FC Internazionale Milano – Anorthosis Famagusta FC match preview

Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Wednesday 22 October 2008 – 20.45CET
Group B – Matchday 3

José Mourinho knows that pride comes before a fall and has warned his FC Internazionale Milano side against complacency as they take on Group B surprise package Anorthosis Famagusta FC on Wednesday in the wake of a stunning victory against AS Roma.
Identical record
The Nerazzurri made a huge statement of intent in the Italian capital on Sunday, defeating their title rivals of last season 4-0 to stay two points clear at the Serie A summit. Inter are also setting the pace in their UEFA Champions League section, albeit with an identical record to their Cypriot visitors after both teams beat Panathinaikos FC by a two-goal margin and drew with Werder Bremen. “This match has several hidden dangers,” Mourinho said. “You never know how a side will react after playing a wonderful game like we did in Rome. We would not be the first team to slip up after a fantastic display, so we’ll have to do everything we can to avoid this.”
‘Crucial game’
Turning his attention to Anorthosis, the 45-year-old added: “We’ve studied them and they’re a very good team. Temuri Ketsbaia deserves praise because his side are playing very well. They’re well-organised and the good results they have achieved so far have been for a good reason. This is a crucial game for us. If we win, we’ll have seven points and almost be through – if not, everything will become much more complicated.” Although Ketsbaia recognises Mourinho as “one of the best – he’s won everything”, the Anorthosis boss is more concerned with the players at the Portuguese’s disposal. “We’re not playing against Mourinho, but against Inter who are one of the best teams in the world at the moment,” said the Georgian. “We watched their game in Rome and know how difficult it will be for us, but we’re sure we can get a result. Nobody has had it easy against us so far.”
Attacking riches
Mourinho did not give anything away regarding his lineup, apart from confirming that Francesco Toldo will replace Júlio César in goal – “Why? Because he’s very good, he’s experienced, and he can help make sure that his team-mates forget the win in Rome” – and that Adriano, Zlatan Ibrahimovi?, Ricardo Quaresma, Mancini, Mario Balotelli and Julio Cruz are fit and competing for attacking berths.
Nikolaou doubt
Anorthosis captain Nikos Nikolaou remains doubtful after straining a thigh muscle during Saturday’s goalless draw at home to AEP Paphos FC. “We’ll see how things go with him in the training session in Milan and take it from there,” Ketsbaia said. “This is our toughest game in the group as Inter have a number of players who can decide a match with one piece of brilliance. We’ll need to defend well but must also seize whatever chances we have in the game.”
Quintet rested
Ketsbaia rested Traianos Dellas, Arian Beqaj, Andreas Constantinou, Georgios Panagi and Lambros Lambrou at the weekend, and is likely to field the same 5-3-1-1 formation that has served the Cypriot titleholders so well in the competition so far. One definite change, however, should see Cédric Bardon deputise for Paulo Costa on the right side of midfield.

Toldo ready to take his opportunity
FC Internazionale Milano coach José Mourinho has decided to turn to the experienced Francesco Toldo for the UEFA Champions League Group B game against Anorthosis Famagusta FC – and the former Italy keeper is eager to repay the favour “with an excellent performance, not with words”.
Second nature
With Inter’s morale sky high after Sunday’s stunning 4-0 win at AS Roma, Mourinho has chosen to rest first-choice custodian Júlio César, believing that Toldo’s know-how could help the Nerazzurri keep their feet on the ground against the Cypriot champions. Toldo, 37 in December, will therefore make his first competitive appearance of the season in Wednesday’s meeting of the joint group leaders. “I have played at this level for 16 years now and am used to handling the pressure,” he said.
Team player
“I’m calm and confident that I will play well, because I have never switched off my concentration levels and have always kept working hard,” added the ex-ACF Fiorentina favourite, who has been limited to 17 Serie A outings since Júlio César’s arrival three years ago. “I have never considered myself a first or second choice but part of a great squad, which I love.” Victory against Anorthosis would put Inter in the driving seat to qualify from the section and Toldo, whose last start came in May’s Coppa Italia final against Roma, is relishing the prospect of returning to the big stage. “I’m pleased to have this chance,” he said. “Mourinho is good at stimulating all 29 players in his squad, not just those on the pitch. I hope to repay him with an excellent performance, not with words.”
Sosin vow
One of Toldo’s chief threats in his first UEFA Champions League game since December 2006 will come from Anorthosis striker Lukasz Sosin. On Saturday the Polish international wasted an opportunity to maintain his club’s perfect start to the Cypriot campaign when he fired a penalty over the crossbar late in the 0-0 home draw with AEP Paphos FC. Now he has vowed to make amends. “I am very angry about that,” Sosin told uefa.com. “It was on 94 minutes, the goal would have given us victory, but I failed. That is why I have double incentive against Inter.”
‘Our time’
Sosin may be aware of the hosts’ strength, but he is backing his side to get a result at San Siro. “For me, this is the most interesting match for Anorthosis in the Champions League,” the 31-year-old said. “We have waited years for games like this and now our time has come. I saw Inter’s match against Roma and was impressed by their victory, but I don’t think it will be the same story on Wednesday. I am not saying we are going to win, but I am confident that they will not beat us easily.”