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Mancini mounts Inter offensive
Tuesday, 15 March 2005
By Ivan Carvalho in Milan
As FC Internazionale Milano aim to become the third Italian side into the draw for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, coach Roberto Mancini has pledged that his players will not sit back as they welcome holders FC Porto for the second leg of their last-16 tie.
Uncharacteristic error
Inter came back from the Estádio do Dragão with a 1-1 draw after an uncharacteristic error from goalkeeper Francesco Toldo enabled Porto's Ricardo Costa to cancel out Obafemi Martins's opener. A goalless draw at the San Siro would now see Inter through, although Mancini is adamant his team will be playing for a victory. "We will look to control the match," said the coach. "Success in this game is fundamental for our season. We have great respect for Porto, for what they have done. But Inter will play to win."
Stakes high
Captain Javier Zanetti echoed Mancini's comments, saying: "We will have to be wary of the potential pitfalls, but we want to take the game into our own hands." With Inter 16 points behind leaders AC Milan in Serie A, Zanetti is well aware the Champions League is the club's best chance of silverware this season. "We know what is at stake," he said.
Striking partners
Mancini's men breezed through the group stage, scoring 14 goals including four from striker Adriano, who despite a recent slump has produced some memorable displays in Europe. Fitness concerns surrounding Martins and Christian Vieri may force Mancini to start Argentinian Julio Cruz alongside the Brazilian.
Defensive worries
A bigger worry for Mancini is his defence as Colombian Iván Cordoba and left-back Giuseppe Favalli are both suspended. With Nicolás Burdisso also missing for family reasons, Inter must rely on 36-year-old Sinisa Mihajlovic to pair up with Italian international Marco Materazzi in central defence.
Tempting fate
Porto have endured their own tribulations since winning the tournament last May. Following José Mourinho's summer defection to Chelsea FC, Luigi Del Neri and Víctor Fernández have both been hired and fired, and the latest incumbent, José Couceiro, tempted fate as he oversaw a 4-0 home loss to CD Nacional on Friday - Porto's worst home defeat in 30 years.
We're at a disadvantage, so it means we will have to risk more than Inter
José Couceiro
Risky policy
Couceiro conceded that Inter have the upper hand after scoring in Porto. "We're at a disadvantage, so it means we will have to risk more than Inter," said Couceiro. "All their forwards have great technical skill and are a threat so we have to keep an eye on them."
Patient approach
The holders will at least be reassured by the presence of Brazilian playmaker Diego and veteran defender Jorge Costa after both missed the first leg through suspension. Captain Jorge Costa stressed that Porto's experience in European competition will be a huge help. "We know how to play in big games like this," he said. "We just have to be patient over the 90 minutes and wait for our chance to strike."
'Terrible situation'
Besides losing midfielder Bosingwa to injury, Porto are shorn of forward Luís Fabiano, who has not travelled after his mother was kidnapped in Brazil last Friday. Regarding Fabiano, Jorge Costa said: "It is a terrible situation to be in but we are all behind him at this difficult time."
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Notice the writers name !?