Ranking and market. Inter is preparing to close 2014 with a very important match, to be won if possible, certainly not to be lost. Because Lazio are competing for third place, an objective repeatedly indicated by the club and which Mancini himself has never hidden. “The championship is still very long and Inter aim to go to the Champions League – he reiterated yesterday in the press conference. – I think that now is not the time to look at the standings but in two or three months I think we will be higher. But now it's important to score points...".
Starting from this evening (20.45 pm), when the Nerazzurri will receive Pioli's Lazio, which has so far proved to be rather insidious, albeit with a certain discontinuity. “It's an excellent team that plays good football – thought the coach from Jesi. – It will be a very difficult match, they are fast but we will have to play our part and try to be united, as well as cynical". A success would bring Inter back in line and, perhaps, could give a further boost to the January transfer market, from which Mancio expects a lot.
“We are missing two attacking wingers – he explained bluntly. – Whoever arrives will have to be very strong, very fast, technically extraordinary and even score a few goals. We are looking for this, otherwise it is better not to take anyone. I know it's not easy to get players like that, especially in the middle of the season, but sometimes you can also be lucky. It is possible to borrow someone for six months”.
The feeling is that the nerazzurri have some tricks up their sleeves, one between Lavezzi and Cerci just to be clear even if, from England, they strongly relaunch the name of Lennon. If that were the case, the balance would change and third place could really come within reach, provided, however, that you don't get too far away. That's why a victory is needed tonight, perhaps taking advantage of the positive wave of success against Chievo. “I was happy with how we played – thought Mancini. – I really liked the attitude but we still have to improve a lot”. The idea is to continue along the lines of Bentegodi and who knows whether, in this sense, he can help Hernanes' return. The Brazilian is playing for a shirt with Guarin, moreover again at the center of market rumors (denied, however, by Mancini). In any case it will be 4-3-1-2 with Handanovic in goal, D'Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus and Dodò in defense, Guarin (or Hernanes), Medel and Kuzmanovic in midfield, Kovacic in the frontline, Palacio and Icardi in attack . On the other hand, Osvaldo will not be there, forced to fly to Argentina for family problems.
An extra help for Pioli, who has decided to play it openly. "We want to return to Rome with the three points and celebrate Christmas in third place" was his speech at the press conference: to put it into practice he will rely on the usual 4-3-3 with Marchetti in goal, Basta, De Vrij, Cana and Radu in defense, Parolo, Ledesma and Lulic in midfield, Felipe Anderson, Klose (favorite over Djordjevic) and Mauri in attack.
