Italian Serie A
2010-01-16 - Bari vs Inter Milan
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:It will be a testing time for Serie A leaders Inter Milan as they travel to face Bari who have proven to become shock specialist in the past. Jose Mourinho will want to have the Serie A wrapped up as soon as possible with Milan breathing down their necks in the title race.
Giampiero Ventura have shown that newly promoted Bari can shock the bigger teams and it was Inter who discovered it on the opening day of the season. Back then it finished in a show draw after Vitali Kutuzov scored after Samuel Eto’o put Inter ahead with a controversial penalty. Bari has never been afraid to attack and that is their strongest asset.
They are especially strong at home, with only one defeat the entire season. However, they have been dealt a crucial blow with news of Andrea Rannochia’s serious injury ahead of the clash. The 21-year-old is one half of a very highly rated central defensive partnership alongside fellow youngster Leonardo Bonucci. Full-back Andrea Masiello is the likely replacement.
As for Inter Milan, what will be their formation tonight? Will they stick to the 4-2-3-1 they have adopted in Eto’o’s absence, or will they return to a more tried and tested system with the derby coming up in the back of their heads? But one thing is for sure is that Mario Balotelli will definitely feature after returning from suspension.
The home side Bari will also be missing the likes of the injured Kutuzov, the suspended Sergio Almiron and Souleymane Diamoutene, who are playing at the African Nations Cup.
As for Inter Milan, Eto’o and Sulley Muntari are also with their respective countries for the African Nations cup, whilst Cristian Chivu, Esteban Cambiasso, Rene Khrin, Marco Materazzi and Dejan Stankovic are injured.
Take Inter Milan to win this match.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

