Inter fired up for Coppa Italia clash

Inter fired up for Coppa Italia clash

Published Jan. 11, 2011 11:58 p.m. ET

Inter Milan go into their Coppa Italia last 16 match against Genoa at the San Siro invigorated by their strong start to the year.

The Nerazzurri won 3-1 against Napoli before beating Catania 2-1 in Sicily at the weekend to give new boss Leonardo the perfect start to his time in charge of Inter.

Sunday's result lifted Inter to seventh in Serie A, 11 points behind league leaders AC Milan but with two games in hand.

"After two victories and with the team improving, we face an important game against Genoa," said Leonardo on the club's official website, www.inter.it.

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"We must play each game at the same level regardless of the competition we are playing in.

"The Coppa Italia has seen Inter have a starring role in recent years and it is one of our aims this season."

Leonardo could rest former Genoa striker Diego Milito in view of Saturday's match against Bologna and instead hand Goran Pandev a starting role up front alongside Samuel Eto'o, who returns from suspension.

"We have endured two physical games to start the year so I may make some changes with respect to the game at Catania," he said.

Back-to-back draws against Lazio and Cesena have left Genoa still searching for their first win in 2011.

The Grifoni, who lie 13th in the standings, have failed to score in their last three league games.

Genoa coach Davide Ballardini expects an improved performance from his players in front of goal against the defending champions.

"It's true that we have not scored many goals in recent times," he said. "But we cannot forget that we have only conceded two goals in our last five league games.

"We certainly don't lack goal-scoring chances, we just need to make the most of our opportunities.

"We will try to give a good image against Inter and honour this competition.

"Inter are a team that you must fear because they have great quality players.

"Moreover, they have recovered their enthusiasm with the arrival of Leonardo."

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