Inter Milan vs Palermo preview - Pazzini in line for Inter debut

Posted Sunday, January 30, 2011 by PA

New Inter Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini could make his Nerazzurri debut against Palermo if he overcomes an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old joined the defending Serie A champions on Friday from Sampdoria and the club is hoping his arrival will provide more firepower with Argentina hitman Diego Milito having struggled with several injuries this season.

Pazzini has scored six goals in Serie A this term and one of the Inter veterans that has faced the Italy international in the past is confident the club has made a great signing.

Inter defender Marco Materazzi said: "Pazzini is someone that has no fear of defenders.

"When he is on the pitch he makes life difficult for any defender.

"I'm very happy he is here because he is a great player."

Inter coach Leonardo will be without a host of first-team regulars for Sunday's match.

Christian Chivu, Dejan Stankovic and Ivan Cordoba all serve a one-match ban while Julio Cesar, Milito and Wesley Sneijder are sidelined through injury.

Despite those setbacks, Inter expect to keep up their good run of form at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium.

Leonardo's men have won their last four league games at home, including a 3-1 triumph over high-fliers Napoli earlier this month.

And Inter bounced back from last weekend's 3-1 reverse at Udinese by ousting Napoli on penalties out of the Coppa Italia in midweek and are expecting to reduce their current nine-point deficit to Serie A leaders AC Milan.

"Our aim is to continue to improve our position in the standings," said Inter captain Javier Zanetti.

Palermo look to cap off a great week with victory at Inter.

The Rossaneri beat Brescia 1-0 to climb to seventh in Serie A before edging Parma on penalties in midweek to progress to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.

"We want to win the Coppa Italia," said Palermo star Javier Pastore. "We are two steps away from it and we will do everything possible to get some silverware this season.

"This victory will be a big boost in confidence for our next game.

"It will not be easy to take a result at the San Siro but we will nevertheless try to surprise Inter."

Delio Rossi's side has not won on the road since beating Cesena 2-1 on November 21.