Inter Milan vs Fiorentina preview - Gilardino in confident mood
Posted Saturday, December 10, 2011 by PA
Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino is upbeat about his team's chances of getting a result at Inter Milan in their Serie A clash.
The Viola ended a three-match winless run with a 3-0 triumph over eight-man Roma in Florence last time out to climb to 10th place.
Delio Rossi's team have yet to win away from home this season but last week's result has left spirits high.
"I am convinced we can get a positive result in Milan," Gilardino said.
"We finally celebrated a great win at home and in front of our fans.
"Now we need to give continuity to this result.
"We really needed to lift our morale and I think our performance against Roma has done just that.
"Now we travel to Milan without fear and ready to hand another great performance."
Inter coach Claudio Ranieri hopes for a change of fortune after his team's latest setbacks.
Last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Udinese dropped the Nerazzurri to 16th place, 15 points behind league leaders Juventus.
Inter then lost 2-1 at home to CSKA Moscow in midweek but progressed to the knockout round of the Champions League having topped Group B.
"We are in a difficult position but we are not in a crisis," Ranieri said.
"Things aren't going well for us but I know this team can bounce back.
"The important thing is that my team keeps fighting."
Inter have won just two of their six league games at the San Siro.
More worryingly for Ranieri is the fact none of his strikers have found the back of the net at home so far in Serie A.
"We are struggling in front of goal," Ranieri said.
"(Strikers Giampaolo) Pazzini and (Diego) Milito are in need of the warmth of the fans."
Milito is Inter's top scorer with three league goals and is set to partner Pazzini in attack.
Inter will be without suspended captain Javier Zanetti as well as injured defender Cristian Chivu.
However, the hosts will be bolstered by the return of Brazilian defender Maicon from injury.
Fiorentina will have to overcome the absence of midfielder Riccardo Montolivo, who is sidelined with a muscular problem.
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