Toldo's case for the defence

After surrendering a long-standing unbeaten home record in Europe's most illustrious club competition on Matchday Three, goalkeeper Francesco Toldo believes the successful defending of set-pieces will ensure Rosenborg BK do not become only the second team to triumph at Internazionale FC since 1963.

Lyon success
Inter's 2-1 defeat by Olympique Lyonnais marked their first loss on Italian soil since their competition debut 39 years ago. The win saw Lyon wrest the initiative at the head of section and they will qualify by beating AFC Ajax at the Stade Gerland in tonight's other UEFA Champions League Group D fixture.

Final-day showdown?
Success for Les Gônes would mean Group D's second qualifying place will be decided when Ajax entertain Inter at the Amsterdam ArenA, assuming Rosenborg do not win in Milan. Yet the Norwegian champions are not to be taken lightly: only a fine display of goalkeeping from Toldo prevented Rosenborg from getting off to a winning start at the Nerazzurri's expense, September's meeting ending 2-2.

'Strong in the air'
The 31-year-old custodian expects an equally testing 90 minutes tonight. "We have seen that Rosenborg are a very well-organised and fit side with a host of tall and physically strong players," Toldo told uefa.com. "We have to be very careful at free-kicks and corners where they have the time to cause danger in the area as they are very strong in the air."

'Plenty of respect'
The confidence Rosenborg gained from holding Inter was shattered the following week as Lyon trounced them 5-0 in France. Toldo said of that game: "I saw Rosenborg against Lyon and they were a different team to the side we played against in Trondheim, but, of course, we have plenty of respect for them."

Penalty saves
Respect is something Toldo earned during an eight-year stay at AC Fiorentina prior to his move north to Inter. However, it was at EURO 2000™ that Toldo established himself as one of Europe's best custodians, saving four penalties - two in normal time - to defy the Netherlands in an epic semi-final.

'Better prepared'
It appeared Italy were again on the cusp of greatness but a disappointing 2002 FIFA World Cup preceded by an abject showing by the country's clubs in UEFA competition only served to highlight a false dawn. "It's fair to say that Italian football is struggling in general and the performances in Europe have mirrored this situation," Toldo added. "However, the teams seem to be better prepared this year."

Domestic honours
Indeed, Inter and AS Roma are both well positioned to join AC Milan and Juventus FC in the next stage - which would be the first time since 1998/99 that the entire Italian contingent have negotiated the first hurdle. All four are also in contention for domestic honours, although Inter currently lead the way. Toldo is keen for the team to "maintain a good balance", and by doing so feels they can make up for the disappointments of 2001/02. They can start by winning tonight.