Winning to attempt the clamorous climb. And who knows, maybe even to earn confirmation on the hottest bench in Serie A. Andrea Stramaccioni has many reasons to conquer Udine, both global and personal. The Friuli match counts a lot, because being a direct clash it could really represent the turning point, provided, ça va sans dire, that Inter win it. “Certainly without the three points it would be difficult to hope again for third place – admitted Stramaccioni – but we will believe in it until the end. Having said that, I don't think the match will be decisive. Since I arrived we have recovered several points from our direct competitors. We have done more than Udinese, Lazio, Naples and Rome. There are still ups and downs, but we can't talk about a last resort with three direct matches to play ”. It will be, but if this goes badly, whoever is in front could take off and at that point there would be only four games left to remedy. That's why, beyond the declarations of circumstance, Stramaccioni considers this afternoon's match (15 pm) as an inside or outside, even a personal one. Moratti had been clear from the start that the former Primavera coach would only be confirmed if he finished third.
A sort of (im)possible mission, which Stramaccioni wants to play out to the end: “I'm doing everything I can to influence Inter. Together with the boys we try to give our best, even beyond the three games in question…". The message is clear: Andrea is ready to take charge of the refoundation project, whose departure is scheduled for June. However, the club seems to have other ideas, the latest being Cesare Prandelli, but any discussion will be postponed until the end of the championship. Of course, if today's match goes badly, then Moratti could speed up the coaching issue, but at Inter everyone hopes this isn't the case. To flush out Udinese in his home, Stramaccioni will abandon the 4-2-3-1 in Florence to launch the 4-3-2-1, which is nothing more than a slightly modified 4-3-3; Given the absences of captain Zanetti (rectus femoris problem) and Chivu (ankle pain), the coach will have to revolutionize the defence. News also in midfield, with Obi who should play alongside the untouchables (in the true sense of the word) Stankovic and Cambiasso. In attack, the novelty will be represented by Sneijder, who will return from the first minute. The Dutchman will move up front together with Zarate, behind the only true striker Diego Milito.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Udinese (3-5-2): Handanovic; Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Pinzi, Pazienza, Asamoah, Armero; Floro Flores, Of Christmas.
On the bench: Padelli, Ekstrand, Pasquale, Abdi, Fabbrini, Torje, Barreto.
Trainer: Francesco Guidoline.
Unavailable: Isla, Ferronetti, Coda.
Disqualified: fernandes.
Inter Milan (4-3-2-1): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Ranocchia, Nagatomo; Stankovic, Cambiasso, Obi; Sneijder, Zarate; Soldier.
On the bench: Castellazzi, Cordoba, Faraoni, Guarin, Poli, Alvarez, Pazzini.
Trainer: Andrea Stramaccioni.
Unavailable: Castaignos, Samuel, Chivu, Zanetti.
Disqualified: nobody.
Referee: Luca Banti (Livorno).
Assistants: Priests – Copelli.
Fourth official: Gava.
