INTER, TONIGHT OR NEVER! THE NERAZZURRI ARE PLAYING FOR THE SEASON AND THE FUTURE IN MARSEILLE. RANIERI BRINGS OUT THE GHOSTS: "I DON'T FEEL AT RISK...".
The reckoning has come. Tonight, more or less at 22.30 pm, we will know what's left of Inter. A victory (or in any case a positive result) would not erase the last bitterness, but it would give a huge sign of pride on the part of a group accused of not having any more. The Marseille match comes at the worst moment in Inter's last 8 years: to review two consecutive defeats at home in fact, we have to go back to the 2003/2004 season, when Cuper and then Zaccheroni sat first on the bench of the "Beneamata".
Then as now, Moratti changed two coaches, but this year there could be even more. In fact, many think that tonight's match will decide the future of Claudio Ranieri, who went from rags to riches in a few weeks: “What if I fear an exemption? I'm not thinking about what will happen on Thursday – said the coach – I'm only thinking about the good of Inter. I will never ask my boys to play for me, only for the club. In any case, I don't feel at risk, I'm always serene and I have an excellent relationship with president Moratti”.
Beyond the facade declarations, Ranieri is well aware that his Inter adventure could end at the Velodrome. That's why he decided to play with the 4-4-2, the system of seven consecutive victories, abandoned after the return of Sneijder (and from there the pains started). “I was hoping for other results in the last few games – admitted the Nerazzurri coach – I had to insert important elements, I hoped with the euphoria of being able to have it easier, but that didn't happen because they always score with the first shot on target. I brought 22 players, I will make my choices with serenity, they are all fine. Wait for tomorrow and you will see. Forlan can play all roles on the front of attack, he has ease of interpreting the game and mental and tactical flexibility ”.
Sweet words for the Uruguayan, but the latest from the Velodrome see Sneijder ahead to play behind Diego Milito. For the rest (apart from Eto'o and Thiago Motta), it will be Inter in the treble. Opposite there will be a Marseille in great shape, coached by the old Juventus acquaintance Didier Deschamps. One more reason to postpone (or at least postpone) the end of a cycle.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Olympique Marseille (4-2-3-1): Mandanda; Azpilicueta, Diawara, Nkoulou, Morel; Diarra, Cheyrou; Amalfitano, Valbuena, A. Ayew; Brandao. Trainer: Didier Deschamps. On the bench: Bracigliano, Fanni, Kaborè, Sabo, Traorè, J. Ayew, Gignac.
Inter Milan (4-4-1-1): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Poli, Cambiasso, Obi; Sneijder; Soldier. Trainer: Claudio Ranieri. On the bench: Castellazzi, Ranocchia, Nagatomo, Stankovic, Palombo, Forlan, Pazzini.
Referee: Cakir. (Türkiye). Assistants: Duran-Ongun. Fourth official: Ozkalfa. Goal referees: Gocek-Yildrim.
