Fuente: © Inter de Milan
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INTER: Mancini: "Inter-Juve a classic"

/noticias.info/ APPIANO GENTILE - Roberto Mancini held his Inter v Juventus news conference after this morning's training session.

Here's part one of two:

Mancini, are we likely to see either Stankovic or Vieira start tomorrow's match against Juventus?
"We're hoping to play both of them. They played a bit of today's practice and and they're okay, but we'll have a better look at them tomorrow."

If you keep your lead over Roma after Inter-Juventus, can this be the game that wins you the Scudetto?
"It's a classic in our championship, but it's also an important match that comes at the end of a tiring week for everyone. We're playing against Juventus, so it's an even more important match, but there will be eight more games after that and there's still a long way to go in the championship."

What has surprised you about Juventus this season?
"I think a lot of the merit goes to the coach. Besides deserving great merit for what they have done on the pitch, Ranieri is also a good person. He has done a lot of good things in a season that hasn't been easy. Juventus also have a lot of important players, and perhaps they found it a bit hard at the start because there were lots of injuries."

What is wrong with Patrick Vieira's left thigh?
"It's just a slight strain. He played three consecutive matches before the Genoa game, and has found it harder than the others because he is just back from a long injury."

Are you worried that something might happen to him in next week's friendly between France and England?
"Let's hope he can play against Juventus tomorrow. We will see how he is after. I'm obviously hoping nothing will happen to him."

Starting from tomorrow, you will play almost every game knowing Roma's result before you come on the pitch. Is this an advantage or a disadvantage?
"Except for the last four games. I don't know if it's an advantage or a disadvantage. We both have the same number of matches to play and our only goal is to do our best, which is what Roma will do too. We'll see how it ends up."

You have a few important players who aren't in top condition. Is it the time to take risks or do you have to think about the matches that remain from now until the end of the championship?
"There will be eight more matches after Juventus. It means there are 24 points up for grabs and we can earn a lot of them if we do well. So we'll have to be a bit careful. Also, a lot will depend on the players."

Did Maxwell have a few problems during today's training session?
"No, no. His injured ankle turned a bit, but it's nothing serious"

After his performance in the Tim Cup quarter-final return leg, Mario Balotelli can be considered as a lucky charm for games against Juventus. Are you thinking of bringing him on the bench?
"We will see. It's possible. We will have a good look at every player, but we have this possibility too."

Julio Cruz is always decisive against Juventus.
"It's true. Cruz is often decisive against Juventus." notas_de_prensa_archivo