Hodgson backs rivals Chelsea in duel with his former club Inter Milan

23 February 2010 14:24
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, who had two spells coaching Inter Milan in the Nineties, believes Chelsea's experience will be a key factor at San Siro tomorrow.   [LNB]Hodgson knows first-hand the passion generated by Inter fans on European nights but is confident the Chelsea players can handle the atmosphere.  [LNB] He said: 'The good thing is Chelsea have a lot of experience and every one of their players will have played there before, I'm sure. For Carlo Ancelotti it's a return home.  [LNB] The edge: Experienced players such as Didier Drogba could be key for Chelsea[LNB] 'The tie sees the best Italy have to offer and one of England's best teams. There is a belief the Premier League is better than Serie A but it's dangerous to say this league is behind that league.  [LNB] 'If you can pan out all the teams in a league and work out how number 12 in Italy would do against number 12 in England it might be easier...but with the very top teams in any of the big European leagues there is very little to choose between them.  [LNB] Inside knowledge: Roy Hogdson (second right) talks with Inter players (left-right) Gianluca Pagliuca, Ivan Zamorano, and Fabio Galante in 1999[LNB] 'We saw that last week with AC Milan and Manchester United. It took United a while to get going and they needed a couple of great goals to win the match.  [LNB] 'Inter are a stronger team than Milan, I don't think anyone would question that. For Chelsea the task of going to San Siro and playing a really strong team is one that will test them.'[LNB] Mourinho is a joke! All of Italy will cheer on Chelsea, says rival AncelottiChelsea boosted as Frank Lampard is declared fit for Champions League showdown with Inter MilanFULHAM FC

Source: Daily_Mail