'Hidden dangers' keep Mourinho on guard

José Mourinho knows that pride comes before a fall and has warned his FC Internazionale Milano side against complacency as they take on Group B surprise package Anorthosis Famagusta FC on Wednesday in the wake of a stunning victory against AS Roma.

Identical record
The Nerazzurri made a huge statement of intent in the Italian capital on Sunday, defeating their title rivals of last season 4-0 to stay two points clear at the Serie A summit. Inter are also setting the pace in their UEFA Champions League section, albeit with an identical record to their Cypriot visitors after both teams beat Panathinaikos FC by a two-goal margin and drew with Werder Bremen. "This match has several hidden dangers," Mourinho said. "You never know how a side will react after playing a wonderful game like we did in Rome. We would not be the first team to slip up after a fantastic display, so we'll have to do everything we can to avoid this."

'Crucial game'
Turning his attention to Anorthosis, the 45-year-old added: "We've studied them and they're a very good team. Temuri Ketsbaia deserves praise because his side are playing very well. They're well-organised and the good results they have achieved so far have been for a good reason. This is a crucial game for us. If we win, we'll have seven points and almost be through – if not, everything will become much more complicated." Although Ketsbaia recognises Mourinho as "one of the best – he's won everything", the Anorthosis boss is more concerned with the players at the Portuguese's disposal. "We're not playing against Mourinho, but against Inter who are one of the best teams in the world at the moment," said the Georgian. "We watched their game in Rome and know how difficult it will be for us, but we're sure we can get a result. Nobody has had it easy against us so far."

Attacking riches
Mourinho did not give anything away regarding his lineup, apart from confirming that Francesco Toldo will replace Júlio César in goal – "Why? Because he's very good, he's experienced, and he can help make sure that his team-mates forget the win in Rome" – and that Adriano, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Ricardo Quaresma, Mancini, Mario Balotelli and Julio Cruz are fit and competing for attacking berths.

Nikolaou doubt
Anorthosis captain Nikos Nikolaou remains doubtful after straining a thigh muscle during Saturday's goalless draw at home to AEP Paphos FC. "We'll see how things go with him in the training session in Milan and take it from there," Ketsbaia said. "This is our toughest game in the group as Inter have a number of players who can decide a match with one piece of brilliance. We'll need to defend well but must also seize whatever chances we have in the game."

Quintet rested
Ketsbaia rested Traianos Dellas, Arian Beqaj, Andreas Constantinou, Georgios Panagi and Lambros Lambrou at the weekend, and is likely to field the same 5-3-1-1 formation that has served the Cypriot titleholders so well in the competition so far. One definite change, however, should see Cédric Bardon deputise for Paulo Costa on the right side of midfield.