Andrea Stramaccioni will look to bolster his status as a saviour for the despondent Nerazzurri, with a win in his first real challenge against one of the top five teams in Serie A. The game will be a clash of high intensity with
Udinese also looking to clinch the three points in order to fuel their quest for the final UEFA Champions League qualification spot.
Udinese (4) will host Inter Milan (7) in matchday 33 encounter of the 2011/12 Serie A season on Saturday, April 14th at 18:45 GMT.
The Zebrette come into the game after suffering a 3-1 humiliation at the hands of AS http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603, while the Nerazzurri head into the game on the back of a 2-1 win over Siena.
The last meeting of the two teams ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Nerazzurri.
Udinese
The Bianconeri are suffering from a loss of form at a time when they least needed it. The crunch battle for the final UEFA Champions league spot is on, and the Zebrette’s feet are shaking after the team has picked up just one win
from their last seven encounters.
However, the team’s form at home has been a different story altogether. They have suffered only one loss in their last 16 matches held at the Stadio Friuli in the ongoing season. This will count as a big home ground edge, that
can very well prove to be decisive between the two teams that are closely matched.
Guidolin’s biggest worry will be the form of his strikers. Udinese has been held goalless four times in their last nine league games.
Inter Milan
The match will send jitters to not just the team, but the coach as well. Stramaccioni remains undefeated in the two games, and this is the first time the Nerazzurri will face the real challenge from a strong team. A win in the
match will cement the young coach’s status as the saviour for the club, and will play a vital role in deciding his fate with the club for the next season. A defeat at the hands of the Zebrette can lead the Inter management to sideline yet another coach as
a failure, and start looking for a replacement for the new season.
For now, the sun is shining bright on the Nerazzurri. They remain unbeaten under the new coach, and have scored a stunning nine goals in the short span. However, the team’s away form spells worry as the Beneamata has suckered just
one win in their last six league matches.
Stats suggest that Inter Milan strikers are scoring consistently, and have provided the team with 16 goals in the last 17 fixtures away from home.
Team News
Udinese
Francesco Guidolin will be missing the services of right-sided player Dusan Basta, and striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Giampiero-Pinzi-c14804 will miss the match serving suspension, while Mehdi Benatia who was sidelined in the 3-1 defeat
to AS Roma is expected to stay out of this contest as well.
Expected Starting Line-up: Handanovic, Coda, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danilo-c10159, Domizzi, Pereyra, Fernandes, Pazienza, Armero, Asamoah, Torje, Di Natale.
Inter Milan
Stramaccioni will be without the availability of veteran http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Walter-Samuel-c36618 will remain
out of the match due to hamstring and muscle injuries, respectively.
Expected Starting Line-up: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Julio-Cesar-c19961, Zanetti, Lucio, Chivu, Nagatomo, Guarin, Cambiasso, Stankovic, Alvarez, Milito, Zarate.
Players to Watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Antonio-Di-Natale-c6306 (Udinese)
The Italian footballer has been the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alpha-c38349 and omega of the Udinese attack. The Golden Boot winner for the previous two years in Serie A has scored consistently and abundantly for the team. Moreover, the spearhead has also contributed
with assists, and stands at second in aids for his side. They Bianconeri may be going through a dismal scoring form but the player is a powerhouse, and has the ability to help build the decisive lead over the Nerazzurri for his team.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Diego-Milito-c11166 (Inter Milan)
The player has been a successful figure at the club over the years despite the club’s recent dismal form in the league. The striker has picked himself up considerably just like the club, and the hopes of a comeback for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 Milan
are deeply related to their ace scoring at the front. The Argentine has shown signs of a renewed vigour under the new manager, and will be looking to sharpen his shooting skills with a go at the Bianconeri defence.
Predictions
Both the teams are highly motivated to conquer the final UEFA Champions League qualification spot in the league, and will fight tooth and nail for every inch on the field. Inter Milan has a lot of quality on their squad, but this
time they look more than ever motivated to live up to their promise under the new coach. They will look to earn an early lead over the Bianconeri defence, and then keep the opposition’s attackers at bay with some fierce defending.
Prediction 1-0 to Inter Milan
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