Guide to Champions League 2007/08! Inter-Milan

INTERNAZIONALE
Italian champions
Champions League pedigree: European Champions 1964, 1965

THE LOW DOWN:
After romping to glory in the most uninspiring and tarnished Italian title race in history last season, Inter get their chance to prove that Serie A dominance was down to their class as much as the Calciopoli scandal that helped to make their success so comfortable.

Defeat at the last 16 stage against Valencia last time did little to silence the doubters who questioned their abilities and the unseemly mass brawl at the end of the tie in Spain was arguably the most memorable moment of their entire season. What cannot be doubted is that this Inter side have the strength in depth to do much better this time.

TECHNICAL AREA:
Roberto Mancini's achievement in lifting the Serie A title last season did not receive the plaudits he might have expected as Italian football was still reeling from the match fixing shame. He will certainly prove his worth if he emerges as a winner in this competition come May.

A 4-4-2 man, he has proved himself to be an inventive and versatile coach when the need arises, with the move to employ Luis Figo in central midfield last season proving to be a major triumph and his man management skills also seem to be spot on. Getting the best out of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has proved to be a task beyond many a top manager down the years, but Mancini managed to get him firing last season.

WOW FACTOR:
The enigma who goes by the name of Ibrahimovic has found a home for his talents and he possesses the cutting edge Inter will need in this competition. On top form throughout last season, he loves performing on the big stage.

Also look out for revived Portuguese veteran Luis Figo, who has been excelling at the heart of the Inter midfield. His pace may have gone, but his class is still shining through.

The other big tick in the Inter box is the vast squad Mancini has at his disposal. Many sides in the Champions League would struggle without certain key men, but the nerazzurri look to be well covered for every eventuality.

THE BIG BUY:
David Suazo's move to Inter was as complicated as any transfer in Europe this summer and finished up with an investigation from the Italian authorities, but he may well be worth the hassle. A proven Serie A scorer during his time with Cagliari, he now gets a chance to test himself against Europe's best.

Romanian Christian Chivu arrives from Roma and should add some defensive solidity, while Colombian Nelson Rivas has the class to make his mark after his move from River Plate.

THE TENDER SPOT:
The alarming pre-season blood clot suffered by veteran defender Marco Matterazzi has hit Inter hard and they will miss his goals as well as his strength at the back. Mancini may have plenty of defensive back-up and Chivu will do a good job, but Matterazzi is his leader-in-chief.

With so many star names in the squad, Mancini will have a tough task keeping them all happy. Internal discontent with grumpy star names grumbling behind the coach's back is never a recipe for success.

HOT GOSSIP:
What can be done with Adriano? The former 'next big thing' of Brazilian football has become little more than a piece of heavy baggage at Inter and despite their concerted attempts to offload him during the summer, he is still hanging around in Mancini's squad.

Omitted from Inter's Champions League squad list, it is blatantly clear that his over-inflated ego has no place in Mancini's plans, but he could still be a disruptive influence with his occasional outbursts in the media.

IDEAL LINE-UP:
Julio Cesar, Maxwell, Chivu, Cordoba, Maicon, Vieira, Dacourt, Stankovic, Figo, Ibrahimovic, Suazo

THE VERDICT:
With bags of experience and proven match winners throughout their squad, Inter should emerge as serious contenders for the Champions League crown. However, they need to find the right balance and prove they can convert domestic form onto the bigger stage.