up to expectations for the South American.
He has only found the net twice and that was back on January 15 against Cagliari.
But Inter fans are hoping a rested Adriano can come up with the goods this weekend and add to his tally of 12 league goals so far this campaign.
``I am not going through the most positive of times,'' Adriano admitted.
``But this week I've been able to train well and I feel much better.
``I hope that I can return to score those goals that are so important for my team to improve this season.''
Inter coach Roberto Mancini will also be keeping his fingers crossed that is the case as he will need Adriano to be at his best for what is set to be a challenging week.
A victory against Samp would be a big morale boost in view of Wednesday's Champions League return-leg against Ajax.
The Nerazzurri will be looking to join AC Milan and Juventus in the quarter-finals of Europe's elite competition but there is still everything to play for following their 2-2 opener in Amsterdam.
This weekend's result could also prove vital for the Nerazzurri's hopes of finishing second in Serie A.
With Inter having already ruled themselves out of the Scudetto race, as they are 14 points behind Serie A leaders Juve with 10 games remaining, the team`s aim is simply to finish above their neighbours Milan.
Inter go into Saturday's clash four points behind second-placed Milan, who face a battle of their own on Sunday night when they take on Juve at the Delle Alpi.
Visitors Samp know what awaits them as an Inter side without Adriano managed to end Roma's record-breaking 11-game winning streak last weekend.
``Inter are a very strong side but we must get a positive result in Milan,'' said Samp midfielder Marco Pisano.
Walter Novellino's men travel to the San Siro hoping to avoid their fourth straight defeat after slip-ups against Siena, Ascoli and Juventus.
Last Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Juve left the Blucerchiati in ninth position in the standings, seven points behind Livorno, who hold the last UEFA Cup slot.
Fortunately for the visitors, Inter will be without suspended defensive duo Marco Materrazzi, who scored the equaliser against Roma, and captain Javier Zanetti.
Midfielder Aimo Diana is absent for Samp through suspension along with injured striker Fabio Bazzani.