This is probably one of the most important fixtures of our season. Without a doubt, the last game we played against Bayern was the most important from a psychological perspective, but realistically our aim is the title. The tie against Bayern has given us the belief we needed to keep going on all fronts for the rest of the season. We were still lacking in big moments as all of our games against better opposition had not gone well up to this week during this season. Lecce presents us with a fine opportunity to cement our title challenge, and give us a deserved week of rest and preparation for what awaits us the following Saturday, in what should really determine the title race. But none of that will mean anything unless we get a win versus Lecce, who have struggled as of late. But, as we found out last week against Brescia, and Bilan found out against Bari the relegation fight is taking it everywhere and the so-called weaker teams are going to try as hard as they possibly can. Let us hope that the celebrations of Wednesday and Thursday do not spill over as overconfidence on Sunday. This would be my starting 11: ----------------Julio Cesar----------------- Maicon------Lucio----Cordoba----Nagatomo --------------Cambiassoo------------------ --------Motta------------Zanetti----------- ---------------Sneijder-------------------- ----------Pazzini-------Etoó--------------- FORZA NERAZURRI!!!
call ups: Portieri: 1 Julio Cesar, 12 Luca Castellazzi, 21 Paolo Orlandoni; Difensori: 4 Javier Zanetti, 6 Lucio, 13 Maicon, 23 Marco Materazzi, 26 Cristian Chivu, 55 Yuto Nagatomo; Centrocampisti: 5 Dejan Stankovic, 8 Thiago Motta, 10 Wesley Sneijder, 14 Houssine Kharja, 17 MacDonald Mariga, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 20 Joel Obi, 29 Philippe Coutinho; Attaccanti: 7 Giampaolo Pazzini, 9 Samuel Eto'o, 27 Goran Pandev. milito is still out, but pupi, mariga and obi get back on the list
With the great news that Bilan lost to Palermo this is our chance to capitalize and claw back their lead to two points. If we don't advantage this weekend, I don't believe this team will win the championship. We must show the killer instinct that all championship squads have. My preferred 11: -------------Julio Cesar----------------- Maicon----Lucio-----Materazzi----Zanetti ------------Cambiasso------------------- -------Kharja---------Motta------------- --------------Sneijder------------------- --------Pazzini------Etoó---------------- The main problem is midfield... as Stankovic is also back and Coutinho is slowly starting to come back and get into the side. I would prefer to see Kharja start, because of his consistency thus far. Also, Coutinho's ball against Bayern unlocked the Germans for the 2nd goal, and we will probably look to his creativity if we are in search of a goal in the 2nd half. Otherwise the only other question mark is who starts alongside Etoó. Pandev scored a brilliant goal in Munich and some would say he should stay to keep his form. While on the other side is Pazza who has been scoring on a regular basis in the league and cannot play in Europe. I personally think Pazzini should stay in the starting 11 to keep fresh for our league play. He has been deadly inside the penalty area and we need his finishing for tomorrow. I like the little rotation we have going on in that position.
Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 26 Chivu, 4 Zanetti; 19 Cambiasso, 8 Thiago Motta; 10 Sneijder; 27 Pandev, 7 Pazzini, 9 Eto'o. Adventurous team put out by Leonardo. 0-0 at half time. Lecce play excellent defense. Pressuring Etoó with up to three players at times. And in the 52nd minute, Pazza!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1-0. We have to grab a second as Lecce look strong on the counter.
1-0 final whistle. A victory that was much needed. Pazzini scored an excellent goal, and we defended fairly well besides one really good chance for Lecce by Bertolacci who fired straight at Julio Cesar. This sets up the derby next week perfectly. We are two points back, and are planning on taking back top spot. In terms of overall performances I thought Zanetti and Chivu stood out with how many interceptions they made. Offensively Etoó was his usual space making best but was not very aggressive as he usually is. Pazzini has once again showcased why he has been so great.. very clinical. A very professional victory by our side. I can't remember the last time when the derby meant so much. FORZA NERAZURRI!!!!!!!!!!
YEAH!!!! best way to wake up in the morning, I was half asleep for most of the game but zanetti and chivu did stood out and I'm glad confidence is building up for the derby Hoping no one gets injured during the internationals....
This was one of those handful of games that we should win rather easy, but didn't. I thought Lecce had score the equalizer a few minutes from time, but JC came up BIG. I'm just glad is in the bag now and we are -2. The important thing now is that the top of the table is up to us. Beat BBilan and we go top! FORZA INTER!!
