MD28: Inter - Palermo 16/3/08 (14.00 UK) - TalkSoccer

**Jager** · 13-03-2008, 08:35 PM

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Serie A Week 28 - 16/3/08 (14.00 UK)

LIVE ON FIVE
Stadio Meazza

Inter - Palermo
Inter must knuckle down and focus on putting the Scudetto under lock and key after their Champions League elimination and Roberto Mancini’s shock quit announcement, but Palermo cannot afford to slip up either.

The Nerazzurri’s planned glorious centenary campaign seems to have hit a brick wall in the past few weeks, as their lead at the top of Serie A has been cut to six points, they were unable to overturn the 2-0 first leg deficit against Liverpool and Coach Mancini announced he was leaving at the end of the season. The advantage from Roma would have been smaller had it not been for the heroics of Julio Cesar and a controversial penalty against Reggina last week, but that 2-0 victory ended a run of two draws and a defeat at Napoli.

The injury problems are starting to take their toll with Olivier Dacourt, Walter Samuel, Ivan Cordoba, Cesar Aparecido and Maxwell sidelined. Marco Materazzi returns after missing the Liverpool game on a ban, so Cristian Chivu could move back to midfield or be rested entirely. Hernan Crespo was on the bench midweek, so ought to get his chance upfront with Luis Jimenez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

If the pressure is on Inter, then Palermo are feeling the heat too, as they have picked up one win in their last four and were extremely disappointed to manage only a 1-1 draw at the Barbera with Udinese. Their problems are upfront, where Amauri is struggling to carry the team on his shoulders. Edison Cavani has been preferred to Fabrizio Miccoli recently, though that could change if President Maurizio Zamparini can get his message across to Francesco Guidolin.

Federico Balzaretti returns from a ban to bolster the defence and Bosko Jankovic could be given his chance in attack after changing the game as a substitute when he came on against Udinese. Goalkeeper Alberto Fontana – who represented Inter for four seasons – celebrates his contract renewal until 2009.

The Sicilians will be boosted by last season’s 2-2 draw here, in which they were actually leading 2-0 before Julio Cruz and Adriano completed the comeback in the final 20 minutes. Other than that, their record against Inter is nothing to write home about, having lost 14 of the 20 trips to San Siro without a single victory.

Keep an eye on: Julio Cesar (Inter) – The goalkeeper has been exceptional of late and is single-handedly keeping Inter afloat with his saves, so he’ll have to be on form when faced with Amauri.

Last season: Inter 2-2 Palermo

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

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

Palermo (probable): Fontana; Rinaudo, Barzagli, Biava, Zaccardo; Guana, Migliaccio, Simplicio, Cassani; Amauri, Cavani

Ref: To follow...

Huge clash, and very important for us. After Burdisso's dismissal, and how Rivas has played, I was hoping they would play him instead, but I hold out hope.

**DavidMc** · 16-03-2008, 02:23 PM

Inter looking strong in this game. Although Palermo have had a couple of breaks.

Patrick Viera scored to put Inter ahead after 5mins.

1-0 21 mins played..............

**Oliver_Kahn** · 16-03-2008, 02:31 PM

30mins

1-1 atm. Materazzi with an own goal, very unlucky

**Oliver_Kahn** · 16-03-2008, 02:39 PM

2-1 to Inter. Jimenez with the goal

Vieira just elbowed an opponent, but no card. Not even a foul

**Jager** · 16-03-2008, 02:56 PM

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Originally Posted by Oliver_Kahn

2-1 to Inter. Jimenez with the goal

Vieira just elbowed an opponent, but no card. Not even a foul

Is that the only thing that you got out of the game? They both went up for a ball, Vieira is like tall dude, his arms are going to be in most people's faces. Having said that, the official didn't see it.

**Jager** · 16-03-2008, 02:58 PM

This is the best game Inter has played in over two months. This is the team that is leading the scudetto, and when they play like this, nobody in Italy can beat them.

I don't see any reason why they can't continue this form. Vieira has finally woken up, after many months off. Could be his best game with us, which is sad commentary in itself.

Two great goals. Matrix own goal was unlucky, though I thought Cesar should of had it.

**Oliver_Kahn** · 16-03-2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jager

Is that the only thing that you got out of the game? They both went up for a ball, Vieira is like tall dude, his arms are going to be in most people's faces. Having said that, the official didn't see it.

No, I merely reporting what I just saw. You don't go up with your arms like that, at least you shouldn't..

**Jager** · 16-03-2008, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oliver_Kahn

No, I merely reporting what I just saw. You don't go up with your arms like that, at least you shouldn't..

Very common in professional football. Materazzi was involved in two more incidents, there was a lot of that today.

Regardless, we won with a very good performance. Excellent outing by the side, we were clicking today.

Scoreline flattered Palermo.

2-1