Saturday 7th April 2012, 2pm GMT
It will take a miracle for Inter to qualify for next season’s Champions League considering the fact that they are seven points off third place with just eight games to go. Though we are all entitled to dream, the more realistic Inter fans will be looking ahead to next season and trying to forget this one.
New coach Andrea Stramaccioni got off to a winning start last weekend, but it was far less comfortable than it should have been considering the fact that they led Genoa 3-0 at one stage. Tomorrow provides a much tougher task for the Nerazzurri as they travel to face Cagliari. Indeed, only three teams have managed to beat the Sardinians on their home soil this season (Milan, Lazio and Lecce).
Goalkeeper Julio Cesar and central defender Lucio are both suspended for tomorrow’s game, while Maicon, Wesley Sneijder and Ricardo Alvarez are still injured. Diego Milito will provide Inter’s main goal threat as usual – indeed without his contribution, this season would have been even more of a disaster for Inter. Cagliari midfielder Daniele Dessena is out for the rest of the season due to injury, though defender Davide Astori is expected to return for this encounter.
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| Cagliari's Pinilla netted a fine goal against Atalanta on Sunday, and then proceeded to embarrass himself with these silly arm movements while his team-mates walked away feeling sorry for him |
Cagliari have won four of their last five games at home, while Inter have lost four of their last five away games. There are two factors which weaken my conviction about this week’s tip – firstly, the Inter players have a new coach to impress, and secondly, the game will not be played at Cagliari’s home ground (it will be played in Trieste due to renovation work which is being carried out at the Stadio Sant'Elia).
The odds on an Inter win are far too short for my liking however, and I fancy the chances of this resolute Cagliari side managing at least a draw tomorrow.
Tip – Lay Inter - 5pts
Match Odds: Cagliari 13/5
Draw 23/10
Inter evens
