Udinese vs Inter Milan preview - Stramaccioni desperate for win
Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2012 by PA
Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni has issued a rallying call to his players ahead of their must-win game at Udinese.
The stakes are high for the two sides going into their showdown at the Friuli stadium as three points could prove crucial in their battle for Europe.
Inter were held to a goalless draw at Fiorentina on Sunday and sit six points behind third-place Lazio, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot with five games left to play.
"The game at Udinese is very important for us and for them," Stramaccioni said. "It's a head-to-head encounter in view of Champions League qualification.
"We have to fight and this has to be the spirit of all my players.
"Those who don't believe it's possible for us to finish third, they can go ahead and jump ship."
Inter are still unbeaten under Stramaccioni, who replaced veteran Claudio Ranieri at the helm last month.
However, the Nerazzurri have mustered just one win away from the San Siro this year.
Rivals Udinese were held to a goalless result at Chievo on Saturday to remain in fourth place, three points adrift of Lazio.
The Friuli outfit have picked up just one win in their last eight games.
However, Udinese will fancy their chances of getting a good result tomorrow as they have lost just once at home this season.
"We can do it," Udinese captain Antonio Di Natale said. "We have two key games coming up against Inter and Lazio.
"These two games for us are like finals and we must win at all costs."
Inter will be without defender Christian Chivu and midfielder Javier Zanetti, both out injured.
Uruguay forward Diego Forlan has not been included in Stramaccioni's travelling party.
The home side welcome back defender Maurizio Domizzi while midfielder Gelson Fernandes must serve a one-match ban.
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