Mancini's men go it alone

Behind closed doors
"Playing behind closed doors is clearly a problem," said Mancini, who believes the absence of Inter's "twelfth man" will effectively turn the San Siro into a neutral arena in the group stage. "We will have to try and get results away from home because it's difficult to play in an empty stadium and you never know what might happen."

Misconduct
Inter will be playing their second UEFA competition match of four behind closed doors following the misconduct of their supporters during last season's Champions League quarter-final, when AC Milan goalkeeper Dida was hit by a flare.

Correct focus
If the lack of atmosphere is not distraction enough, Inter could also be forgiven for having one eye on this weekend's top-of-the-table Serie A contest against leaders Juventus FC. However, defender Iván Córdoba insists Inter's focus will be right. "Will our minds be on the Juventus match? Absolutely not. Mancini has told us about Rangers," said Córdoba. "They're a tough team, they're physically strong and possess good technical qualities."

Strong defence
After recording a remarkable 18 league draws last season, Mancini's second-year Inter are a more coherent unit who have won four out of five Serie A games already. Córdoba, who is deputising for injured captain Javier Zanetti, attributes some of that success to a better-organised back line. "Is our defence the strongest since I have been at Inter? Yes, perhaps," remarked the Colombian international. "The arrival of Walter Samuel, who is a very strong player, has given us that extra bit we needed."

Figo rested?
Regarding formations, Mancini may look to rest Luís Figo ahead of the trip to Juventus as well as defender Giuseppe Favalli, while Juan Sebastián Verón serves a suspension. Zé Maria should move into a midfield led by David Pizarro and Esteban Cambiasso.

Rangers toil
Rangers, meanwhile, are struggling with their title defence in Scotland – lying fifth in the Premier League following Saturday's 1-0 reverse at Heart of Midlothian FC – and manager Alex McLeish admits the Inter assignment will be tough, even with an empty stadium. "When you look at their squad, they can bring in plenty of quality in various positions," said McLeish, who joked during his press conference that he would rather UEFA had banned Inter's Brazil striker Adriano for this match.

Novo blow
But the more pressing matter for the manager is Rangers' lengthening injury list. Forward Nacho Novo broke a bone in his left foot against Hearts and is expected to be out for six to eight weeks.

'Respect, not fear'
McLeish at least has Thomas Buffel at his disposal. The Belgian international, who should partner Dado Pršo in attack, said he was "quite impressed" by the Nerazzurri in their 1-0 weekend win against ACF Fiorentina, adding: "We'll show them respect but we will not be scared because we have played well in big games before."