Atalanta vs Inter Milan preview - Ranieri ready for Orobici examination
Posted Wednesday, October 26, 2011 by PA
Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri is expecting a tough examination for his side against Atalanta in Bergamo on Wednesday.
The Nerazzurri bounced back from defeats to Napoli and Catania with a 1-0 triumph over Chievo on Sunday.
The result saw Inter keep a clean sheet for only the second time this season and lifted the Nerazzurri to 16th place, eight points adrift of league leaders Udinese.
Inter expect to build on that result but Ranieri is aware it will be no easy task against a side that remain unbeaten at home and have lost just once this season.
"Atalanta are playing very well," Ranieri said in Tuesday's press conference.
"It's not easy to get points in Bergamo. They have made life difficult for many rivals.
"They have enjoyed a strong start and the fact that they began the campaign with a six-point deficit (following a betting scandal), has certainly proved a motivation to Atalanta.
"Had they not been handed that punishment, they would be second in the standings.
"But we will go there determined not to concede a goal and bring home three valuable points."
Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono is confident his side can cause Inter a few problems at the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia stadium.
The Bergamaschi followed their goalless result against league leaders Udinese with a 2-1 triumph at Parma on Sunday.
They go into the game one point clear of Inter.
"We face a team that will battle for the scudetto this season," Colantuono said.
"But we are hungry for victories and we want to do well.
"We respect Inter but my players are really motivated and determined to play a great game."
Colantuono is set to name an unchanged side from the one that won at Parma.
Inter are still without injured pair Walter Samuel and Diego Forlan.
Diego Milito will lead Inter's attack alongside Mauro Zarate.
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