Internazionale vs Hellas Verona Preview

December 17, 2012 By Gregory Sica

Topics: Inter Milan, Hellas Verona, Coppa Italia

After slumping to a frustrating league defeat to Lazio on the weekend, the Nerazzurri will be looking to bounce back in the Coppa Italia.

Inter Milan will be in much-need of a boosting result when they take on Hellas Verona in the Round of 16 stage of the Coppa Italia at the San Siro stadium on Tuesday.

The Italian giants haven't been at their best level in recent weeks, and their 1-0 defeat to Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico last weekend means that they now trail Serie A league leaders Juventus by no less than seven points after 17 rounds of the competition.

Due to this, Inter will be hoping to secure a comfortable home victory over Verona, who ply their trade in the Italian Serie B, in order to gain the confidence they need in order to confront a series of important games heading into the New Year.

Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni, who has been questioned in recent weeks, will be desperate to lead his side to victory, and due to this is expected to field his strongest-possible starting eleven for the encounter.

But he will not be able to count with the services of Esteban Cambiasso, as the Argentine midfielder limped off during the second half of the clash with Lazio and definitely won't be risked.

One player who could possibly return to the side is Cristian Chivu, who has recovered from injury. But it is unknown whether Stramaccioni will utilise him, or stick with his regular three-man defence, comprising of Walter Samuel, Juan and Andrea Ranocchia.

Despite the evident lack of attacking firepower against Lazio, the young coach will continue to keep faith in the Diego Milito-Antonio Cassano strike-partnership, which is expected to fire on all cylinders on Tuesday.

Verona, who lie in third place of the Italian Serie B with 36 points from 19 games, could only manage a goalless draw with Pro Vercelli on the weekend, but will be hoping to pull off what would be a massive upset at the San Siro.

Although their chances of beating Inter are rather remote, Verona are more than aware that they count with a player who is more than capable of finding the back of the net in Daniele Cacia. The former Fiorentina striker has notched up 10 goals this season and will be hopeful of adding to his tally in Milan.