Mancini relishing OT debut
Despite a career played out at the highest level, Wednesday's trip
to Manchester is full of firsts for Inter Milan coach Roberto
Mancini.
"I've never played in Old Trafford, nor against United," revealed
the one-time Azzurri international. "So I'm delighted to come to a
venue which has played a such an important part in the history of
football."
And he's relishing a clash between the Serie A and Premier League
champions. "It should be very exciting. United had a very good
season last year and this game is very tough."
This is the third successive year the Nerazzurri have pitched up in
England pre-season. "I love coming here," said Mancini, who ended
his playing career at Leicester City. "All the games, even though
theyre friendlies, have a proper football atmosphere, with big
crowds and full stadiums."
The timing suits the Italians perfectly too: "English clubs always
start their pre-season training earlier than we do, so its good to
play against teams who are further ahead in their preparation. We
need to get some real games in our legs, as we say in Italy."
This season could be the toughest of Mancinis managerial career,
up against city rivals AC Milan fresh from claiming the Champions
League title, and with Juventus back in the mix after their match
fixing-related relegation in May 2006.
"In Serie A this year there will be teams with a strong and proud
tradition, he said. We have to show that we are Inter in every
match. In Europe, Inter have faltered at the semi-final stage of
the Champions League twice in recent years, but this season Mancini
is aiming for success across the board.
We're working to win everything, he states boldly. There will be
32 strong teams in the Champions League. We will do our utmost to
reach the final and win it. United will hopefully have something
to say about that, but it's not inconceivable these teams could
meet in the season's finale as well as before it begins.