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INTERNAZIONALE
Stadio Artemio Franchi, Firenze, Italy
16 Feb 2011, 11 PM IST
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Flying High
Fiorentina have been in a brilliant form just like their opponents from the turn of the year. The Viola defeated Palermo with a 4-2 scoreline and also bought themselves a first away win this season. Fiorentina had been a surprising relegation candidate from the beginning of the season, but that has changed in 2011 as they sit in 10th position having collected 32 points from 24 matches.
A win against Inter would be a massive confidence boost for the Viola as indicated by Coach Mihajlovic and would put them safely in the top ten.
A Hurdle
Along with Fiorentina, Inter have been brilliant under coach Leonardo with a few exceptions in the form of Udinese and Juventus. Inter have won all their matches except those against those two teams. To be fair, Serie A has looked extremely competitive and Inter have done well considering these circumstances.
However, they wouldn’t be too happy after losing against their eternal rivals Juventus which has seen the gap between them and Milan extend to 8 points having played a game less. This is the game that was postponed due to Inter’s Club World Cup commitments. Having said that, Inter have to make ammends and get all three points against Fiorentina or their title chances would fade away more.
Meanwhile, Miacon has called his team mates to react positively after the defeat to Juventus. Off the pitch, legendary former Inter striker Ronaldo has announced his retirement.
Team News and Tactical Brief
Fiorentina
Vargas, Kroldrup, Jovetic and Frey are injured and will be unavailable for the home side.
Fiorentina will be starting with their usual 4-5-1 formation, with Gilardino leading the line. Boruc will guard the posts in the absence of the reliable Frey. The scottish goalkeeper will be supported by Gamberini and Natali in the centre of defence. Sylvestri and Pasquel will play the full back role on either sides.
The ever improving Montolivo and Agostino will try to dictate the play from the Centre midfield positions, at the same time performing some defensive duties. Santana and Marchionni will provide the width against vulnerable Inter full-backs who end up in the opposition half more than their own half.
Ljajic will sit in the hole and provide the support to Gilardino whilst making runs into the box himself.
Possible XI (4-5-1): Boruc; Sylvestri, Gamberini, Natali, Pasquel; Montolivo, Agostino, Santana, Ljajic, Marchionni, Gilardino
Internazionale
Thiago Motta and Chivu are suspended. Lucio, Samuel and Milito are injured and will not travel to the trip to Fiorentina.
Inter will again start with a 4-3-1-2 formation. Lucio and Samuel are still out with injuries, hence, Andrea Rannochia is likely to be partnered by veteran Cordoba. Evergreen Javier Zanetti and Maicon will start on the flanks as full backs. However, a possible inclusion of January signing Nagatomo can’t be ruled out.
Kharja, Thiago Motta and Cambiassio will form a solid three man midfield. Motta – Cambiasso is a lethal combination for Inter, which worked so well under Mourinho. The main creative spark will be provided by Wesley Senijder whose form in the first half of the season had been not up to the standards we saw last year. However, the Dutchman has returned to his brilliant best after recovering from injury.
Inter’s main strength has been their power upfront as they have been scoring goals for fun. Samuel Eto’o and Milito are a deadly combination by themselves and with Pazzini joining the fray, Inter look even more dangerous. With the unavailability of Milito, Pazzini will be expected to take some burden off of Eto’o who has been scintillating the whole season.
Possible XI (4-3-1-2): Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Rannochia, Zanetti; Kharja, Cambiasso, Motta; Sneijder; Pazzini, Eto’o
TheHardTackle’s PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR
Samuel Eto’o (Internazionale): Eto’o was virtually nullified against The Old Lady and couldn’t produce his best against a resilient Juventus defence. However, Fiorentina are not as solid in defence, and Eto’o will be rubbing his hands at the possibility of getting a goal or two and helping his team march towards Milan.
Having already scored 27 goals in all competitions, Eto’o will be the key to the vistors’ attacking intentions, along with the improving Pazzini.
TheHardTackle’s PREDICTION
Fiorentina 2-2 Internazionale
Inter have been in very good form since new year except for a couple of hurdles here and there, but it remains to be seen if they can replicate their home form against tougher opponents, away from home. Fiorentina are themselves in a rich vein of form but a practical result would be a hard fought entertaining draw.
TheHardTackle’s BLAST FROM THE PAST
