Recoba relishes Swiss chance

Injuries have given Alvaro Recoba a probable starting spot against Basel and El Chino is eager to take full advantage of this opportunity.

“I combine wonderfully with Adriano and we make a great partnership,” maintained the Uruguayan enigma. “I can move as a support striker, giving him the chance to use his strength as an out and out centre forward.”

This pairing has been almost thrust upon Coach Roberto Mancini after he was forced to do without Obafemi Martins, Christian Vieri, Cristiano Zanetti, Nicolas Burdisso and Andy van der Meyde for the Champions’ League trip to Basel.

Van der Meyde's absence could well have other motives, however, as it's believed he will return to Ajax over the next few weeks and therefore does not wish to be cup-tied.

“The Swiss outfit is a tough one, just like all the teams at this stage of the competition,” noted Recoba. “Our fitness preparation has left us in good condition and we are pretty relaxed about the situation.”

Inter are certainly the favourites to get through to the European competition proper after an impressive transfer campaign.

“We know that the club has done its job well and nobody has the sheer strength in depth that we have at Inter.”

“We have a squad capable of winning both the Scudetto and the Champions’ League,” he concluded, “so to not even enter would be tragic.”