Friday March 11th 2011, 7.45pm GMT (live on ESPN)
Inter visit the Mario Rigamonti stadium tonight ahead of a crucial Champions League game in Munich on Tuesday. The defending Champions are the only Italian side who remain in contention for a European trophy, but first the Milan side must attempt to overcome what will be a stern test of their abilities in this Serie A fixture.
“For us it is fundamental to win, but it is not going to be easy because Brescia are a difficult team to decipher, said Inter coach Leonardo, making football sound a little like rocket science. It is hardly shocking to hear a manager announce that his team are focused on the task in hand, but Inter’s recent form indicates that his words contain substance. They have won their last four Serie A games, scoring five last time out against Genoa.
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| Samuel Eto'o put two past Genoa last time out |
Brescia have drawn their last three games, surprising many last week by escaping Napoli without having conceded any goals. Giuseppe Iachini’s side have won only twice in 2011 however, and are in desperate need of points. They are second from bottom in the table, three points from safety. Defender Pietro Accardi is suspended for the Rondinelle tonight following his booking in the Napoli game, while Inter are missing the injured Motta, Samuel, Chivu, Milito and Cambiasso.
While Brescia’s form has improved in recent weeks, Inter seem focused on catching their city rivals in the race for this season’s Scudetto. They have the firepower to overcome a stubborn Brescia defence, and I expect them to warm up for their Champions League game by making it five league wins in a row.
Prediction – Inter to win – 3pts
Match odds: Brescia 9/2
Draw 13/5
Inter 4/6
Brescia: Last 5 Serie A Results
06.03.2011 – Napoli 0-0 Brescia
27.02.2011 – Brescia 2-2 Lecce
20.02.2011 – Udinese 0-0 Brescia
13.02.2011 – Brescia 0-2 Lazio
06.02.2011 – Brescia 2-0 Bari
Inter: Last 5 Serie A Results
06.03.2011 – Inter 5-2 Genoa
27.02.2011 – Sampdoria 0-2 Inter
19.02.2011 – Inter 1-0 Cagliari
16.02.2011 – Fiorentina 1-2 Inter
13.02.2011 – Juventus 1-0 Inter
