TURKEY: SOCCER - Fenerbahce prepare to face group favourites Inter Milan in the Champions League

Fenerbahce prepare to face group favourites Inter Milan in the Champions League. Fenrbahce coach and Brazil legend Zico said he had a great deal of respect for Wednesday's Champions League opponents Inter despite their injury problems. The Italian champions are without Romanian defender Cristian Chivu with a dislocated shoulder, while Marco Materazzi is still recovering from a long-term thigh problem. Centre back Walter Samuel is also struggling with injury while Nicolas Burdisso, Maicon and Ivan Cordoba all have long-term Champions League suspensions. Nevertheless Zico claims the visitors must be favourites to win Group G , with players like Hernan Crespo, Julio Cruz and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at their disposal. "Inter is the favourite with a 50 per cent chance, " he said. "The remaining 50 per cent is divided between the other three (Fenerbahce, PSV and CSKA Moscow)." The Turkish champions have lost nine of the previous 11 games they have previously played against Italian teams and lost seven of their 12 Champions League home games. Inter coach Roberto Mancini, who is also concerned about the availability of Patrick Vieira, said: "If Zico says this it must be true. He is a a football legend and I've had the honour of playing against him."

ITN Source | September 19, 2007

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