Parma vs Inter Milan preview - Inter look to bounce back

Posted Saturday, April 16, 2011 by PA

Internazionale go into their Serie A game at Parma with the praise of club president Massimo Moratti still ringing in their ears.

The Nerazzurri saw their Champions League title defence come to an end with a 7-3 aggregate loss to Schalke in the quarter-finals in midweek.

But instead of turning up the pressure on the players and coach Leonardo, Moratti opted for a softer approach.

Moratti said in a statement: "I want to thank my team and all of my players who in the last few years and in our current season have brought to all Inter fans, including myself, so much joy and success for which we are all very proud.

"With the certainty that we will rediscover our strength and quality in order to achieve prestigious aims this year, I am convinced, together with the fans, that the coach and the team will bring us even more satisfaction."

Despite the Champions League setback, Inter are still alive in the Coppa Italia and in Serie A.

They are third in the standings, five points behind league leaders AC Milan with six games remaining.

Milan, meanwhile, host strugglers Sampdoria this weekend.

Inter have won just one of their last three away league games but will fancy their chances against a Parma side looking for a first home win since January 22.

Parma lost 2-0 to Lazio in the last round of games to drop to 16th in the standings.

They are level on 32 points with Sampdoria, and just one point above the relegation zone.

The Ennio Tardini stadium will be sold out this weekend but Parma striker Amauri insists his team-mates will not be overawed by the occasion as they are in desperate need of three points.

"Inter are a great team and it will not be easy to beat them," Amauri said.

"They are fighting for the scudetto but also for important aims.

"But we are playing at home and we have a duty to do well."

Inter will be at full strength with defender Cristian Chivu returning from suspension.