A packed San Siro can boost Inter Milan's chances of overcoming a 2-0 first-leg deficit when they face Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, coach Roberto Mancini said on Monday. Holders AC Milan were eliminated in the last 16 by Arsenal last week after a 2-0 defeat at the shared San Siro.
Though a capacity crowd did not save Milan from defeat, Mancini said Inter were still banking on help from around 80,000 fans to reach the quarter-finals. "I believe a full stadium can make the difference," he told reporters. "If the match is going well, the crowd could be decisive." Late goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard gave Liverpool the advantage at Anfield three weeks ago following Marco Materazzi's harsh first-half dismissal.
Mancini, who has Cristian Chivu back after a shoulder problem to ease a defensive crisis, hinted he may play five across the midfield despite the need for goals. "With many unavailable, it could be a possibility. To overhaul a 2-0 scoreline we will have to be perfect from every point of view," he said. "We must play the perfect match, trying not to give Liverpool space. I am not pessimistic, I believe it is possible to go through."
Italian champions Inter lead Serie A by six points and retaining their domestic title is still at the forefront of Mancini's mind, irrespective of the Liverpool game.