Inter coach seeking perfection

Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini is seeking perfection from his team tonight as they bid to upset the odds and overturn a 2-0 deficit in the Champions League last-16 second leg against Liverpool.

Two late goals at Anfield three weeks ago ended Inter's resistance as they seemed on course to pick up a valuable goalless draw despite playing an hour with only 10 men after losing Marco Materazzi to a red card.

That result has put the ball firmly in Liverpool's court and Inter know they have to get everything right tonight if they are to join Serie A rivals Roma in the last eight.

"We have got to be perfect in all areas and not allow them any chances," admitted Mancini, who claims Portsmouth's FA Cup win over Manchester United on Saturday could serve as motivation for his side.

"It takes only 15 minutes to change a game," he continued. "I saw Manchester United in the FA Cup at the weekend and they absolutely dominated for 70 minutes and then one counter-attack, a penalty and a red card for the goalkeeper, who had already been substituted, changed the game."

Inter will need a similar moment of fortune to prevent Liverpool from making it a clean sweep of English clubs in the quarter-finals, yet there is a precedent.

In 1965, Inter lost 3-1 at Anfield only to win the return leg 3-0 and reach the final, where they defeated Benfica to win the European Cup for the second year running, although they have not won the competition since.

Mancini said: "We only remember that game because it was an excellent evening and I hope that, in 30 years time, people will remember this one too."

Eighty thousand fans will be present at the San Siro as Inter attempt to make history just two days after celebrating their centenary.

"Our celebrations will not have distracted us, in fact, it was very pleasant and it may have done us good," added Mancini. "A full San Siro can make a difference, but it also depends on us.

"We have got to create the conditions for them to lift us by playing well and maintaining our chances to get a good result."

If Inter do manage to win 2-0 in 90 minutes, extra-time will be required, and Mancini is preparing his players for that eventuality.

Although injuries to key players have made it hard for the Inter coach to prepare tonight's game — Materazzi is suspended and Cristian Chivu only returned to training on Sunday after missing the 2-0 win over Reggina on Saturday — tiredness will not be a valid excuse for defeat.

"We are not in top condition, but I need players out there tomorrow who I know are fit enough to play 120 minutes," added the former Leicester City forward.

"We need big players, and that is not somebody who can do overhead kicks or backheels, it is somebody who goes on the field even if he is feeling a bit of pain to do all he can to be useful to the team.

"Whether we are in or out of the competition after Tuesday, we still have excellent players — that will not change."