Life in Serie A is good for Jose Mourinho’s squad as Inter are currently two points ahead of surprise package Sampdoria, and four ahead of Juventus, their main Scudetto challengers on paper.
Last weekend’s routine home win against Catania was their third in succession in the league, and their seventh in their last eight games. Tonight, an injury riddled Inter team plays another in-form team in Palermo, who are also coming off three straight victories.
Palermo Flying High
After a slightly uneven start to the season, Walter Zenga’s Palermo are now on a run of three consecutive victories, in which they have played some very good football. While Zenga’s claim that his side could compete for the Scudetto was obviously over the top, currently they sit in fourth place along with Fiorentina and Milan, so a Champions League place could be a realistic aim for the Rosanero.
They have come close to reaching that objective in the past, and they’ve already managed to qualify for the UEFA Cup on three occasions. With a promising coach like Zenga now at the helm, it might be the right time for Palermo to make a further step forward. According to many, the former Inter goalkeeper is the primary candidate to take over at the Beneamata if Mourinho were to leave.
Despite already helping his former club with an impressive 2-0 win over Juventus recently, Zenga won’t want his team to give anything away in this match. In fact, they will fancy their chances of getting a good result, as they will certainly be high on confidence because of their recent performances. In recent years, they have frequently managed to trouble Inter at San Siro.
Last season, for example, they came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, and overall they have managed three draws and just two defeats in Milan against Inter since their return to Serie A in 2004.
TEAM NEWS
Inter
Wesley Sneijder is out with a thigh injury and will aim for a return in the match against Dynamo Kiev. Esteban Cambiasso will likely be kept out as a precaution, with Patrick Vieira taking his place in midfield and Thiago Motta making his return. Diego Milito will probably start from the bench.
Possible formation (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Vieira, Thiago Motta; Stankovic; Balotelli, Eto’o.
Palermo
Federico Balzaretti and Levan Mchedlidze are out injured, while goalkeeper Rubinho will also be kept out as a precaution. Fabio Liverani is also missing. Cesare Bovo and Moris Carrozzieri are suspended.
Possible formation (3-4-1-2): Sirigu; Goian, Kjaer, Migliaccio; Bertolo, Simplicio, Bresciano, Cassani; Pastore; Cavani, Miccoli.
PREDICTION
This is a tough game for Inter, especially with all the injuries they have. It would not surprise me if Inter lost, but I an going for a draw. Inter-Palermo 1-1
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Sneijder is Inter’s most creative player and his absence will be greatly felt by his mates. Inspite of injuries, Inter is still the better team. The remaining players must step up and show their presences on the pitch.
I m looking forwards to Eto to finally prove what a great player he actually is.
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