Inter Milan vs FC Twente preview - Moratti focused on Twente clash

Posted Wednesday, November 24, 2010 by PA

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti only wants his players to focus on Champions League Group A match against FC Twente and forget the constant media speculation that coach Rafael Benitez may be dismissed if results do not improve.

The Nerazzurri go into the encounter at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in the midst of a dismal run of results.

Last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Chievo followed a 1-0 loss against AC Milan in the city derby.

Inter have dropped to sixth in Serie A.

They are nine points behind leaders Milan after just one win in their past six league games.

Walter Zenga and Leonardo are among those being linked in the press with Inter if Benitez goes.

"I have read so many names to replace Benitez, each of them with interesting characteristics," said Moratti.

"But we are not getting distracted by all this.

"The team and the coach have to understand the importance of Wednesday's game.

"Tired or not, the team will have to react and show a lot of determination because otherwise, we will not get anywhere."

Victory over Twente would see holders Inter, who are level on seven points with group leaders Tottenham, progress to the next round with a game in hand.

The Nerazzurri are two points clear of third-place Twente and end the group at Bremen on December 7.

The Dutch outfit held Inter to a 2-2 draw back in their group opener and this time take on a side that has a lot of injured players.

Inter will be without Diego Milito, Walter Samuel, Thiago Motta, Maicon, Julio Cesar, Cristian Chivu and Coutinho.

To make matters worse, the Italians go into the encounter with the psychological blow of knowing that top scorer Samuel Eto'o will miss the next three Serie A games through suspension.

Eto'o was punished for violent conduct after last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Chievo.

"It is a difficult moment, but we must stay calm," said Inter captain Javier Zanetti.

"On Wednesday we absolutely must win, carrying on with our heads held high, as always."

The Dutch champions are second in their domestic league after 15 games.

They lost 2-1 at home to AZ Alkmaar on Saturday.