Cluj will have to come out all guns blazing in this tie to make up for the two goal deficit Inter left them with in the first leg of this clash. The Italian side dominated at the San Siro and will err on the side of caution in this round of 32 fixture if they want to qualify for the next round. In terms of match result, Cluj are favourites to win at odds of 6/4 with Ladbrokes(bet £4 get £10 return). Inter are unlikely underdogs going in at 2/1 with bet 365 and the draw is priced up at 12/5, also with bet365.Unlike the congested Italian season, Cluj will come out rejuvenated as they are still in their winter break. In Milan they were prevented from playing their usual counter-attacking football. Inter almost deliberately gave their 5-3-1-1 line up the possession and the Romanian side didn’t know what to do with it. Unfortunately Cluj have not made the signings needed to keep the depth and quality of the squad of their autumn campaign. Brazilian maestro and dazzling forward Ronny will be unavailable for the game, which is a great loss. Bookies may be paying out big money to punters backing the Romanian side. Inter won’t be fussed losing by one goal and so a Cluj win could be on the cards. In terms of qualifying from the tie the odds are longer at 13/2 with Ladbrokes. Inter remain in the driving seat at 1/12 with bet365 to make the round of 16.
The first and last ten minutes of the first leg were a mixed bag for Andrea Stramaccioni’s Inter side. They lost talisman Diego Milito to a knee injury early on which has ended his season prematurely. His replacement Rodrigo Palacio more than filled his shoes, netting a brace including an 87th minute strike which gave the Italians some breathing space over their Romanian counterparts. This result aside, the pressure is mounting on the manager to produce results and the 4-1 drumming by Fiorentina, a scoreline which flatters Inter, will hardly have the Nerazzuri faithful on side. With a huge derby game against AC Milan in the near future, this clash could be key for building some momentum and keeping their season afloat. The boss is taking a positive attitude however. “At this level if a coach worries about it then he’s done for, even before he gets started.” That said, a little bit of concern may prevent the side from sitting complacently on their two goal lead. The odds of a dramatic finish but home side heartbreak at a 1-0 Cluj win, is given at 7/1 with bet365. Extra time comes round if Cluj win 2-0 and this correct score is priced up at 12/1 with Coral.
In the Over/Under market punters may expect lots of goals. Inter haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last nine games and this, combined with Cluj needing at least two goals, means we can expect a free flowing game. Over 4.5 goals can be backed at 7/1 with Coral for gamblers expecting a typically frantic and exciting final leg to the tie. On the other hand we could see Inter’s experience shine through and they could kill the game. If they can do a professional and reserved job, odds such as 5/2 with Coral for under 1.5 goals look tantalising. That will surely be the brief from the gaffer too, who’s career will be in even more jeopardy if they throw away this lead.
Greek targetman Pantelis Kapetanos is favourite in the first goalscorer market at a short 6/1 with Paddy Power to break the deadlock. He has been prominent for Cluj and what with Sougou and Bastos both out, the Greek becomes the home side’s main outlet. Palacio is naturally the best shout for the visitors and can be backed at 7/1 with bet365 to be the first name on the scoresheet. He has seven goals already to his name in the competition and don’t discount him to add to this tally.
This game is Inter’s to lose. That said, with this important derby looming in the distance, it will be interesting to see how strong a side the Italian’s field. With players such as Cassano, Palacio, Zanetti and Cambiasso all being in their 30s the manager may want to give them a rest. Such arrogance in the line-up could lead to their downfall, especially against a well-rested, in form and feisty Cluj.
