Inter coach Roberto Mancini has a tricky task on his hands tonight as he tries to prepare his players to face Rangers in an empty stadium.
Inter will be playing their second competition match of four behind closed doors following the behaviour of their supporters which saw last season’s Champions League quarter-final with Milan abandoned.
“Playing behind closed doors is clearly a problem,” said Mancini.
“We will have to try and get results away from home because it’s difficult to play in an empty stadium and you never know what might happen.”
Mancini may look to rest Luís Figo ahead of the weekend trip to Juventus as well as defender Giuseppe Favalli, while Juan Sebastián Verón serves a one-match ban after being sent off in the previous game against Artmedia Bratislava. Zé Maria is expected to replace the Argentinian in midfield.
Meanwhile, Rangers manager Alex McLeish admits the visit to Inter represents a difficult obstacle.
“When you look at their squad, they can bring in plenty of quality in various positions,” said McLeish.
“We’ll show them respect but we will not be scared because we have played well in big games before.”
Matters aren’t helped by the loss through injury of striker Nacho Novo, meaning Thomas Buffel will partner Dadao Prso up front.
