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When Internazionale sold Mario Balotelli to Manchester City, Inter patron Massimo Moratti claimed the youngster was dispensable in part because of the arrival of Philippe Coutinho.Simultaneously, hordes of fans moved the cursor over to Google and typed in the Brazilian's name.What they will have found out is that Coutinho is an 18-year-old attacker, diminutive in stature, who Inter bought as a 16-year-old and loaned back to Vasco da Gama for two seasons. They would have read that he became a starter in Brazil, leading Vasco back to the top division and shining for the Brazilian U-17 side.What they won't have learned is how quickly Coutinho would adapt to Italy, though Rafael Benitez never had any doubts."He has many qualities, we're expecting him to do well straightaway," said Benítez at the press conference introducing Coutinho. "He can be the future of Inter."In that press conference, the youngster revealed himself a humble and meek alternative to the brash malcontent of Balotelli. When asked if he played like Wesley Sneijder, Coutinho almost blushed."I resemble Sneijder? If only; I would like that, and how."Benitez slowly eased Coutinho into the lineup in the early weeks, giving him substitute appearances. Against FC Twente, Coutinho played the last half hour and created two goal-scoring chances and took two shots. In the next Champions League matchup, Coutinho earned his first start, capitalizing on a shakeup from the loss to AS Roma and an injury to Diego Milito.Inter won 4-0.Coutinho has started the three matches since, in each further brushing aside his timidness. He even earned his debut for the Brazil national team against Iran earlier this month.His watershed moment came Wednesday against Tottenham Hotspur. Floating in from his left flank like usual, the Brazilian combined ball control as tight as the curls in his hair with short sharp passing (he completed 65 out of 73 feeds) to dismantle Tottenham and give Inter a 4-0 lead by halftime.Despite assisting one goal and creating another in the first half, Coutinho's slickest moments perhaps came in the second half when he moved more centrally alongside Sneijder. There he teamed up with his mentor to showcase a technically precise and eye-pleasing Inter fans won't be used to seeing.Count Sneijder among his fans as well. "With his qualities he will make it; he will make it for sure," the Dutch playmaker told UEFA.com.It's still early. Coutinho will have many more obstacles to maneuver around in his slick fashion, including when Milito returns to fitness and when opposition teams start signaling him out for particularly rough marking. But thus far Coutinho is carving out his place in Inter."I thought it would be more difficult to come into a squad that won everything last season," Coutinho admitted to UEFA.com, "but, thank God, I immediately found my place."2:30 p.m. EST, Saturday, Oct. 23Fox Soccer Channel, ESPN3.comSaturday's only match could very well be Sinisa Mihajlovic's last as Fiorentina coach. Dunga has already had to deny reports that he would take over the gig, with Viola propping up the rest of the table. Surely Fiorentina will improve on its five points from seven games once Adrian Mutu returns from suspension next week, but Mihajlovic might not have that long.Paulo Barreto, Bari. Bari has been undone by shoddy finishing this season, with Barreto and striker partner Jose Castillo especially guilty. Though Barreto has three goals, two are penalties, and he'll need to find the form of last year to keep Bari running smoothly.Draw.6:30 a.m. EST, Sunday, Oct. 24ESPN3.com, Fox Soccer PlusOne point ahead of Fiorentina in 19th place is Parma, which hasn't won since the opening day of the season. Sebastian Giovinco is fit once more, but will likely start the match from the bench. He might need to see some action to save Pasquale Marino's job.Also in trouble is Claudio Ranieri. A reversion to a bland 4-4-2 hasn't helped, with the defense over-reliant on Juan and the attack stagnant. A 1-3 hiding by FC Basel midweek means Ranieri really needs this match to hold onto some clout. He can take solace in history; Roma has won the last eight Serie A meetings with Parma, keeping six clean sheets along the way.For now, the fans are ignoring the plight of the coaches and concentrating on grumbling about the early Sunday kickoff. In protest of the early match, Parma Ultras are planning on bringing sandwiches and eating them (between yawns, we assume) as the players enter the pitch.Juan, Roma. Without the Brazilian, Roma's defense would be a mess. So often the team needs his interceptions and sturdy play to salvage matches when getting run over.Roma win.9:00 a.m. EST, Sunday, Oct. 24ESPN3.com, Fox Soccer PlusA limp draw with Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday undercut the momentum Juventus had earned after a respectable draw with Inter and a 4-0 thrashing of Lecce. Now the Old Lady has a quick turnaround to fly from Austria to the Renato Dall'Ara and try to break down a Bologna side intent on holding out.Milos Krasic, Juventus. It took the Serbian winger two minutes after entering the pitch to score the equalizer against Salzburg. Juventus really has become Krasic-dependent and will similarly rely on him to break down Bologna.Juventus win.2:30 p.m. EST, Sunday, Oct. 24Fox Soccer Channel, ESPN3.comThe last time these clubs met, Inter had two players sent off and Jose Mourinho was banned for three matches following his cross-armed gesture. Though this match will undoubtedly be less exciting, it should feature more goals than that 0-0 stalemate.Sampdoria hasn't had the smoothest of transitions this year, only winning two games thus far. One key will be how well Massimo Volta replaces the injured Stefano Lucchini in defense. He'll be up against the white-hot Samuel Eto'o.Philippe Coutinho, Inter.Inter win.2:30 p.m. EST, Monday, Oct. 25Fox Soccer Channel, ESPN3.comAfter disappointing midweek action, these two clubs will get an extra day's rest. Napoli failed to break down a woeful Liverpool side at home, and Milan once again found Jose Mourinho too much, losing 2-0 to Real Madrid.The fallout from that defeat included Massimiliano Allegri claiming that several indispensable players have lost that distinction. More mobile midfield options such as Mathieu Flamini and Kevin-Prince Boateng will likely see some time.Ronaldinho, Milan. One of the players who might now have to share time is Ronaldinho, as the Brazilian's influence has waned this year. A quick response would be a few assists on Monday.Draw.