Inter Milan vs Lecce preview - Inter gear up for run-in

Posted Sunday, March 20, 2011 by PA

Inter Milan go into the last nine games in Serie A with a chance in all three competitions they are participating in.

The Nerazzurri head into the match against Lecce in buoyant mood after advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals this week.

Inter won 3-2 at Bayern Munich to progress on away goals and set up a meeting with Schalke 04 next month.

"It's going to be a difficult game against Schalke," said Inter striker Goran Pandev, who scored the winner against Bayern on Tuesday.

"You have to be a strong team to reach the last eight of the competition.

"We expect a difficult tie but we will do all we can to defend our European title."

Leonardo's men, who have also made it through to the Coppa Italia semi-finals, must now turn their attention back to the domestic competition.

Inter go into tomorrow's match in second place, trailing five points behind Serie A leaders AC Milan after last weekend's 1-1 draw at Brescia although that could be greater come the game given their city rivals play today.

"We have to concentrate in the league," said Pandev. "Because from now on, every game will be a final."

Inter remain unbeaten at the San Siro in the league since November 14 while rivals Lecce make the journey to Milan looking for their first win on the road since beating Parma 1-0 on February 2.

Last weekend's 1-0 setback to Bologna was Lecce's second straight defeat and dropped the Giallorossi to 18th place, just one point behind Cesena, who hold the last safety position.

Despite their recent poor run, Lecce coach Luigi De Canio is confident his team has what it takes to beat the drop.

"I am not worried because I know that my players will battle until the end," said De Canio.

"There are still 27 points up for grabs and we will make life difficult for any rival."

Lecce will be without injured strikers Ernesto Chevanton,

Edward Ofere and the team's top scorer David Di Michele.

The only consolation for De Canio is that defender Andrea Rispoli returns from suspension.

Inter will be without defender Ivan Cordoba, who serves a one-match ban and injured pair Walter Samuel and Diego Milito.