Rafa Benitez's future has been on the mind of every Inter fan but it is the club's current Serie A form that is the concern of Massimo Moratti.
The Nerazzurri have endured a torrid spell in Italy to fall nine points adrift of league leaders AC Milan but pressure was eased on Benitez when they beat FC Twente 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Esteban Cambiasso's goal guaranteed Inter that they will be playing Champions League football in January because with one game still remaining in the group, they have secured a spot in the next round.
Now the focus is on getting their domestic campaign back on track ahead of Sunday's home game against Parma.
"To have guaranteed a place in the next round of the Champions League gives the team more calmness," said Inter president Moratti. "But this doesn't take away the fact that we must get points in Serie A."
Inter go into the game at the San Siro looking to collect their first win in five league games and having to overcome the absence of striker Samuel Eto'o.
The Cameroon international, who is the joint top scorer in Serie A with nine goals alongside Napoli's Edinson Cavani, will serve the first game of a three-match ban after being punished for violent conduct during last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Chievo.
The result dropped Inter to sixth, level on 20 points with Palermo. Parma travel to Milan in buoyant mood having collected seven points in their last three games.
Sunday's 1-1 draw with Lazio saw the Ducale club climb to 14th in the standings.
Parma coach Pasquale Marino has urged his players to keep up the good work.
"My men did extremely well to hold on against Lazio," he said. "I am very happy to see my team fight for every ball. Now we must prepare for a tough game at the San Siro against a wounded Inter.
"It will not be easy but we have grown in recent weeks.
"I feel my side is in good health and can do well on Sunday."
With Diego Milito, David Suazo, Jonathan Biabiany all sidelined through injury and Eto'o suspended, Wesley Sneijder will play in support of lone striker Goran Pandev.
0 comments:
Post a Comment