[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 19 - 13/1/07 (19.30 UK)
Torino - Inter

Stadio Olimpico

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Inter go in search of an historic twelfth consecutive win as they start 2007 with a trip to Torino’s Stadio Olimpico.

The Granata faithful returned to Serie A with elevated ambitions and, despite an early rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, find themselves just four points from the Champions League spots thanks to a superb pre-Christmas run.

Although Azzurri midfielder Simone Barone insists that his side’s first priority remains survival, there are signs that Toro may go even better. Torino’s New Year’s resolution must be to take their chances in front of goal. Despite Coach Alberto Zaccheroni’s attacking philosophy, his men have only scored seven times at home all season.

Inter start the New Year knowing that the Scudetto is theirs to throw away. The Nerazzurri began the season as clear favourites and have eased into a seven-point lead at the top after a devastating run of 11 straight wins. While it seems unthinkable that the Beneamata could be caught, stranger things have happened and Roberto Mancini knows that anything but the title would be a disaster. Having beaten Empoli in the Coppa Italia in their first game of the year, a win here would be a clear signal to the trailing pack that Mancio’s men have no intention of faltering.

The bookies won’t be expecting too much interest in Torino. The last time they beat Inter was February 1994 and Inter have won the last five meetings in Turin without conceding a goal.

Zaccheroni – who coached Inter as recently as 2004 – looks likely to drop Stefano Fiore to the bench after recent training ground disputes. Simone Barone is suspended after his controversial Week 18 dismissal in the 1-1 draw against Livorno. Defender Gianluca Comotto is also banned, leaving ex-Inter man Fabio Gallo to stand in. Diego De Ascentis has recovered from injury but fellow midfielder Andrea Ardito is still not certain to feature despite returning to training.

Inter’s injury problems continue into 2007 with Mancio still lacking defensive options. Fabio Grosso is unlikely to return for another week and Walter Samuel’s right thigh problem looks set to keep him out. Julio Cruz is a week short of fitness and the injury-plagued Alvaro Recoba has returned to his natural habitat of the treatment table after picking up a calf strain against Atalanta before Christmas. Adriano looks likely to start as a substitute despite his recent renaissance.

Man on fire: Julio Cesar (Inter) – The Brazilian ‘keeper is in the best form of his career. He conceded just one goal in five games before the winter break and has been authoritative at the heart of a miserly defence.

Last season: Not played

Form guide: Torino (W D W L D) Inter (W W W W W )

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Torino (probable): Abbiati; Di Loreto, Cioffi, Franceschini, Pancaro; Gallo, De Ascentis, Balestri; Rosina, Lazetic, Stellone

Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Burdisso, Materazzi, Maxwell; Vieira, Dacourt, Zanetti, Stankovic; Ibrahimovic, Crespo

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