Serie A Preview: Inter vs Cagliari

Kick-Off: Sunday, February 7, 2010, 15:00 CET.
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan.
Treble-Hunt Continues

Inter’s football might not win over the football romantics but as far as results go, the Nerazzurri are not doing very badly. In spite of having their game against Parma last weekend postponed because of bad weather, Jose Mourinho’s side are eight points clear at the top of the Serie A table.

In midweek Inter defeated Fiorentina 1-0 at home in the first-leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie, thereby keeping alives their hopes of a treble. Inter are also in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Inter’s form at home in the league has been quite formidable as they have won nine of the 11 games at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza and have lost none.

Fighting For Europe

Cagliari have been very impressive this season and this is demonstrated in their position in the Serie A standings. At the moment the Sardinians are eighth in the table with 32 points from 21 matches and are only two points off the top six.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side have a game in hand and given that they have won four out of ten games away from home, they would be trying to get something from their trip to Milan. However, they should be aware of Inter’s near-imperious form at home.

However, Cagliari must have been encouraged by their entertaining 2-2 draw with Fiorentina at home last week. Some may construe the result as two points lost but holding Champions League chasers Viola is not an easy feat.

FORM GUIDE

Inter

February 3 v Fiorentina (H) – WON 1-0 (Coppa Italia)

January 28 v Juventus (H) – WON 2-1 (Coppa Italia)

January 24 v Milan (H) – WON 2-0 (Serie A)

January 16 v Bari (A) – DREW 2-2 (Serie A)

January 9 v Siena (H) – WON 4-3 (Serie A)

Cagliari

January 31 v Fiorentina (H) – DREW 2-2 (Serie A)

January 24 v Siena (A) – DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

January 16 v Livorno (H) – WON 3-0 (Serie A)

January 10 v Bologna (A) – WON 1-0 (Serie A)

January 6 v Roma (H) – DREW 2-2 (Serie A)

TEAM NEWS

Inter

Chivu and Eto’o have been ruled out of the fixture against Cagliari while Lucio and Sneijder are suspended.

Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar, Maicon, Cordoba, Samuel, Santon; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Thiago Motta; Stankovic; Milito, Pandev

Cagliari

Lupatelli, Pisano, Marchetti and Lopez are unavailable while Astori, Biondini, Lopez and Lazzari are doubtful. Cossu is suspened.

Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Agazzi, Marzoratti, Canini, Astori, Agostini; Dessena, Conti, Biondini; Lazzari, Jeda, Matri

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alberto Milito (Inter)

The Argentine international striker has been arguably Inter’s best player of the season and he exhibited his importance for the Nerazzurri again in midweek when he scored the only goal of the match between Inter and Fiorentina. Milito is arguably the most underrated striker in European football but he is Inter’s best bet to win against Cagliari on Sunday afternoon.

Alessandro Matri (Cagliari)

The 25-year-old has been in sensational form for Cagliari and has netted the ball ten times already in the league and has also provided two assists. Matri would be the main source of danger for the Inter defenders.

PREDICTION

Inter could have a few problems in creating from the midfield as Sneijder is out suspended but they have enough firepower upfront to carve out a narrow win.

Inter 2-1 Cagliari