Soccer: Inter draws CSKA Moscow
Mourinho's men avoid favourites in Champions League quarters
19 March, 14:39
(ANSA) - Nyon, March 19 - Inter Milan managed to avoid the
stronger Champions League contenders in Friday's quarter-final
draw and got one of the softer opponents, CSKA Moscow.But Inter CEO Ernesto Paolillo cautioned: "You only know if draws are only favourable or not after you've played".
"It won't be an easy match. It would be wrong to underestimate the Russian side for two reasons: first because they're only starting their season and they'll be fresher and second because they have a synthetic pitch in Moscow, which favours less skilful players".
The Italian champions and Serie A leaders will play the first leg at home on March 31 and go to Moscow on April 6.
Inter and CSKA Moscow have already met in the Champions League once, at the group stage in 2007-2008, when the Nerazzurri won 2-1 in Moscow and 4-2 at home.
Paolillo denied suggestions that playing the first leg at home was an advantage, saying: "I think having your home crowd on your side in the second leg is much better because they provide a boost, they can become the 12th man".
CSKA General Manager Rolan Babev said: "Inter is a team full of stars, and the brightest of these is coach Jose' Mourinho". After beating his old team Chelsea, Mourinho is bidding to bring Inter its first European crown since the mid-1960s and despite its outspoken coach Italian soccer has rallied round Inter, Italy's last remaining representative.
Roma coach Claudio Ranieri, who has crossed swords with Mourinho in the past, said: "Hats off to Inter. They train in the Serie A championship and then win in the Champions League.
When it came to the crunch they played a superlative match against Chelsea".
"Was it an easy draw? Everyone gets what they deserve, and they knocked out Chelsea".
Palermo coach Delio Rossi, who faces Inter in Serie A Saturday, said: "It's great the way Inter is keeping the Italian flag flying".
Here is Friday's quarter-final draw: Lyon-Bordeaux (March 30, April 7) Bayern Munich-Manchester United (March 30, April 7) Arsenal-Barcelona (March 31, April 6) Inter-Cska Moscow (March 31, April 6).
If Inter get through they will face either Arsenal or Barcelona in the semis on April 20-21 and 27-28 and will again play the first leg at home.
Bookies say Inter are among the favourites along with last year's winners and runner-up, Barcelona and Man Utd.
