Inter and Milan stretched in defence for openers

By Mark Meadows

MILAN (Reuters) - Inter Milan are struggling for central defenders for the start of their Italian title defence at Sampdoria on Saturday.

New Inter coach Jose Mourinho was forced to play midfielder Esteban Cambiasso at centre back in last weekend's win over AS Roma in the Super Cup and he may have to do so again in Genoa.

Walter Samuel, Ivan Cordoba and Cristian Chivu have been working their way back to fitness after surgery while Marco Materazzi has been injured in pre-season.

Nicolas Burdisso and Nelson Rivas suffered knocks in the Super Cup, with media reports saying Materazzi and Cordoba may therefore be risked despite a lack of match sharpness.

Despite Inter's injury difficulties, Mourinho has already won over top striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"He is the most complete coach I have ever had, on the field and off it. You immediately see the difference with other coaches," Ibrahimovic told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Milan, who host newly-promoted Bologna on Sunday (1300), have similar problems with centre backs Paolo Maldini, Kakha Kaladze and Alessandro Nesta all struggling for fitness.

New arrival Philippe Senderos from Arsenal is also not expected to be fit for around 10 days because of a back problem.