Toldo ready to take his opportunity

FC Internazionale Milano coach José Mourinho has decided to turn to the experienced Francesco Toldo for the UEFA Champions League Group B game against Anorthosis Famagusta FC – and the former Italy keeper is eager to repay the favour "with an excellent performance, not with words".

Second nature
With Inter's morale sky high after Sunday's stunning 4-0 win at AS Roma, Mourinho has chosen to rest first-choice custodian Júlio César, believing that Toldo's know-how could help the Nerazzurri keep their feet on the ground against the Cypriot champions. Toldo, 37 in December, will therefore make his first competitive appearance of the season in Wednesday's meeting of the joint group leaders. "I have played at this level for 16 years now and am used to handling the pressure," he said.

Team player
"I'm calm and confident that I will play well, because I have never switched off my concentration levels and have always kept working hard," added the ex-ACF Fiorentina favourite, who has been limited to 17 Serie A outings since Júlio César's arrival three years ago. "I have never considered myself a first or second choice but part of a great squad, which I love." Victory against Anorthosis would put Inter in the driving seat to qualify from the section and Toldo, whose last start came in May's Coppa Italia final against Roma, is relishing the prospect of returning to the big stage. "I'm pleased to have this chance," he said. "Mourinho is good at stimulating all 29 players in his squad, not just those on the pitch. I hope to repay him with an excellent performance, not with words."

Sosin vow
One of Toldo's chief threats in his first UEFA Champions League game since December 2006 will come from Anorthosis striker Lukasz Sosin. On Saturday the Polish international wasted an opportunity to maintain his club's perfect start to the Cypriot campaign when he fired a penalty over the crossbar late in the 0-0 home draw with AEP Paphos FC. Now he has vowed to make amends. "I am very angry about that," Sosin told uefa.com. "It was on 94 minutes, the goal would have given us victory, but I failed. That is why I have double incentive against Inter."

'Our time'
Sosin may be aware of the hosts' strength, but he is backing his side to get a result at San Siro. "For me, this is the most interesting match for Anorthosis in the Champions League," the 31-year-old said. "We have waited years for games like this and now our time has come. I saw Inter's match against Roma and was impressed by their victory, but I don't think it will be the same story on Wednesday. I am not saying we are going to win, but I am confident that they will not beat us easily."