Inter welcome back Di Biagio for must-win game

Alex Kirk
Wednesday 30 October 2002 01:00 GMT
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Hector Cuper, the Internazionale coach has urged his side to go all out for a win against Rosenborg at San Siro tonight as they seek to improve on their disappointing form in Champions' League Group D.

Cuper, who twice guided Valencia to the final of the competition, said: "For me the important thing is the three points. If we play good football and win, then that is an added bonus. But just winning is enough."

The Argentinian believes four more points will take them through to the second phase. "We have to win against Rosenborg, because then I believe that a point in our final game at Ajax will be sufficient," he said.

Inter are third in the group with five points, the same as Ajax. Lyon, who take on the Dutch side in the group's other match, are top with seven points, while Rosenborg prop up the table with three points.

Luigi Di Biagio returns to the Nerazzurri midfield after missing Sunday's 2-0 win over Bologna due to suspension. Francesco Coco is doubtful as he is suffering from a back injury. Cuper is ready to partner Alvaro Recoba with Christian Vieri in attack, leaving Hernan Crespo, who has scored five goals in Europe this season, on the bench.

In Group C, Genk's Moumouni Dagano is determined to atone for his miss last week against Roma when the Belgian side take on AEK Athens.

Dagano wasted a great opportunity to score the winner in Italy when he burst clear on goal with 15 minutes remaining but uncharacteristically scuffed his effort. The 0-0 draw kept Genk in the competition but they have yet to score in four group games and must beat AEK to stay in contention.

The Burkino Faso striker pledged: "If I score in Athens I will immediately run towards the bench to thank coach Sef Vergoossen for all the trust he puts in me. The coach is my biggest supporter right now. He says that I stay important for the team even if I don't score."

AEK are boosted by the return to fitness of three of their players as they look to build on two draws with European champions Real Madrid in their last two games. Grigoris Georgatos is named in the squad with Demis Nikolaidis and Mauricio Wright also available.

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