Bari vs Inter Milan preview: Sneijder back against Bari
Posted Thursday, February 03, 2011 by PA
Inter Milan welcome back playmaker Wesley Sneijder for the clash at the San Nicola stadium against rock-bottom Bari.
The Dutch midfielder has been sidelined since December after sustaining a thigh injury in the World Club Cup but has recovered and could see some action against the Galletti.
"Sneijder has been out of action for 50 days," said Inter coach Leonardo. "He has, nevertheless, been included in the squad for the game at Bari.
"Those that have been selected are capable of playing from the start or coming off the bench.
"We cannot forget that in a month we have played eight games, which is exhausting for the players that have featured in all of them."
Japanese left-back Yuto Nagatomo could make his first appearance for Inter at Bari.
Nagatomo was loaned from Cesena on transfer deadline day.
Inter, who won 3-2 against Palermo last time out, go into Thursday's encounter knowing they can close the gap with Serie A leaders AC Milan to seven points.
Milan were held to a goalless draw by Lazio on Tuesday.
The Nerazzurri lie fourth in the standings, level on 38 points with Roma, with both sides having a game in hand.
"It's clear that we are looking at what Milan does," said Leonardo. "But it's early days yet and Milan's game against Lazio was proof of how difficult it is to win a game this season."
Rivals Bari can attest to that as they have mustered just one victory in their last 17 games.
Last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Cagliari left Giampiero Ventura's side at the foot of the standings, seven points from safety.
"I think the team is improving even though results are not going our way," Ventura said.
"We are in a difficult position but if we were to win two games in a row, things would change."
Bari will have to show a vast improvement in goal if they are to surprise Inter.
The Galletti have the worst front-line in the competition with just 14 goals scored in 22 games.
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