ForzaNerrazurri
Senior Squad
Well the first meeting between the Serie A powerhouses.
UEFA.COM
What a difference a year makes for Roberto Mancini. Twelve months ago his FC Internazionale Milano side were struggling out of the Serie A starting blocks. Four draws from their first five league matches marked the start of a frustrating season playing catch-up with eventual Scudetto winners Juventus FC.
Strong start
With one season under his belt as Inter coach, Mancini appears to have found the answer. Inter's propensity for draws cost them dearly last season. Eighteen in Serie A kept them out of the title hunt, but things are different this time round. The Nerazzurri have won four out of their five Serie A games, as well as all four of their UEFA Champions League fixtures, including qualifying.
Juve challenge
Thanks to their excellent early form, Mancini believes his team is well-positioned to wrestle first place from Juventus FC in the 'Derby d'Italia' in Turin on Sunday. "We're playing quite well right now and there's not a lot of difference between us and Juventus," he said.
Rotation key
Much of Inter's early-season success can be attributed to the club's summer signings. Luís Figo, Walter Samuel, Santiago Solari and David Pizarro give Mancini's squad real depth, allowing him to rotate players to prevent fatigue. With one eye on Juve, Adriano and Dejan Stankovic were rested for Wednesday's win against Rangers FC.
'Very strong'
Figo of all the new arrivals has perhaps adapted quickest to life at Inter. He is looking forward to his side's greatest test of the season so far. "Juventus are very strong but I'm optimistic," he told uefa.com. "We're playing well and we're working hard to improve game after game. We know it will be very difficult on Sunday but we're confident we're at least a match for Juventus."
New atmosphere
Mancini will welcome back Juan Sebastián Verón from suspension on Sunday so Pizarro may start on the bench, but the Chilean takes it in his stride. "I would like to play as often as possible, but I know it's not easy at a club like Inter," he told uefa.com. "I'm here to help the team win trophies and my objective is to be ready whenever I'm called on."
Vital spirit
That emphasis on team spirit will be vital as Inter meet a Juventus side on a run of seven straight wins. The match will also see the return of Patrick Vieira to the Bianconeri starting lineup - the Frenchman was suspended from Champions League duties in midweek and will be keen to return to the fray after a stunning start at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
Trezeguet key
Juve coach Fabio Capello will look to Vieira and his France team-mate David Trezeguet to help end a run of consecutive defeats by Mancini's side. Trezeguet has put last season's injury problems behind him with five goals already this campaign and he is intent on adding another to end Inter's winning run.
'Main rivals'
"We lost our last two games in Turin against Inter, in the league last season and in the Italian Super Cup this summer, that's why the game on Sunday is so important to us," Trezeguet told uefa.com. "I think Inter are our main rivals for the Scudetto."
Dual aims
Mancini, however, will not be going to Turin just to defend. With the season still in its infancy, victory would have a significant psychological impact. "A win would be important because it would give us peace of mind going forward," Mancini said. "After all, we don't just think about the domestic league. I hold the Champions League very dear and it's something Inter haven't won in a long time."
Post away
UEFA.COM
What a difference a year makes for Roberto Mancini. Twelve months ago his FC Internazionale Milano side were struggling out of the Serie A starting blocks. Four draws from their first five league matches marked the start of a frustrating season playing catch-up with eventual Scudetto winners Juventus FC.
Strong start
With one season under his belt as Inter coach, Mancini appears to have found the answer. Inter's propensity for draws cost them dearly last season. Eighteen in Serie A kept them out of the title hunt, but things are different this time round. The Nerazzurri have won four out of their five Serie A games, as well as all four of their UEFA Champions League fixtures, including qualifying.
Juve challenge
Thanks to their excellent early form, Mancini believes his team is well-positioned to wrestle first place from Juventus FC in the 'Derby d'Italia' in Turin on Sunday. "We're playing quite well right now and there's not a lot of difference between us and Juventus," he said.
Rotation key
Much of Inter's early-season success can be attributed to the club's summer signings. Luís Figo, Walter Samuel, Santiago Solari and David Pizarro give Mancini's squad real depth, allowing him to rotate players to prevent fatigue. With one eye on Juve, Adriano and Dejan Stankovic were rested for Wednesday's win against Rangers FC.
'Very strong'
Figo of all the new arrivals has perhaps adapted quickest to life at Inter. He is looking forward to his side's greatest test of the season so far. "Juventus are very strong but I'm optimistic," he told uefa.com. "We're playing well and we're working hard to improve game after game. We know it will be very difficult on Sunday but we're confident we're at least a match for Juventus."
New atmosphere
Mancini will welcome back Juan Sebastián Verón from suspension on Sunday so Pizarro may start on the bench, but the Chilean takes it in his stride. "I would like to play as often as possible, but I know it's not easy at a club like Inter," he told uefa.com. "I'm here to help the team win trophies and my objective is to be ready whenever I'm called on."
Vital spirit
That emphasis on team spirit will be vital as Inter meet a Juventus side on a run of seven straight wins. The match will also see the return of Patrick Vieira to the Bianconeri starting lineup - the Frenchman was suspended from Champions League duties in midweek and will be keen to return to the fray after a stunning start at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
Trezeguet key
Juve coach Fabio Capello will look to Vieira and his France team-mate David Trezeguet to help end a run of consecutive defeats by Mancini's side. Trezeguet has put last season's injury problems behind him with five goals already this campaign and he is intent on adding another to end Inter's winning run.
'Main rivals'
"We lost our last two games in Turin against Inter, in the league last season and in the Italian Super Cup this summer, that's why the game on Sunday is so important to us," Trezeguet told uefa.com. "I think Inter are our main rivals for the Scudetto."
Dual aims
Mancini, however, will not be going to Turin just to defend. With the season still in its infancy, victory would have a significant psychological impact. "A win would be important because it would give us peace of mind going forward," Mancini said. "After all, we don't just think about the domestic league. I hold the Champions League very dear and it's something Inter haven't won in a long time."
Post away
