Inter look to get back to winning ways, as AC Milan aim to extend lead
Inter Milan will be hoping to get back to winning ways in the Italian Serie A against Parma. Inter has lost both its previous games in the league, and have collected only two points in their last four matches. Arch rivals Milan meanwhile, have no such problems
and will be looking to continue their four-match winning streak. Milan faces Sampdoria away from home.
Inter has been surrounded with controversies and speculations over the past few weeks. Even a 1-0 win in the Champions League against FC Twente has not helped to quash further rumors. It has been reported that the goal scorer in Inter’s Champions League
victory, Esteban Cambiasso, had requested the removal of Spanish manager Rafael Benitez. Benitez, who has had a forgetful start to his Inter reign, has only won five of 13 league games this season. Inter currently lie sixth in the table; nine points behind
league leaders and arch rivals AC Milan.
Cambiasso and Inter president Massimo Moratti have denied ever having a discussion regarding Benitez. "I wasn't aware he had said anything of the sort," Moratti said. "The players would never say certain things, and nor would I allow them to. Cambiasso has
full respect for Benitez and wants him stay."
Earlier in the week, Moratti had expressed dissatisfaction with Inter’s performance this season, but insisted he had faith in Benitez. Inter fans showed their support for the Spaniard in the match against Twente by holding banners which said ‘Rafa Benitez:
one of us’
Inter should win this weekend’s game against Parma, but expect a competitive match.
Even though Parma is 14th in the league, they are just five points behind Inter. Parma will buoyed by the news that Inter striker Samuel Eto'o has been suspended. Eto’o was handed a three-match ban and a fine of 30,000 Euros for a head butt he delivered
to Chievo defender Bostjan Cesar. The incident occurred during Inter’s 2-1 shock defeat to Chievo, after the defender fouled the Cameroon captain.
Eto’o has now publically apologized for his misdemeanor saying, “I want to offer my most sincere apologies to everyone who was shocked and offended by my unpleasant gesture.” His suspension will add further pressure on Benitez, who already has to deal with
a huge injury list. Striker Diego Milito has returned to training, but will not be fit enough to play against Parma on Sunday.
AC Milan has had a wonderful league season so far, winning nine of their 13 league games. Milan goes into their match against Sampdoria with five straight wins in all competitions. In their last match, Milan beat Auxerre 2-0 in a Champions League group match,
to qualify for the last 16. Milan will be expected to extend their unbeaten run this weekend.
Milan’s players have been in magical form early on this season, especially with Swedish striker Ibrahimovic finally back to his best. Ibrahimovic has been scoring consistently for the Rosoeneri. He also scored the winner in the much awaited derby against
Inter a fortnight ago. Although Ronaldiho is in good touch for Milan, he looks a shadow his former self.
Sampdoria will have to play extraordinarily good game to beat Milan, and will have the support of their fans at home. Milan’s last loss in the league came at the hands of Juventus at the San Siro.
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