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UEFA Champions League Preview: Artmedia Bratislava v Inter Milan [Tue Sep 13th, 2005]
Roberto Mancini’s troops will try to forget Saturday’s upsetting defeat against Palermo as they take on the Slovakian champions, Artmedia Bratislava.
BACKGROUND
Debuting in the UEFA Champions League is already a great achievement, and if you do so against Italian giants Inter Milan, the satisfaction is even greater.
This is the story of Artmedia Bratislava, who managed to get through the knockout stage in their first shot, as they hold the Slovakian championship title for the first time ever in their history.
Having arrived so far in the competition is probably more than they could every hope for, but as Basel taught us three years ago, anything can happen, even to play on the same level as bigger teams and maybe cause an upset or two.
Inter need a boost of confidence following their debacle against Palermo last Saturday. An unexpected defeated, both in the result and the performance, therefore the fans and club officials will be demanding something better from their star-studded squad which includes the likes of Adriano, Martins, Stankovic and Figo just to name a few.
A win for Inter is well within their reach, however overconfidence, or as Palermo President Zamparini called it "arrogance", could cost the Nerazzurri dear. Still anything but a win against a team lacking European competition experience and any big names is something of a must.
Roberto Mancini will finally be able to play Walter Samuel from the first minute and play C. Zanetti in the middle of midfield. Figo should start after showing he is in good form against Palermo (the only bright star in an otherwise dark evening for Inter) and the only real doubt is whether the former Lazio coach will risk Adriano again or give him some rest.
In case Mancini opts to give the Brazilian striker a break, Recoba will be ready to take his place.
PROBABLE TEAM FORMATION
Artmedia Bratislava (4-4-2):
Cobej – Burak, Debnar, Durica, Petras – Fodrek, Stano, Kozak, Urbanek – Hartig, Halenar
Inter Milan (4-4-2):
Julio Cesar – Ze Maria, Samuel, Materazzi, Favalli – Figo, Pizarro, C. Zanetti, Stankovic – Adriano, Martins
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