MILAN – As we await this evening's match between Rubin Kazan and Inter, here is a selection of facts and figures provided courtesy of Football Data.
This is the fourth meeting in competitive competition between these two sides, with Rubin yet to win: two draws and one victory for Inter, who have scored in each game (five in total). Besides the 2-2 draw that opened this season's Europa League group stage, there were two encounters in the 2009/10 Champions League group stage: 1-1 in Russia, 2-0 to Inter in Milan. The Nerazzurri went on to lift the trophy that season and complete a historic treble after doing the league and cup double in Italy.
Inter have failed to hit the net in just one of their last 19 competitive matches: that happened on 23 September when they were beaten 0-2 at home by Siena. In the other 18 games in this period they have notched up 39 goals.
The Nerazzurri have scored in 14 consecutive away fixtures, 32 goals in total. They haven't drawn a blank on the road since a 0-0 draw with Fiorentina on 22 April.
Rubin are taking on Italian opposition for the sixth time, including games against Inter. The Russian side have conceded in all five previous occasions and are yet to win: two draws and three defeats, seven goals against. Rubin are hosting an Italian rival for the third time, with one draw and one defeat to date.Inter are facing a Russian team for the 18th time, having previously won 11, drawn four and lost just two. This is the ninth match for the Nerazzurri on Russian soil, with their current record standing at five wins, two draws (both 1-1) and one defeat.
The 2-2 draw at the Stadio Meazza in September is the only previous head-to-head between Berdyev and Stramaccioni.
Tommy Skjerven, an international referee since 2001, is in charge of proceedings tonight. The Norwegian is overseeing his fourth European match of the season and has never met Rubin, Inter or any Italian club in continental competition. Skjerven has previously presided over five fixtures involving Russian teams, who have always played at home and are yet to lose: three wins and two draws.
