Inter Milan vs Cesena preview - Leonardo - Let`s make it count
Posted Wednesday, January 19, 2011 by PA
Inter Milan coach Leonardo has called on his players to make the rescheduled clash with Cesena count as they look to claw back some of the deficit at the top of the Serie A table.
The match was originally due to be played last month, but was postponed due to Inter's victorious challenge at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Since then, there has been a change at the helm of the Nerazzurri, with Leonardo replacing Rafael Benitez.
The switch has brought early success with Inter unbeaten under the Brazilian, but the coach is aware they need to keep that run going if they are to cut the nine-point deficit on league leaders AC Milan.
"The first few minutes against Cesena are decisive because they set the pattern for the match," he said on www.inter.it.
"The way you approach a game is important and against Bologna (a 4-1 win last weekend) it was virtually perfect. We'll try to do the same again tomorrow against Cesena.
"It's a game in hand that could turn out to be crucial. And anyway, we have to concentrate on no-one else but ourselves.
"It's a situation we need to take advantage of, because of course we're the only ones playing."
Tiago Motta has been rested for the clash with a minor injury but Sulley Muntari returns to the 20-man squad.
Opponents Cesena travel to Milan on the back of a 1-0 defeat at home by Roma, which has left them just above the bottom three on goal difference.
Coach Massimo Ficcadenti is exploring all avenues - including a dip into the transfer market - in a bid to stave off relegation.
"We must start again, we knew from the beginning it would be a difficult championship," he said.
"We're trying to do something but everyone is looking for strikers, even the big teams to make up for injuries.
"We do need to score goals, though."
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