Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho is desperate for his players to recreate their Serie A form in the crunch Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev tomorrow.
The Nerazzurri travel to the Ukraine in search of their first win in the competition this season after consecutive draws against Barcelona, Rubin Kazan and Dynamo Kiev in Group F.
Those results have left Inter at the foot of the pool, one point behind Barcelona, Rubin and Dynamo with three games remaining.
Their league form has been significantly better, with the defending champions seven points clear at the top after Sunday’s 2-0 win at Livorno - their fifth straight win in the competition.
“Our top position in the league is down to the fantastic work done by my players every day,” said Mourinho. “The team needs to continue on this path and we will see if on Wednesday we can take an important result to give the team a morale boost in the Champions League.”
The players, meanwhile, also know that failure to deliver in Kiev could prove costly.
“We know this is an important game,” said Inter star Diego Milito. “These three points are crucial in our hope to advance to the next round.
“We will try to give our best and hand a great performance.”
Injuries continue to dog the Italian side, however, with Sulley Muntari the latest to be hurt.
Muntari sustained a muscular injury at the weekend and is doubtful. Wesley Sneijder and Thiago Motta are still sidelined with thigh injuries.
“The team is okay but like any other side we have to consider the injured players,” said Mourinho. “We have physical problems that slow down our work.
“I would like to have everyone available, but it’s not possible.
“It’s difficult for Muntari and Thiago Motta to recover for Wednesday’s game.”
The consolation for the Italians is that Marco Balotelli will return from suspension.
Dynamo, who held Inter to a 2-2 draw in the first game in Milan, will take heart from the fact that the Italians have won just one of their last six Champions League away games.
Valeri Gazzaev’s side is unbeaten at home since losing to FC Porto in the Champions League 12 months ago.
The Ukrainian giants are cruising in the Premier League, winning 10 of their 12 games and have yet to be beaten.
Dynamo striker Andriy Shevchenko has urged his team-mates to show the same fighting spirit they displayed at the San Siro a fornight ago.
“My team showed a lot of courage and unity in Milan,” said Shevchenko. “We had chances to win that game and I missed a few.
“I hope I can score and that my team will show the same determination tomorrow.”
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