If all this seems a little familiar, that's because it is. Inter and Napoli met last year in a Coppa Italia quarterfinal. The game was a stalemate through to 120 minutes, went to penalties, and poor Lavezzi sent his over the bar. Inter went through and Napoli stayed home. This time they are hoping for a very different outcome, and, given Napoli's excellent home record, they just may get it. But Inter wont go down without a fight. Also just like last year, this sad little tourney may be our best bet yet for some silverware this the season (and everyone likes something shiny).
Ok, this preview is going to go a little differently. Basically, I am mad crushed for time and I just dont have the hours to do my normal thing. Besides, by now you all know what we are up against.
Here are the main points:
-- The game is on Wednesday at 8:45 pm local time (11:45am pacific, 2:45pm eastern)
-- It doesn't seem to be on any US TV channels so find a stream (Rojadirecta, Ustream, and ATDHE.net). For those of you outside of the US, look for a channel here.
The squad includes everyone you would expect it too:
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar, Castellazzi, Orlandoni;
Defenders: Cordoba, Zanetti, Lucio, Maicon, Ranocchia, Samuel, Chivu, Faraoni;
Midfielders: Thiago Motta, Sneijder, Alvarez, Poli, Cambiasso, Obi;
Forwards: Pazzini, Milito, Zarate, Castaignos.
Stankovic, Forlan, and Nagatomo are out for injury. Before you ask, I have no idea what is wrong with Yuto only that he trained separately today and was not called up. The club hasn't announced anything so I dont think it is anything too major (fingers/toes crossed).
Let's hope that surge takes us right through to the semifinals!
There really isn't too much to say. If we want to continue in the Coppa with Milan and Juve, we will have to get through Naples first. They wont make it easy, but no game ever is. CR has proven to be cagey and I think he is smart enough to come up with a good plan. My only worry is that the boys will be too tired to be able to implement that plan to the best of their ability. Well, that and Hamsik will put someone's eye out with that crazy bad hair.
And if Pandev scores against us, I think I may cry.
But that will never happen, right? Right.
Semi finals or bust, FORZA INTER
Oh, and I almost forgot, our babies take on Sporting Lisbon at 7:30 pm local time (10:30 am pacific, 1:30 pm eastern). You can watch coverage of the match on the Inter page and I think they show some of the games via youtube (here).
How about a little NextGen Inter to get us in the mood: