v
SAMPDORIA
Giuseppe Meazza, Milan, Italy
25 October 2010, 00:15 AM IST
***
After a scintillating midweek game in the Champions league against Tottenham Hotspurs, Champions Inter hope to see Lazio slip up so that they can go to the top of the table in the Italian Seria A. Match day 7 saw controversy spilling all over the place when Inter faced Cagliari in a match that saw racism haunting the beautiful game again. Inter will be looking to score more goals and be involved in fewer controversial incidents.
Gathering Momentum
Having made a slow and indifferent start to their campaign, Inter are slowly climbing up the ladder and gathering momentum. They sit in 3rd place in the table behind leaders Lazio and rivals Milan, having collected 14 points from 7 games. Last time around, the Nerazzurri defeated Cagliari with a solitary goal by Samuel Eto’o. That followed with a midweek victory in the Champions league against Spurs which ended 4-3 in favor of Inter as Eto’o ended with two goals to his name.
Although Inter have been far from impressive in the title-defense this campaign, they have had no such problems at the Meazza. They have conceded only 3 goals at their fortress and are yet to lose at their home ground. The La Beneamata will be hoping that the run continues.
Inter too had been linked with the Wayne Rooney saga and San Siro was suggested as a possible destination for the Red Devil. But all was put to bed on Friday. Meanwhile, Sneijder has emphasized that it is all about the team and individual glory comes second as he looks forward to collect the coveted Ballon D’or.
Ambitious
Sampdoria have made a decent start to their Seria A season as they sit in 7th place just 3 places shy of the Champions league spot. Samp had a successful outing last weekend as they beat Fiorentina in a closely contested encounter.
However, the Blucerchiati had a poor midweek action in the Europa league as their European aspirations were dealt a heavy blow after they lost to Metalist Kharkiv with a 2-1 scoreline away from home. This ended a 5 game unbeaten run in all competitions. Getting a positive result in the Champions den is not an easy thing to do but Samp will be looking at least to get a point.
TEAM NEWS
Inter: Mancini, Milito, Stankovic, Mariga and Suazo are out injured for the Nerazzurri, who are likely to field their much used 4-2-3-1 formation. This time too Eto’o will be the lone striker upfront with Coutinho, Sneijder and Pandev playing behind him.
Possible Lineup: Cesar: Maicon,Lucio,Samuel,Chivu; Zannetti, Sneijder, Cambiasso; Pandev, Eto’o, Coutinho.
Sampdoria: Semioli, Lucchini and Rossini are out injured for Sampdoria. Pazzini and Cassano will start up front.
Possible Lineup: Curci: Zuari, Gastalldelo,Volta, Zeigler; Semioli, Palombo, Tissone, Guberti; Cassano, Pazzini.
FORM GUIDE
Inter: W-W -D-W-L
Sampdoria: L-W-D-W-D
TheHardTackle’s PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR
Samuel Eto’o: The man from Cameroon is arguably the best striker in Europe at the moment. Everything Eto’o touches is turning into gold as he chases the Golden boot this season.
After playing second fiddle to Milito last year, Eto’o has surely become the main man for Inter this season. He will be looking to extend his goal tally and help his team get a few wins.
TheHardTackle’s PREDICTION
Sampdoria had a mixed week last time out as they had a win and a loss; the men from Genoa will be looking to up the ante and produce a battling performance to gain a point or maybe even three from the Champions.
While Inter’s defence has been poor this season, they have been impressive in the attack. They are hitting top form at the right moment and will be looking to dispatch Samp and gain the required three points.
Inter 2-1 Sampdoria
TheHardTackle’s BLAST FROM THE PAST