Adriano to stop rot

ByEurosport

Published 26/02/2006 at 12:54 GMT

Inter will be looking to Adriano to get back to goalscoring ways when they host Udinese at the San Siro on Sunday. The Brazilian has admitted that he is going through one of his toughest times after having failed to score in the Nerazzurri's last 10 games

Adriano was replaced after just 65 minutes of the midweek 2-2 Champions League draw against Ajax, but Inter coach Roberto Mancini insists it was to allow the player to recover mentally and physically, and not because of a poor performance.

"I want him to be ready for the League and Champions League," said the former Sampdoria star.

The Brazilian striker had originally been handed a two-match ban after videotape evidence convicted him of violent conduct in last weekend's stalemate with Livorno, but won his appeal on Thursday, clearing himself for Sunday's clash.

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FOOTBALL 2005-2006 Serie A Inter Milan Livorno-Inter Adriano

Image credit: Reuters

The draw against Livorno saw bitter rivals Milan leapfrog Inter into second, and Mancini's men will be looking for three points against a Udinese team in turmoil.

Following the sacking of Serse Cosmi, new Udinese chiefs Loris Dominissini and Nestor Sensini have had a torrid start to their reign, despite an emphatic UEFA Cup victory over Lens.

The Bianconeri - who have gone nine games without a victory - will be without the suspended Vincent Candela following the left-back's red card against Siena.

Marco Motta remains sidelined despite successful knee surgery, while Cesare Natali is out with a calf injury.

JUVENTUS v LECCE

Juventus coach Fabio Capello will be without the suspended Fabio Cannavaro, while Jonathan Zabina and Gianluca Zambrotta are both out.

Gianluca Pessotto could be handed a starting place if Federico Balzaretti or Giorgio Chiellini fail to shake off knocks.

Lecce are without Gennaro Delvecchio, who is suffering from flu, while Alfonso Camorani, Tiziano Polenghi and Luca Saudati are all still sidelined.

PALERMO v MILAN

Milan go into Sunday's tie in Sicily wary of last season's thrilling 3-3 draw which effectively ended their Scudetto hopes.

Carlo Ancelotti - whose position is under threat after his side's apparent surrendering of the Serie A title to Juventus - will be without defensive duo Paolo Maldini and Cafu.

FOOTBALL 2005-2006 Serie A Milan Ancelotti

Image credit: Imago

Palermo will be looking to striker David Di Michele for goals, and are high on confidence after picking up seven points in their last three games.

EMPOLI v TREVISO

Empoli boss Gigi Cagni will be without Richard Vanigli, but the Azzurri will welcome back Francesco Pratali and Andrea Coda from injury.

Treviso have only one injury concern, with defensive stalwart Andrea Dossena still out.

SIENA v SAMPDORIA

Both Siena and Sampdoria will be relying on young strikers to shoot them to three points on Sunday.

The hosts will be looking to Rej Volpato - given the chance to shine after the January transfer window exits of Massimo Marazzina and Roberto Nanni - after the rookie scored both goals in last weekend's 2-1 win over Udinese.

And Sampdoria will hope that Salvatore Foti can continue his fine run of form to earn them their first ever win at Siena.

CAGLIARI v CHIEVO

Cagliari boss Nedo Sonetti will be boosted by the return of Nelson Abeijon and Antonio Chimenti, but Joe Bizera will miss out after returning to Uruguay for personal reasons.

Federico Cossato returns for Chievo after a long-term injury. Giuseppe Scurto and Andrea Mantovani will also be fit after shaking off minor injuries, while Federico Giunti is suspended.

ASCOLI v MESSINA

Ascoli coach Marco Giampaolo will be without the sidelined Daniele Adani and Marco Ferrante, while Mirko Cudini and Domenico Cristiano are both doubts.

Messina welcome back goalkeeper Marco Storari, who has served out hs suspension, but Gaetano D'Agostino and Alessandro Parisi are both sidelined.

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