V
PARMA
Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Italy 28 November 2010, 19:00 IST
Stepping Stones
A disastrous match-day 13 saw Inter crash out to relegation candidates Chievo, leading to crisis talks from football fans and experts around the world. The Nerazzurri produced yet another poor performance as per their standards; credit goes to Chievo though for capitalizing on Inter’s jaded effort, after being inspired by their captain Pessellier’s heroics. Rafa Benitez was the sheep as many Inter fans called on Moratti to sack the ex-Liverpool man after the game, but the president was in no such mood as he reassured confidence in the Spanish master.
Inter had a chance to change the direction of their campaign when they took on Twente and the defending champions qualified for the knockout stage of the European cup with an unattractive but important 1-0 win. Inter already are 9 points off the top as their arch rivals Milan sit comfortable in pole position. Although, it is too early to predict that Inter are on their way up after their midweek endeavours, with the return of many injured players and the January transfer window, Inter could well end up fighting for the titles.
Escaping Relegation
Parma hasn’t started their season as well as they had last year. The Ducali sit in an ugly 14th place with fifteen points to their name which includes 3 wins, 6 draws and 4 defeats. The Crociati are just 4 points of the dangerous relegation places. Yet, they’ve had encouraging results for the last 3 weeks – they earned a point against title contenders Lazio last weekend preceded by 1-0 wins against Bari and Sampdoria.
However, Parma has been very modest in their travels, grabbing just a solo win whilst being defeated 3 times and sharing the spoils twice. Although they will fancy their chances against an injury hit and jaded Inter side, they have to be realistic as the Champions would be looking to make their own impression knowing Parma’s poor away record.
Team News and Tactical Brief
Inter
Coutinho, Chivu, Mariga, Milito, Muntari, Maicon, Julio Cesar, Suazo, Thiago Motta, Obi and Samuel all are out for Inter. On the other hand, their inform striker Samuel Eto’o is suspended after his infamous head-butt against Chievo last weekend. The Nerazzurri are arguably the most affected team in terms of injuries and suspensions in Europe.
Rafa Benitez is likely to field a 4-2-3-1 formation with Pandev as the focal point and supported by Sneijder in the hole. Bibiany and Stankovic will provide the width and Cambiasso, alongwith Zanetti, will be deployed in the defensive midfielder role. With Maicon still out, Cordoba will resume his duties at the right back position whilst leaving the left back position for young Santon. Lucio and Materazzi will be the main defenders, and Castelazzi will replace Julio Cesar in goal.
Possible Lineup: Castelazzi, Cordoba, Lucio, Materazzi, Santon, Zannetti, Cambiasso, Sneijder, Stankovic, Bibiany, Pandev.
Parma
Paloschi, Galloppa, Morrone and Marques will definitely miss the trip to the Champion’s den in Milan.
Pasquale Marino most certainly will employ a 4-3-1-2 system with veteran Crespo and the dangerously unpredictable Bojinov leading the line. Mirante will guard the posts and will be supported by Paci and Lucarelli in the Centre Back positions. Zaccardo and Antonelli will cover the full back positions and support Gobbi and Marques. Dzemaili and Candreva will be the dictators for the Ducali. They will be looking to trouble Inter from the wings and support their dangerous strikers.
Possible Starting Lineup: Mirante, Zaccardo, Paci, Lucarelli, Antonelli, Marques, Dzemaili, Candreva, Gobbi, Bojinov, Crespo.
Form Guide
Inter: W-L-L-D-D
Parma: D-W-W-L-D
Key Facts
1. Parma has not won against Inter in the last 6 years.
2. Inter have won 9 times and lost twice against Parma in total.
TheHardTackle’s PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR
Esteben Cambiasso (Inter): If there was one man who could turn Inter’s fortune this season, it has to be Cambiasso. He is the unsung hero for the Nerazzurri, who had performed brilliantly in all competitions last season.
Cambiasso, the Unsung hero.
The Argentine International scored an important goal on Wednesday to take his side to the Champions league knockout stage. With the vulnerable Materazzi behind him, Cambiasso has to support both the defenders and also Sneijder; this clearly indicates his importance in the Inter setup.
TheHardTackle’s PREDICTION
Inter 1-0 Parma
Inter without doubt has been very poor off late and desperately need a win in the Serie A to close the gap on AC Milan. With so many injuries, Inter fans can only hope for their available players to step up and earn them all 3 points.
TheHardTackle’s BLAST FROM THE PAST: