Palermo vs Inter Milan preview - Forlan set for Inter debut

Posted Sunday, September 11, 2011 by PA

All eyes will be on Diego Forlan when he makes his debut with Inter Milan at Palermo.

The Uruguay striker joined the Nerazzurri last month from Atletico Madrid and is eager to start his Italian adventure with a bang.

Inter, who finished runners-up behind city rivals AC Milan in Serie A last season, acquired Forlan shortly after selling Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

Eto'o finished as Inter's top scorer last season and helped the club win the treble the previous year.

Forlan is set to partner former Lazio striker Mauro Zarate and Diego Milito in attack.

Palermo striker Abel Hernandez has warned his team-mates of the dangers they face against Forlan, having played with him for Uruguay in their victorious Copa America campaign this summer.

"I know Forlan well so I fear his qualities ahead of the game on Sunday," Hernandez said.

"However, starting the season against Inter at home gives us great motivation and it is better for us to start against a big team."

Palermo lost three times to Inter last term, twice in Serie A and in the Copa Italia final.

The Sicilians are desperate to put a turbulent summer behind them.

Palermo sacked coach Stefano Pioli last week and appointed youth team trainer Devis Mangia as caretaker coach.

The Rossaneri also begin life without playmaker Javier Pastore, who moved to Paris St Germain this summer following his two impressive campaigns in Serie A.

"A new cycle has started for us," said Palermo captain Fabrizio Miccoli. "We need time to adapt and I think we will struggle this season.

"We will need the support of our fans."

Inter coach Giampiero Gasperini will be without several players for this weekend's game at La Favorita with Thiago Motta, Christian Chivu and Maicon sidelined through injury.