Originally Posted by
Mr.Kitty
Posted this in another thread:
I think a lot has changed within the group since Benitez was fired, when leonardo took office, we found our form again. I think it has much to do with the harmony in the group because the players has always had the quality to perform. The team has demonstrated good morals by turning the match around against Catania and Palermo. IMO last round against Palermo was the game of the year so far, we where trailing 0-2 at HT. Palermo even got a penalty kick which Cesar saved and we could turn it around and win in the second half, much thanks to Pazzini who scored twice and got us the penalty which Etoo scored the game winning goal on. It takes a lot to win in a scenario like this, so I think the players are in a good state of mind now, very determined that they can win every game. They must not let this confidence to go out of control and become hubris because our defence are still having problems.
Lucio and Cambiasso are our latest casualties, Lucio isnt included in Leos 22-man squad for Bari. Its hard to say exactly how Leo will play tonight, Sneijder is back but can he play from the beginning? can he put Pazzini on the bench after his performance against Palermo? and if not who will not play, Milito? and will Nagatomo get to start in his first game?
I think Chivu will replace Lucio so Maicon, Ranocchia, Chivu and Nagatomo/Natalino form the defensive line, I dont dare to predict which players he intend to start on midfield/strikers. Its going to be very interesting to see.
Bari has been a bit unlucky this season with lots of injuries and red cards, like Inter they´ve been without a bunch of players for a long time but unlike Inter Bari cant replace them as well. Now most of´em are back and ready to go, still dangerous striker Barreto and defensive ace Masiello are missing. Therefore Bari was busy during Januari and signed 6 players which will improve them over the long haul. Striker Stefano Okaka is the most noticeable one, on loan from Roma.
If you look at past meetings Inter has had difficulties beating them, most meetings are from 10 years ago or more but last season they´ve met three times. Two draws and one win for Inter was the result.
I think Bari will get some better results from here on out but not today, surely they wont give up without a fight but Inter will be to strong at the end of the day. With Sneijder back and Pazzini we got lots of offensive power, players that can decide a game. But if Inter dident need to win as bad I would say that the draw is a possibility but until I see some real prof that Bari are improving I will continue to fade them.
IMO Inter -1 should be a push at worst, we cant afford to lose any points and this is a golden opportunity since Milan failed to win versus Lazio.