Inter ready to rethink strategy

By Paolo Menicucci in Milan

Coach Alberto Zaccheroni is aware of the size of the task facing his FC Internazionale side as they strive to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Olympique de Marseille at the San Siro on Wednesday night.

Marseille momentum
The Nerazzurri were outplayed for long periods in Marseille last week, with the French team missing several opportunities to add to Didier Drogba's 46th-minute goal. Zaccheroni was understandably concerned by the performance and demanded an improved showing in the second leg.

Altered approach
"I want a completely different Inter from the team which lost in Marseille," said Zaccheroni, whose side have won their last four league games. "We have to change our approach and I'm sure we will. We have to attack but also be careful not to concede. It's unlikely the match will end 0-0. Marseille play with five defenders but I am more interested in our approach. We have to be really dynamic and try to surprise them from the start."

Vieri out
However, the coach is without Christian Vieri, who was struck on the head by a glass bottle thrown by AC Perugia fans after Inter's 3-2 win on Sunday. Defender Marco Materazzi is also absent after suffering a hip injury during the same match. Daniele Adani replaces him. Adriano and Dejan Stankovic are ineligible, but Alvaro Recoba and Francesco Toldo have recovered from the hip and ankle injuries which forced them to miss the first leg. Recoba could start alongside Julio Cruz and Obafemi Martins in attack.

'Huge support'
"It's not easy but we can certainly qualify," said Martins, who scored twice in the 4-3 second-leg victory against SL Benfica in the fourth round. "We need to score as early as possible and I'm sure our fans will give us huge support."

Perfect record
With Inter having won all nine of their previous European ties against French opposition, Marseille coach José Anigo admitted it would not be easy to protect their lead in Milan. "It will be a difficult match against a top European club but we also know that qualification is within our reach," he said. "Inter concede goals but also score a lot, so I think we need at least one away goal to progress. We need fighting spirit, concentration and a bit of malice."

Drogba blow
Anigo is also without his main attacker after Drogba picked up his third yellow card in European competition for an excessive celebration at the Stade Vélodrome. "Didier has given us so much this season and now it's time for us to give him something back," said Anigo of the Ivory Coast striker, who scored five goals in the UEFA Champions League and four in five UEFA Cup games. "He's a great goalscorer and a real leader."

Forward strength
Forwards Ahmed Hossam 'Mido', who missed the first leg through suspension, and Steve Marlet, back after a torn hamstring, are both available, but Anigo is likely to field a 4-5-1 formation with Mido on his own up front. "It will be a good opportunity for me to show what I can do," said Mido. "I believe I still haven't played as well as I can and it's time to do it."