Inter isn’t playing impressive but they’ve already shown they have the best team in Italy on many occasions. They are again dominating in the league and have 8 points more than their nearest followers. Besides, they’ve reached the cup semifinals, and are awaiting matches in the knockout phase of CL. All in all, yet another successful season for Mourinho and his players. In the past 7 days, they managed to beat Milan in the league and Juventus in the cup and once again showed they’re the most dominant side on the Apennines. According to the statements before the game with Fiorentina, Mourinho takes this match very seriously and will field a strong lineup. He will try to resolve the entire dilemma in the first clash in Milano already. Portuguese expert is aware the rematch in Florence will be very tough and that’s why he wants to take his team there with as good result as possible in their pockets. He won’t be able to count on Stankovic, Chivu and Eto’o due to injuries, so the lineup could look like the following: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Santon; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Muntari; Sneijder; Milito, Pandev.
Visible drop in form
Fiorentina played below their capabilities in January. In the last 3 league matches, they won only one point so it’s not a surprise they’re now at the 11th place in the standings. The qualification to CL for the next season now looks like the mission impossible, while even EL is getting further and further. However, Italian Cup is always a chance to achieve success and qualify to Europe in the next season. That won’t be easy at all, as two major obstacles will still be on their way before the title. Fiorentina’s situation is a bit shaken up after hearing the news how one of their best players Mutu was again tested positive at the doping control and they most probably won’t be able to count on him again. Coach Prandelli said that no matter of that, his team will play the league leaders with their full strength. They need a good result, and Prandelli said that a draw would be the least satisfying of all. Fiorentina also has got some squad issues as beside Mutu, Zanetti and Koldrup also won’t be available, while Montolivo and Pasqual’s statuses are uncertain. However, it’s likely those two will play so the lineup will probable look like this: Frey, Comotto, Gamberini, Natali, Pasqual; Montolivo, Donadel; Marchionni, Jovetic, Vargas; Gilardino.
Questionable motives
At the first sight, both sides have got huge motives to play their best football in this match. Their coaches have announced the best lineup and this match should be really enjoyable to watch judging by everything. However, many times we’ve witnessed Italian Cup games where one of the sides simply “slept” on the pitch and played totally unmotivated. Inter is great favorite on paper, but the visitors aren’t without chances either. Anyhow, I’m gonna avoid final outcome betting and try with the over 2.5. It’s very probable both sides will score, so the odds of over 2.00 tempted me to take this bet even more.
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Prediction:
Tip: Over 2.5
Odd: 2.10
Bookie: Bwin
Stake: 7 /10
Tipster: Kather
