Inter Milan vs Lecce preview - Inter aim to continue resurgence
Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 by PA
Inter Milan host strugglers Lecce eager to go into the Christmas break on a high and keep Juventus in their sights.
The Nerazzurri endured a dismal start to the campaign but are now fifth in Serie A, 10 points behind the seemingly unstoppable Juve.
"Little by little we are recovering," Inter coach Claudio Ranieri said. "But we are still far off from the Inter I have in mind.
"We want to return to be fighting for the top positions and in order for that to happen we have to continue to win."
Inter carry a three-match winning streak into Wednesday's game at the San Siro.
Andrea Ranocchia's second-half goal handed Inter a 1-0 victory at Cesena on Sunday.
Despite his side having kept a clean sheet in their last three games, Ranieri knows there is room for improvement.
"We are still lacking self-confidence," he said. "We made many mistakes at Cesena and the only positive aspect was that we won.
"But we must continue to work hard in order to resolve the problems we still have."
The Nerazzurri have been hampered all season by injuries and Ranieri has not had a full squad available to him so far.
Inter are still without winger Wesley Sneijder as well as defenders Cristian Chivu and Jonathan, all out injured.
Opponents Lecce make the journey to Milan looking to get back on the winning trail having only collected one point in the last five encounters.
Last weekend's 3-3 draw at Parma left the Salentini at the foot of the standings, five points behind safety.
The point was of little consolation for Serse Cosmi's side, who looked to have ended the rot when leading 3-1 with 13 minutes remaining, only to allow Parma to make a comeback and share the spoils.
"To score three goals and not win really burns," Cosmi said.
"But there is a reason why we are last in the standings even though my team has played better in our last two games."
Lecce, who have the leakiest defence in the league having conceded 26 goals, have won just twice in Serie A so far.
They will be without suspended defender Moris Carrozzieri.
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