Inter Milan gave their best performance in the Champions League in a very long time last Wednesday when they beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Stamford Bridge to ensure their progression to the last 8 of the Champions League. I was thoroughly impressed with their solid defense and their ravaging attack. This win has definitely given the Nerazzurri more confidence ahead of their away league fixture against Palermo tomorrow night.
This match kicks-off at the Stadio Renzo Barbera at 2045 CET. Currently lying in 4th place in the Serie A table, Palermo have a solid home record that would make their opponents turn green with envy. Out 14 home games played at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo have won 10 drawn 4 and lost none.
The Nerazzurri on the other hand have won 7 of their last 14 home games, drawn 4 and lost 3. This means that Inter are the second best team in away game performances this season. This however should not fool Palermo into thinking that they have the edge over Inter in tomorrow’s fixture.
The Sicilians may have the advantage on paper but as we all know, no game of football is won on paper. Inter welcome back their coach Jose Mourinho to the bench after the Portuguese served out the last of his three match touchline ban in their 3-1 defeat away to Catania.
Inter Milan players that are doubtful for the match include: Sulley Muntari and Mario Balotelli, who might be left out due to their disciplinary issues with the club. Marko Anaurtovic, Christian Chivu and Davide Santon however are out through injury.
This should not be a worry for Inter as the depth of their squad is sufficient enough to overcome Palermo. Any slip-ups tomorrow would gift arch rivals Milan the golden opportunity to replace them at the top of the league if they beat Napoli at the San Siro on Sunday.
I predict a 2-1 win in favour of Inter this in spite of their floundering league form lately.
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It is strange when the Italian authorities stop attacking Mou and start praising him instead.
Italian Federation president Giancarlo Abete says the local game NEEDS Mourinho: “I would be sorry if Mourinho were to leave Inter and the Italian championship. Italy needs big characters and great coaches like him.”
It was an amazing turnaround in the Italian press this week after the Chelsea win. I was shocked at the plaudits that they were giving Mour