Italian Serie A
2010-02-07 - Inter Milan vs Cagliari
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Jose Mourinho will have a chance to prove he is better then Massimiliano Allegri just days after the Cagliari boss beat him to the Panchina d’Oro award.
The trophy for Coach of the Year was voted by Serie A and B managers, but Inter were shocked that it went to Allegri for his work in 2009. Now this clash becomes more exciting as it will be interesting to see how Jose Mourinho faces his opposition here.
As it is now, Inter are running away with the title and seems unstoppable, especially after winning the derby. In midweek, they also secured a 1-0 semi-final first leg win over Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia.
Inter still are missing the likes of Samuel Eto’o and Dejan Stankovic who remain major injury doubts, while Cristian Chivu continues to recover from a fractured skull ahead of this clash. For this match, Thiago Motta could take the role supporting strikers Diego Milito and Goran Pandev since Sneijder has to sit out a ban. Mario Balotelli is unlikely to feature after his row with Mourinho.
Cagliari face an injury crisis, as both goalkeepers Federico Marchetti and Cristiano Lupatelli are out of action for this clash. The Italy shot-stopper will be sidelined for a month due to a thigh strain, so January signing Michael Agazzi will start this match after his move from Triestina.
Captain Diego Lopez and Francesco Pisano are also out, while influential creative midfielder Andrea Cossu is suspended for the trip to San Siro so the visitors are severely depleted here. Andrea Lazzari should step in behind Nelson Jeda and Alessandro Matri.
Cagliari are unbeaten since December 6, a 2-1 at Palermo, managing up two victories and three draws since then. They’ll want revenge after Milito’s double cancelled out a Jeda opener in their meeting earlier this season when Inter won that clash. Cagliari also proved they are not afraid of the san siro, forcing Milan all the way before going down 4-3 back in November.
This fixture usually is quite tight. Last season it ended 1-1 and only once in the last six top flight visits have Inter won by more than a single goal.
Inter are on fire though as they have lost just one of their last five Serie A games and are rested because last week’s match with Parma was snowed off, now set to take place on February 10.
Take Inter Milan to win this clash.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Inter Milan 2-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Inter Milan to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Cagliari and accept the 1 1/4 ball here.
