Inter bounced back from last weekend's 3-1 hammering by Udinese in Udine with a victory over Napoli in the Coppa Italia in midweek. However, progression into the semi-finals of the Italian Cup came only on penalties as the Nerazzurri failed to find the target in 120 minutes of football.
Nevertheless, it was the victory that Leonardo's Scudetto hopefuls needed to regain their confidence. Last weekend's encounter against Udinese was defined by the 41-year-old Brazilian as "truly the toughest test we’ve had yet" and having failed miserably at the Stadio Friuli, midweek's win against second-placed Napoli should be something of a harbinger of optimism.
Palermo, though, pose a difficult challenge and facing three strong and confident sides in succession will be a massive test for Leonardo as well as a recovering Inter team. The Beneamata had started their era under the Brazilian with five competitive wins in a row and it will be interesting to note whether they can embark on a similar run again.
The Adventure Continues
Palermo's 2010-11 campaign continues to be an adventure as the Sicilians progressed to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia in midweek after defeating Parma on penalties at home. It was the Rosanero's second win in a row after last weekend's 1-0 victory over Brescia and kept them fighting them on two fronts.
Palermo are currently outside the top six in Serie A at the moment as they have 34 points from 21 matches, but being just a solitary point behind Juventus in sixth and three behind fourth-placed Lazio, the Aquile are very much in the running for a Champions League place.
Delio Rossi's side, though, need to improve their record on their travels as they have won just three out of ten league encounters away from home. Palermo's last away win in the league came in late November and they lost their last match on the road, losing 3-1 to Cagliari in Sardinia.
TEAM NEWS
Inter
Sneijder, Samuel, Julio Cesar and Milito are injured. New signing Pazzini too is unavailable. Stankovic, Chivu and Cordoba are suspended.
Palermo
Hernandez, Pinilla and Goian are injured and will miss the trip to Milan. Carrozzieri remains suspended.
Prediction
Inter have struggled since last weekend and qualified for the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia only on penalties. Against a dangerous Palermo side the Nerazzurri could struggle again but the home advantage should count in their favour.
Inter Milan 2-1 Palermo 
