Inter Milan vs Siena preview - Inter in for tough test

Posted Wednesday, April 11, 2012 by PA

Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni has warned his players to expect a real battle when they take on in-form Siena at the San Siro.

The Nerazzurri go into the Serie A encounter on the back of last weekend's 2-2 draw at Cagliari, which left Inter in seventh place - three points behind Napoli, who hold the last European qualifying spot.

Siena, meanwhile, have won five of their last seven league games and their impressive recent run has lifted the Tuscan outfit to 10th place with seven matches remaining.

"We need a positive result tomorrow," Stramaccioni said. "But it's going to be very tough.

"Siena are having a very good season and [Siena coach Giuseppe Sannino] and his players are doing a great job.

"They have made life difficult for many top teams this season and I'm sure they will make us work hard for the victory."

Stramaccioni, who took over the reins of the team last month following the sacking of coach Claudio Ranieri, is pleased with his team's performances so far.

"I can only judge my time so far as positive," he said. "Of course, I was angry after our draw at Cagliari, just as the rest of the team was, because you cannot be fully satisfied when you don't win.

"But the most important sign is that Inter is alive and we proved it against Cagliari."

Siena have beaten the likes of Udinese and Lazio and held Juventus and Napoli to draws this term.

The Tuscan outfit defeated Atalanta 2-1 on Saturday to take a big step towards Serie A safety.

The Bianconeri lie eight points clear of the relegation zone but coach Giuseppe Sannino has reminded his players they still have some work to do to retain their top-flight status.

"We cannot relax," he said. "We still need a few more points to achieve our aim and we cannot forget there are still seven games remaining."

Stramaccioni will have all of his players available with the exception of injured trio Luc Castaignos, Maicon and Wesley Sneijder.