D'Alessandro preaches caution over Copa final

Internacional playmaker Andres D'Alessandro insists it is too soon to talk about Copa Sudamericana glory despite having clinched a 2-0 cushion in the away leg of their semi-final against Mexican giants Guadalajara.

Argentina midfielder D'Alessandro, who missed the first leg due to a stomach problem, knows there is a long way to go before the Brazilian side are even assured a place in the final.

He said: "We shouldn't talk about the title when we still have to play tomorrow just to make it into the final.

"We know Guadalajara play better away than at home, but we took a very important lead so we have to play the same way we did in Mexico.

"Last week was really bad for me, but I will be perfect tomorrow. Anyway, the point is helping the team play well."

Inter are likely to be without midfielder Alex, one of the stars of the team, as Brazil coach Dunga wants him involved for tomorrow's friendly international against Portugal.

Guadalajara failed to make it into the Mexican league play-offs and they are now focused on the Copa Sudamericana.

Despite an 18-hour round trip, their coach Efrain Flores wants his team to think only on overcoming the two-goal deficit.

He said: "We are calm. We are confident of playing well - no fatigue or tiredness at all.

"We must be organised and play with will and intensity.

"Inter have great players, but we have a great team too. We are in very good technical and mental form so we'll try to set the best strategy possible to do our best."

In the other half of the draw, Argentinian duo Estudiantes and Argentinos Juniors clash in La Plata on Thursday with the tie finely poised following a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Diego Maradona.

A goalless draw would see Estudiantes make the final, but Argentinos midfielder Nestor Ortigoza has warned his team to be patient and not to adopt an all-out attacking gameplan.

"We must not be crazy to score," he said. "The goal will come sooner or later.

"We have already scored in Mexico (against San Luis), in Brazil (against Palmeiras) and at San Lorenzo's stadium in Buenos Aires, so we can also score in La Plata."

In the domestic league last Sunday, a strong Argentinos side thrashed a weakened Estudiantes outfit 5-0, much to the disappointment of veteran striker Jose Luis Calderon.

"Nothing worked as we expected," he said. "Argentinos won deservedly, but some of the players had the chance to prove they could play on Thursday and failed.

"I hope that defeat does not affect us on Thursday because the Copa Sudamericana is very important for us."