Starting this Wednesday, Chelsea will take on Inter in a two match aggregate that will decide who will move on to the quarter finals of the UEFA tournament. And the big story behind this match-up is who other then Inter manager Jose Mourinho. The man was the last manager to hoist a title with the Blues in the Premiership and the Coach of the Year looks to defend his Serie A title this season with Inter. But before the rivalry begins lets take a look at Inter’s makeup. Let the Mourinho Bowl begin!
The Past
Inter has been the best Serie A club for many consecutive seasons and is likely the best club in Italy over the last twenty to thirty seasons. The powerhouse club has never played on the lower level of the league and many of the greatest players in the world have been a valuable member of the Italian squad. Every season the club is considered one of the favorites for winning the UEFA Champions League.
The Present
Inter is currently in first place in Serie A and ahead of Roma by five points heading into this week’s critical match. The club traded away their best performer from last season (Ibrahimovic) and Samuel Eto’o has yet to find his groove yet in the new league. Diego Milito has performed excellent this season though and Brazilian Julio Cesar is considered one of the best keepers in the entire world.
The Prediction
Inter-Chelsea is a tough match to predict. It is likely the most powerful match-up of the first round of the tournament. It should be real close, but I like Chelsea to pull it out. the Blues had a fantastic Champions League last year and were robbed from making the finals. They should be able to take care of a solid Inter club 4-3.
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