Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho is wary of Bologna's resurgence under new coach Franco Colomba.

Inter face Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night but Mourinho won't be making the wholesale changes he did before their last European outing against Dynamo Kiev.

On that occasion, Esteban Cambiasso, Samuel Eto'o and Walter Samuel were left out of the starting XI for the game against Livorno - a match Inter won 2-0 - but the Portuguese boss is adamant there are differences between then and now.

"The game in Ukraine was one if we lost we would have been out of the Champions League and if we had drawn, we would have been all but out," he said.

"At this moment, the Barcelona game is not that important.

"In the Champions League, we have two matches to get three points so it's very different."

Inter will be without young defender Davide Santon and Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder for the game after both players picked up knocks during the international break.

Mourinho added: "We have lost Sneijder and Santon. This is a normal situation when you have many players who away with their national teams. It is always expected that someone comes along with some problems. It is a shame but we must accept it as a logical consequence of having so many players away around the world.

"Apart from Santon and Sneijder the others are doing well, without any problems."

Bologna's form has picked up since the appointment of Colomba. They have won both home games under his stewardship, against Siena and Palermo.

"They have won the last two matches at home," added Mourinho.

"They have good players in attack and plenty of options. They are also well organised in midfield and defence.

"The new coach, as is often the case, has increased the levels of motivation. It will be a tough game."

Inter could only manage a draw in their last Serie A game, against Roma on November 8, but are still five points clear of second-placed Juventus.

Bologna are down in 15th but on the rise following a woeful start to the season.

Experienced striker Marco Di Vaio is aware his side will have to be at their best if they want to maintain their improved form.

"To beat a team as strong as Inter, we need to play a great game," said Di Vaio. "We also have to have luck on our side.

"We hope to play a great game on Saturday.

"I hope to score but if I don't, I just want to get a positive result."