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Inter Milan vs Empoli
" Inter Milan boss Alberton Zaccheroni
have urged his players to stick together as a team when they host
struggling Empoli at San Siro on Sunday afternoon. Inter's frontman
Christian Vieri have caused several problems with the club and
Zaccheroni himself, refusing to play Udinese during Nerazzurri's
midweek Coppa Italia clash against Udinese. Inter's hope of Scudetto
last week was put on hold when they lost to Parma so victory against
Empoli would be crucial to avoid any crisis. With that defeat,
Inter have dropped further eight points behind leaders AS Roma
and the first time they failed to score sonce Zaccheroni took
over on October 26. Inter will welcome back Argentine international
Matias Almeyda from suspension. Zaccheroni is expected to return
to his favoured 3-4-3 formation against Empoli, meaning a recall
for Dutch winger Andy van der Meyde, who will play on right wing.
After showing dismal performance against Parma, Julio Cruz is
also expected to keep his place in the starting line-up while
the inclusion of Vieri in the first eleven remains unknown. While
the absence of Vieri might be bad news for Inter fans, Empoli
chief Attilio Perotti will be delighted should the Italian international
miss this encounter. Empoli are currently occupying 17th place
in the league and the absence of Vieri will definately be an added
advantage to them. But the Tuscan's form is certainly improving
with their recent 2-0 win against fellow strugglers Ancona last
weekend. Former Italy international Di Natale have provided much
of the anspiration alongside Italy Under-21 Ighli Vannucchi, who
have been playing well since moving from Serie-B outfit Palermo.
Perotti will be glad that he has no serious injury problem ahead
of this matchup and should be using the same line-up as last week.
With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the sudden surge
of confidence in the Empoli camp could prove dangerous for troubled
Inter Milan. "
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