Inter Milan

Catania 1-2 Inter Milan

2011-01-11T17:50:00.002+07:00

Catania 1-2 Inter: Cambiasso sorts it out

CATANIA – Compared to a year ago, Inter and Esteban Cambiasso changed the ending of the game with Catania at the Stadio Angelo Massimino. This time it was the Nerazzurri who won the game: final score 1-2, but everything happened in the second half. After the first half ended 0-0, Gomez’s goal opened the scoring taking the Sicilians into the lead on 71 minutes, but Inter’s reply came quickly and it was devastating: three minutes later Cambiasso found the net twice and in four minutes the score was 1-2.

FIRST HALF – After enduring a three-game suspension, Samuel Eto’o returned to the Inter side for the game with Catania. Leonardo fielded him from the start alongside Diego Milito, with Stankovic behind them in the attacking midfielder role. Giampaolo left Mascara on the bench and decided on a lone striker formation with Maxi Lopez up front.
The game’s first corner came on 3 minutes, and it went Catania’s way: Llama took it, but his ball was met by a very good Castellazzi who knocked the ball on. Same vibe from Cordoba, who on 8 outran Maxi Lopez as the striker was through on goal and put the ball out for a corner. The Nerazzurri’s first chance came on 14 minutes as Maicon crossed from the left and Stankovic beat Alvarez to the header, only to have Andujar save with relative ease. Catania held the majority of the possession during the middle part of the half, and on more than one occasion they tried to threaten the Nerazzurri goal. Pesce on 19 minutes tried from long range, his effort going wide, then on 23 Llama shot from the edge of the box, but he also failed to find the target. On 29 minutes Gomez got away from Cambiasso, but was then stopped by Chivu who sent the ball out for a corner as the opponent was very close to the Nerazzurri goal. Catania were again dangerous on 40 minutes with a long range effort from Pesce, but the ball went just wide of Castellazzi’s goal; Inter replied on 47 with a shot from distance by Motta which however was considerably off target. After 3 minutes of injury time, Damato called an end to the first half, with the two teams tied on the score of 0-0.

SECOND HALF – The second half kicked off without any changes and with Capuano’s left footed effort catching Zanetti and Stankovic off guard after 3 minutes: but the ball ended wide. Giampaolo made the first substitution replacing Llama with Martinho, whilst on 7 minutes Ledesma took a shot from the edge of the box which was again a threat to Castellazzi, who saved with a diving effort. On 11 minutes, although offside, Maxi Lopez forced the Nerazzurri goalkeeper to another save after he received the ball from Pesce. The Argentine striker was one of the liveliest protagonists at the Massimino: on 15 minutes he shot from distance and the effort went just over the bar, and two minutes later it was only Castellazzi’s quick reflexes that kept his shot from the edge of the box out. On 21 minutes Leonardo made his first change: Chivu out and Pandev in, but it was once again Castellazzi who performed a miracle, his third in a row, as he closed the Nerazzurri goal to a Maxi Lopez close range effort, who’d received the through ball from Martinho. On 24 minutes, from Maicon’s corner, Thiago Motta came very close to a goal; it came however two minutes later for the home team: Catellazzi managed someway to contain Maxi Lopez, but the Argentine got past Cordoba and got the shot off, Stankovic headed the ball off the line, but it fell to Gomez who shot into the top corner and rippled the net for the 1-0. But once again it was Cambiasso who turned goal scorer, from Stankovic’s assist, he controlled with his left, dispatched a shot with his right and levelled the scoring. And there was more to come: on 34 minutes Maicon’s perfect cross was met by Cuchu's head and the ball was once again in the back of the Catania net, Andujar was powerless and the score was 1-2. Inter and Cambiasso changed the face of the game, on 44 Milito could have wrapped the game up but his shot went just wide of the far post. On 46 minutes Leonardo made his last substitution and gifted Ranocchia his debut with the Nerazzurri jersey. Inter win their second game under Leonardo and reach 29 points in the table, 11 behind league leaders AC Milan, but still with two games in hand.

Catania 1-2 Inter (HT: 0-0)

Scorers: Gomez 61, Cambiasso 74, 79.

Catania: 21 Andujar; 22 Alvarez 3 Spolli, 82), 14 Bellusci, 6 Silvestre, 33 Capuano; 17 Gomez, 8 Ledesma, 5 Carboni, 24 Pesce (9 Antenucci, 82); 16 Llama (20 Martinho, 51); 11 Maxi Lopez.
Unused Subs: 30 Campagnolo, 4 Delvecchio, 7 Mascara, 26 Sciacca.
Coach: Marco Giampaolo.

Inter: 12 Castellazzi; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 2 Cordoba, 26 Chivu (27 Pandev, 66); 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso; 8 Thiago Motta (17 Mariga, 38), 5 Stankovic; 22 Milito (15 Ranocchia, 90+1) 9 Eto'o,
Unused Subs: 21 Orlandoni, 11 Muntari, 15 Ranocchia, 23 Materazzi, 88 Biabiany.
Coach: Leonardo.

Source: inter.it

Moral message: Leonardo, the new coach of Inter always respect and honor his team for every winning. He knows that both of this victory is result of effort all part of the team. Proverbs say that Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth, honor, and life. So, be humble every moment....

Giuseppe Meazza Stadium

2010-11-17T10:04:00.002+07:00

The San Siro Stadium was built between 1 August 1925 and 15 September 1926.

In just over a year a structure capable of containing 35,000 spectators was erected. It cost about 5 million Italia Lira to build and the construction was financed by then AC Milan president Piero Pirelli. The first match played at the new stadium was a Milan derby on 19 September 1926. Inter beat AC Milan 6-3.

In 1935 AC Milan sold the stadium to the local government, who added the second tier, increasing the capacity to 60,000. Lighting for night matches was installed in 1957, and an electronic scoreboard was added a decade later.

In 1980 this glorious 'Temple of Football' was named after Giuseppe Meazza in memory of the former Inter and Italy legend. The stadium underwent its most recent transformation in 1990 with the addition of a third tier, completed in time for the 1990 World Cup. The fully covered, total seating capacity is 80,065

Each of the three tiers is divided into 4 different-coloured zones (according to the colour of the seats): orange and red for the rectangular zones, and green and blue for the curved zones. The only exception is the third tier (the highest of the three), where there are no orange zones.

(inter.it)

Fourth Trophy : Super Cup Italia

2010-08-24T09:50:00.003+07:00

Italian Super Cup: Inter 3-1 Roma

MILAN - Treble-winners Inter added a fourth trophy to the collection on Saturday night, outplaying Roma at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to win the Italian Super Cup.

John Arne Riise put visitors in front but Pandev equalised before the break and Samuel Eto'o added a second-half double to ensure the Rafael Benitez era began with some silverware.

The Spanish coach named the same starting lineup that beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final and his faith was repaid as the Nerazzurri coolly saw off a spirited Roma.

There no was lack of excitement for the 65,000-strong crowd, with plenty of chances for both sides in a busy opening period before Riise broke the deadlock on 21 minutes.

Giallorossi captain Totti played an inch-perfect ball through to the Norwegian defender, who shrugged off a challenge from Zanetti and arrowed his first-time shot into the bottom right corner, in off the hand of Julio Cesar.

Pandev restored parity three minutes before the break. Vucinic passed back to Juan, who completely mis-controlled, allowing for the Macedonian to steal in and slide past Lobont.

Inter edged in front with twenty minutes remaining when Eto'o stole in to slot home Milito's cross from the right.

The Cameroon striker delivered again ten minutes from the end, firing in off Lobont from close range after a one-two with Sneijder.

Inter 3-1 Roma (HT: 1-1)

Scorers: Riise 21, Pandev 42, Eto'o 70, 80.

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 4 Zanetti (5 Stankovic 46), 19 Cambiasso; 27 Pandev (17 Mariga 79), 10 Sneijder (23 Materazzi 88), 9 Eto'o; 22 Milito. 
Subs not used: 12 Castellazzi, 2 Cordoba, 29 Coutinho, 88 Biabiany.  
Coach: Rafael Benitez.

Roma: 1 Lobont; 77 Cassetti, 5 Mexes, 4 Juan, 17 Riise; 20 Perrotta, 7 Pizarro (11 Taddei 54), 16 De Rossi; 94 Menez (89 Okaka 83); 10 Totti, 9 Vucinic (8 Adriano 68).
Subs not used: 32 Doni, 25 G.Burdisso, 33 Brighi, 87 Rosi.  
Coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi (Genoa).

Booked: Perrotta 26, Cambiasso 63, Okaka 85, Mexes 90+2, Samuel 90+4.

taken from : www.inter.it

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WORLD CUP 2010 : Wesley Sneijder statement

2010-07-06T18:50:00.001+07:00

MILAN - Regarding reports in several media that draw on an interview with Dutch magazine Helden, Wesley Sneijder has made the following statement through inter.it:

"There has been a big misunderstanding in the transcription and the various translations of my words. In the interview I never referred directly to Maradona and Dunga. I have great respect for them, both for what they have done as players and their work as coaches. In the interview I only spoke about the differences between coaches, because no one can be the same as anyone else. I am very sorry that my words were wrongly interpreted."

taken from: www.inter.it

New Coach Of Inter Milan ======== Welcome Benitez !!!!!!!

2010-06-14T15:23:00.002+07:00

MILAN - Inter welcomes Rafael Benitez. The Spanish coach signed a two-year contract this morning that will run until 30 June 2012.

Rafael Benitez will be unveiled to the media in a press conference at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti in Appiano Gentile on Tuesday 15 June at 12:00.

From: inter.it

Jose Mourinho

2010-04-02T20:26:00.004+07:00

José Mourinho: "Fans, it's just us"
Friday, 02 April 2010 14:21:55

"Who changed my words 'many other things'?

Not me.

Don't I even have the right to talk to the Inter fans without someone poking their nose in at all costs???

...Thank you...

Tomorrow it's just us: tired, injured, suspended.
Us, who, together with you, have to win a very difficult match against Bologna.
Sincere thanks to all the fans for the support and the great passion that they transmit to us, and that we all feel."

José Mourinho

Inter 3-0 Livorno

2010-03-27T21:40:00.001+07:00

MILAN - Samuel Eto'o followed up his Champions League winner at Stamford Bridge with a sublime double as league leaders Inter saw off cellar dwellers Livorno in Serie A Week 30 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

The Cameroon striker, who hadn't netted in the Italian championship since his effort against Lazio in December, scored twice in five minutes to put the Nerazzurri in total command against Serse Cosmi's Amaranto.

Thiago Motta laid on his second assist of the game after the break to set up Maicon for Inter's third goal.

With Sneijder and Santon out injured and Stankovic unavailable through suspension, Mourinho made several changes to the side that drew away to Palermo at the weekend. Chivu, Materazzi and Cordoba returned in defence with Quaresma starting alongside Eto'o and Pandev in a three-pronged attack.

After an evenly-balanced opening period Eto'o broke the deadlock on 36 minutes, controlling Thiago Motta's ball into the box and swiftly turning Perticone before arrowing his shot beyond the reach of Rubinho.

Eto'o came close to a quick second from Quaresma's cross but was denied by Rubinho, who could do little to stop the Inter number nine from doubling Inter's lead in the 41st minute.

Chivu, in the starting lineup for the first time since his head injury against Chievo on 6 January, floated the ball across to Pandev on the right and the Macedonian crossed to Eto'o who took the Amaranto keeper by suprise with a magnificent overhead kick.

Maicon wrapped up the points sixteen minutes after the restart with his first goal at home since last season's effort against Werder Bremen in the Champions League. Put through by his compatriot Thiago Motta, the Brazilian right-back blasted past Rubinho from a tight angle on the right.

The win puts defending champions Inter four points clear of city rivals AC Milan who lost 1-0 at Parma, and Roma who join the Rossoneri in second place after their 2-0 victory at Bologna.

Inter 3-0 Livorno (HT: 2-0)

Scorers: Eto'o 36, 41, Maicon 61.

Inter Milan 3-0 Cagliari

2010-02-08T20:09:00.003+07:00

MILAN - Cagliari brought some Sardinian sunshine to Milan but Inter provided the style as José Mourinho's men outclassed the Rossoblu at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

The comfortable 3-0 victory sees the Nerazzurri open up a double-figure lead at the top of the table as second-placed AC Milan were held to a 0-0 draw in Bologna.

Goran Pandev and Walter Samuel gave Inter a dream start to leave Cagliari with an uphill task after just 20 minutes. Diego Milito made the result safe just after the restart to make it nine home wins on the trot for the defending champions.

True to his admission in the pre-match press conference José Mourinho renounced playing a diamond and fielded three strikers with Eto'o returning to the starting lineup for the first time since his return from Africa Cup of Nations duty.

With Sneijder out suspended and Stankovic still not fit, the Portuguese went for a midfield line of Zanetti, Cambiasso and Thiago Motta. Cordoba and Samuel were recalled in defence with Lucio sitting out the Week 23 clash through suspension.

Mourinho's tactics were bang on and Pandev celebrated an extraordinary start to the game in the sixth minute with his second home goal for Inter after his derby winner a fortnight ago.
Zanetti went on a marauding run down the right and cut inside before pulling back to Eto'o, who saw his shot rebound off Canini after Dessena's block. Pandev leapt onto the loose ball and slotted past Agazzi from close range.

Cagliari went close to a quick reply when Jeda forced a one-handed tipped save from Julio Cesar, but Inter were soon two goals up when Samuel rose on the edge of the six-yard box to catch Canini by surprise and head Maicon's right-wing corner past the despairing dive of Agazzi.
The visitors thought they were back in the game when Matri fired home after a pass from Lazzari, only for the offside flag to go up. Minutes later Nenè was left scratching his head wondering how Julio Cesar managed to keep out his terrific volley on the turn.

Our three musketeers combined to devastating effect right after half time to kill off the game. Pandev combined with Eto'o and rolled the return pass into the path of Milito who took two quick touches before slotting past Agazzi for his 16th goal of the campaign and 14th in Serie A.
With the points in the bag Mourinho brought on Muntari for Eto'o and went from 4-3-3- to 4-4-2. Mariga replaced Thiago Motta for his Serie A debut in black and blue with fifteen minutes remaining, while Balotelli came on in the closing stages for Milito who strolled off to a deserved standing ovation.

Inter 3-0 Cagliari (HT: 2-0)
Scorers: Pandev 6, Samuel 20, Milito 47.

Inter Milan 2-2 Dynamo Kiev

2009-10-21T20:08:00.002+07:00

Source: inter.it

MILAN - Inter twice came from behind as Tuesday's Champions League Matchday 3 clash against Dynamo Kiev at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza ended in a 2-2 draw. But the Group F situation is evenly balanced with three matches left to play as defending European champions Barcelona lost 2-1 at home to Rubin Kazan.

Dynamo came out with all guns blazing and fired an early warning when Yarmolenko just failed to make contact with Milevskiy's flick from Magrao's corner. Gazzaev's men stepped up the pressure and took a fifth-minute lead through Mikhalik, who rifled past Julio Cesar after Milevskiy's free kick came off Stankovic.

Penned back for the opening fifteen minutes, Inter gradually settled but Dynamo went inches close to a second with Shevchenko heading wide after climbing above Maicon. Inter's leveller came from a counter-attack after Julio Cesar's punched clearance from Magrao's cross. Sneijder turned an opponent and played to Lucio who fed Stankovic and the Serbian slotted beyond the onrushing Bogush for his fourth goal in four games.

In his pre-match press conference Mourinho said a few moments are enough to go from heaven to hell in football and Lucio must have been thinking just that when he inadvertently headed Magrao's corner into his own net five minutes before the break. But the Brazilian's partner in defence Samuel grabbed a quick equaliser after half time, rising in the box to head Sneijder's corner kick into the top left corner.

Spaces opened up for both teams and mistakes abounded, and the result could have gone either way. Eto'o was narrowly beaten to Magrao's wayward back pass by Bogush, who made a point-blank save from the Cameroonian seconds later. At the other end, Lucio found himself in Purgatory after mis-timing his clearance but Inter were let off the hook as Shevchenko fired wide with just Julio Cesar to beat.

Suazo had an impact after coming on for Muntari at half time and with five minutes to go he missed from the close range after a storming run to the byline by Zanetti. The Honduran had a further chance from a tight angle before having a goal disallowed for offside in stoppage time.

Inter 2-2 Dynamo Kiev (HT: 1-1)

Scorers: Mikhalik 5, Stankovic 35, Lucio (o.g.) 40, Samuel 47.

Genoa 0-5 Inter Milan. Inter showed superiority

2009-10-18T19:48:00.002+07:00

GENOA - There was no Diego Milito against his ex-team. There was no Samuel Eto'o, who is nursing a foot injury. But there was Mario Balotelli, who showed great strength of character after being plagued by fouls from start to finish. There was a five-man midfield that soaked up every Rossoblu manoeuvre. And there was a flat back four that ensured Julio Cesar an easy ride as Inter ripped Genoa to shreds at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Saturday's 5-0 victory moves Serie A leaders Inter three points clear of Genoa's city rivals Sampdoria, and four clear of Juventus and Fiorentina who drew 1-1 in the early game in Turin.

Esteban Cambiasso opened the floodgates six minutes in. Maicon headed Wesley Sneijder's free kick to the Argentine who saw his shot on the turn go in via Modesto. Inter doubled their lead just past the half hour. Zanetti tackled Zapater in the Genoa third, allowing Sneijder the space to free Balotelli and the Italian powered his shot into the far corner.

The third goal was nothing short of amazing. It came from the feet of Dejan Stankovic, who got his reward in incredible fashion after creating a host of chances thanks to his telepathic interplay with Sneijder. Deep in injury time at the end of the first half, the Serbian intercepted a clearance by Amelia - who was out of his area - and volleyed home from the halfway line, much to the incredulity of the home fans.

Anyone who thought Inter would save their energy for Tuesday's Champions League visit of Dynamo Kiev was much mistaken, as Mourinho's side added two more goals in the second half to complete a memorable victory.

The fourth came on 66 minutes when Sneijder elegantly turned his marker and played into the path of second-half substitute Patrick Vieira. The Frenchman held off a challenge from Modesto and rifled past Amelia.

Maicon added the fifth six minutes later, bending his shot round the Genoa custodian after Muntari kept three opponents at bay before poking through to his team-mate.

Genoa 0-5 Inter (HT: 0-3)

Scorers: Cambiasso 6, Balotelli 31, Stankovic 45+4, Vieira 66, Maicon 72.

source: inter.it

Inter Milan 0-0 Barcelona

2009-09-17T16:11:00.002+07:00

MILAN - Inter played out a goalless draw reigning European champions Barcelona in their opening match of the 2009/10 Champions League.

The Nerazzurri produced a solid display at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, keeping the Catalans at bay with some staunch defending and hitting them on the break with some lightning fast counter-attacks.

Mourinho, who announced ten of his eleven starters in the pre-match press conference, gave Sulley Muntari the nod ahead of Dejan Stankovic and the Ghanaian posed a threat down the left wing before he made way for the Serbian early in the second half.

The early chances of the Group F opener were Barça's. Messi had a close-range header saved by Julio Cesar, who kept out a Xavi effort after Daniel Alves and Ibrahimovic wasted good opportunities for the visitors.

Inter stepped up the tempo on the half hour and Milito saw his crisp shot blocked Valdes, before Sneijder rifled a long-range effort over the bar after elegantly turning Keita.

The Dutchman went closer as Inter fired a warning to the Blaugrana straight after the restart. Eto'o controlled sublimely and played into the path of Sneijder, who sent his low shot inches wide of Valdes' left-hand post. Thiago Motta followed up with a long-range effort that was comfortably saved by the Barça keeper.

Guardiola's side settled back into their rhythm and produced a spell of intense pressure which was soaked up by Inter's watertight defence, with the central pairing of Lucio and Samuel making precise interventions to deny Messi and co.

As in the first half, Inter waited for the chance to counter-attack the Spaniards and Milito expertly held off challenges from Abidal and Puyol before pulling back for second-half substitute Stankovic to drive narrowly over the bar.

An uncharacteristic miss in front of goal by Messi almost went punished by Eto'o, whose precise low free kick in the closing minutes forced a difficult save from Valdes.

Dynamo Kiev beat our Matchday 2 opponents Rubin Kazan 3-1 in tonight's other Group F match.

NOte: Not bad for first league in Champions League

Source: inter.it

Inter Milan 2-0 Parma; the great combination of Milito and Eto'o

2009-09-15T11:17:00.002+07:00

MILAN - Samuel Eto'o scored a second-half stunner and his strike partner Diego Milito added a cheeky goal as Inter saw off a gritty Parma at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

The Cameroonian striker's goal - straight out of the top drawer - came at just the right time, with frustration setting in after seventy goalless minutes.

Two minutes short of the ninety, Il Principe tucked home Balotelli's cross to make sure of the points.

Chivu and Stankovic returned from international duty with the flu, forcing José Mourinho to make two changes to the team that beat AC Milan 4-0 a fortnight ago. Santon slotted in at left-back while Vieira patrolled the right side of midfield with Zanetti filling the central role.

Eleven minutes into the match Inter had two quick chances to take the lead. Sneijder latched on to Eto'o's deflected cross and saw his snapshot parried by Mirante. Thiago Motta failed to find the target with his header from the resulting corner.

Parma's only meaningful chance of the opening forty-five fell to their captain Morrone, who wriggled into the box before sending a diagonal shot straight at Julio Cesar. Inter launched a fast counter-attack and Mirante kept out a fierce drive from Zanetti.

A goalless first half called for a change in formation and Mourinho threw on Balotelli in place of Thiago Motta. The nineteen-year-old Italian made an immediate impact as the Nerazzurri looked more dangerous coming forward.

Parma, though, were always a threat and Inter youth academy product Jonathan Biabiany made two teasing runs, pulling his shot wide after the second.

The breakthrough came in the 71st minute when Eto'o received from Balotelli and turned Lanzafame to create space to curl his brilliant shot beyond Mirante and into the top right corner.

Rene Krhin came on for Sneijder in the 78th minute and celebrated his competitive debut for Inter ten later when Milito controlled Balotelli's right-wing cross in the box and fired past Mirante with the outside of his right foot.

Inter 2-0 Parma (HT: 0-0)

Scorers: Eto'o 71, Milito 88.

source: inter.it

UEFA Champions League: Inter Milan VS Barcelona

2009-09-09T09:50:00.002+07:00

MILAN - José Mourinho's Inter are gearing up for a new season in Europe and the Nerazzurri get their 2009/10 UEFA Champions League campaign under way on Wednesday 16 September with a home match against reigning champions Barcelona.

From Monday 31 August to Friday 4 September, Inter season ticket holders can reserve their seats at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza for our opening Group F clash. Matchday 1 tickets will go on general sale from Monday 7 September. In both cases, tickets will be available at branches of Banca Popolare di Milano, Banca di Legnano and online through inter.it.

Source: inter.it

AC Milan 0-4 Inter Milan

2009-09-07T12:17:00.001+07:00

MILAN - Thiago Motta and Diego Milito scored in their first competitive Milan derby, Maicon added a third before the break, and Dejan Stankovic struck midway through the second half as Inter completed a memorable victory over their cross-city rivals.

The Italian champions bounced back from their 1-1 draw with Bari in style, sending AC Milan, who were reduced to ten men after the dismissal of Gattuso on 40 minutes, to their heaviest derby defeat since 1974.

José Mourinho threw new signing Wesley Sneijder straight into the fray and the Dutch midfielder fired an early warning with a trademark long-range drive, forcing a difficult one-handed save from Storari.

Inter's first-time passing was mouthwatering and the move that led to our opening goal was text book stuff. Thiago Motta received from Zanetti and continued his run into the box to curl first-time past the Milan keeper after deft touches from Eto'o and Milito.

Milito opened his scoring account for Inter with the second goal seven minutes later from the penalty spot after Gattuso carelessly brought down Eto'o in the box. The Italy midfielder's personal nightmare continued when he was sent off for a second yellow after fouling Sneijder.

Mourinho's men took full advantage and increased their lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half, Maicon outwitting Jankulovski on the right and one-twoing with Milito before rifling past Storari.

Inter continued their domination in the second half and Eto'o fired a right-foot shot just wide in the opening seconds. Sneijder came even closer with a long-range effort that dipped inches over the bar.

Thiago Motta pulled up with a high problem and on came Sulley Muntari, who assisted Stankovic for Inter's fourth midway through the half. The Serbian picked his spot and let rip and long-range swerveshot that flew into the top corner.

Stankovic was denied a second with Milito seeing his rebound saved as the Nerazzurri came forward in search of a fifth on what was a humiliating evening for Milan.

AC Milan 0-4 Inter (HT: 0-3)

Scorers: Thiago Motta 29, Milito (pen) 36, Maicon 45+1, Stankovic 67.

AC Milan: 30 Storari; 15 Zambrotta, 13 Nesta, 33 Thiago Silva, 18 Jankulovski; 8 Gattuso (10 Seedorf 46), 21 Pirlo, 16 Flamini; 80 Ronaldinho (11 Huntelaar 64); 7 Pato, 22 Borriello (23 Ambrosini 46).
Subs not used: 31 Roma, 5 Onyewu, 9 Inzaghi, 20 Abate.
Coach: Leonardo.

Inter: 12 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 4 Zanetti, 5 Stankovic, 8 Thiago Motta (11 Muntari 60); 10 Sneijder (14 Vieira 74); 22 Milito (45 Balotelli 79), 9 Eto'o.
Subs not used: 1 Toldo, 2 Cordoba, 18 Suazo, 39 Santon.
Coach: José Mourinho.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Bologna).

Booked: Flamini 6, Samuel 34, Gattuso 35, 40, Chivu 81.
Sent off: Gattuso 40.

taken from: inter.it

Quiz (4 Bandung people only).......

2009-06-03T14:07:00.003+07:00

how many goals that Ibrahimovic has made in this season (2008/2009) in serie A?
a. 23
b. 24
c. 25
d. 26

Ways to answer:
1. write your answer on "comment",
2. click "Biglietti da visita 4.99" on ads box of google
3. get 1 silver queen from me

Campioni 17

2009-05-18T21:29:00.003+07:00

Inter have gotten the 17th scudetto after Milan was defeated by Udinese. The celebration was held at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium after Inter beat Siena 3-0

Chievo Verona 2-2 Inter Milan; closer to scudetto

2009-05-11T19:32:00.001+07:00

VERONA - Michele Marcolini and Luciano cancelled out goals from Hernan Crespo and Mario Balotelli as Chievo held Inter at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

The 2-2 draw leaves Inter eight points clear at the top of the table ahead of tonight's late game at the Giuseppe Meazza between second- and third-placed teams AC Milan and Juventus.

Balotelli and Stankovic returned to José Mourinho's starting lineup after missing last weekend's win over Lazio through suspension, while the disqualified Ibrahimovic was replaced up front by Crespo.

The move paid dividends as early as the third minute when El Valdanito slotted home a loose ball after Sorrentino failed to hold Cambiasso's shot.

Luis Figo went close to a quick second when his shot took a deflection off Frey and came back off the post.

A spirited Chievo side fought back strong and got their reward before the half-hour mark, Marcolini finding the target with an unstoppable 25-yard drive.

As the pace intensified, Inter captain Zanetti had a penalty claim turned down before his Flying Donkeys counterpart Pellissier threatened to score a second with a flicked header from Marcolini's inswinging cross.

Inter regrouped well after a period of Gialloblu pressure and ended the half on top with Balotelli forcing a punched block from Sorrentino with a cross-shot from the left.

SuperMario continued where he left off as the Nerazzurri carried their attacking momentum into the second half. After having two quick shots blocked by Chievo defender Frey, Balotelli fired Inter in front with a cracking goal, volleying in off the post after pouncing on a loose ball in the box.

The lead was short-lived as ex-Inter winger Luciano stunned the visiting fans with seventeen minutes remaining. Unmarked on the right side of the Inter box, the Brazilian arrowed Mantovani's left-wing cross beyond Julio Cesar to set up a tense finale, the best chance of which fell to Javier Zanetti who tested Sorrentino with a low shot after powering past two opponents.

Chievo 2-2 Inter (HT: 1-1)

Scorers: Crespo 3, Marcolini 27, Balotelli 65, Luciano 73.

Chievo: 28 Sorrentino; 21 Frey, 2 Morero, 33 Yepes, 4 Mantovani (83 Sardo 76); 10 Luciano, 16 Rigoni, 7 Marcolini; 31 Pellissier, 9 Bentivoglio (79 Esposito 73), 23 Bogdani (6 Malagò 82).
Subs not used: 18 Squizzi, 5 Mandelli, 20 Kerlon, 77 Italiano.
Coach: Domenico Di Carlo.

Inter: 12 Julio Cesar; 4 Zanetti, 2 Cordoba, 25 Samuel, 6 Maxwell; 5 Stankovic (11 Jimenez 77), 19 Cambiasso, 20 Muntari; 7 Figo, 18 Crespo (9 Cruz 57), 45 Balotelli (16 Burdisso 67).
Subs not used: 1 Toldo, 14 Vieira, 21 Obinna, 26 Chivu.
Coach: José Mourinho.

taken from: inter.it

Inter Milan 2-0 Lazio ; one goal and one assist from Ibra

2009-05-05T11:16:00.001+07:00

MILAN - Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored one and set up the other as Inter produced a commanding second-half display to see off Lazio at the Meazza.

The victory sees José Mourinho's Serie A leaders open up a double-figure ahead of Sunday's fixtures, which see second-placed AC Milan away to Catania and Juventus at home to Lecce.

Mourinho rang in the changes after last weekend's defeat to Napoli. With Stankovic and Balotelli out suspended, the Portuguese opted for 4-3-3 with Mancini and Figo wide on the wings in support of Ibrahimovic. Santon returned in his right-back slot while Muntari shrugged off a muscular problem in time to start alongside Zanetti and Cambiasso in midfield.

Lazio were without a host of regulars, with Pandev, Dabo, Diakite, Mauri, Cribari and Simone Inzaghi not making the trip to Milan. Delio Rossi started with his usual 4-4-2, with Zarate and Rocchi up front.

After a weak shot from Rocchi and a decent free kick from Kolarov, it was Argentine fantasista Zarate who posed the main threat in the first half with some trademark mazy runs, one costing Samuel a yellow card and another forcing a tipped save from Julio Cesar.

Inter, though, had the better chances of the opening forty-five and Mancini fired wide from an inviting postion as early as the third minute. Ibrahimovic headed narrowly wide a cross from an in-form Figo before the half-hour, with Muntari getting in behind the Lazio defence before sending wide his flicked header from Ibrahimovic's centre.

With Inter struggling to gain the upper hand, Mourinho brought on two pairs of fresh legs eleven minutes after the restart, replacing Mancini with Crespo and Santon with Vieira.

Two minutes later Ibrahimovic broke the deadlock, powering into the box and sidestepping Rozenhal before sending an unstoppable shot past Muslera.

Muntari celebrated his return with Inter's second goal when he raced on to Ibrahimovic's superb through pass and fired beyond a hapless Muslera.

Chivu miskicked in front of goal as Ibrahimovic thought he had laid on a third goal, and the Swede severely tested Muslera with a fierce drive as Inter could easily have racked up a four-goal advantage.

To their credit, Lazio went down fighting as Rossi's men attacked the left wing in a final period marred by a spate of bookings, one of which will cost Ibrahimovic his presence against Chievo next weekend.

Inter 2-0 Lazio (HT: 0-0)

Scorers: Ibrahimovic 58, Muntari 70.

Inter: 12 Julio Cesar; 39 Santon (14 Vieira 56), 2 Cordoba, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 20 Muntari (16 Burdisso 75); 7 Figo, 8 Ibrahimovic, 33 Mancini (18 Crespo 56).
Subs not used: 1 Toldo, 9 Cruz, 11 Jimenez, 23 Materazzi.
Coach: José Mourinho.

Lazio: 86 Muslera; 32 Radu (2 Lichtsteiner 72), 13 Siviglia, 22 Rozenhal, 3 Kolarov; 5 Brocchi, 24 Ledesma, 8 Matuzalem, 81 Del Nero (17 Foggia 63); 18 Rocchi, 10 Zarate (20 Kozak 85).
Subs not used: 1 Carrizo, 23 Meghni, 29 De Silvestri, 68 Manfredini.
Coach: Delio Rossi.

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento (Terni).

Juventus 1-1 Inter Milan

2009-04-21T18:37:00.001+07:00

TURIN - Saturday night's hard-fought derby d'Italia at the Stadio Olimpico produced a 1-1 draw, leaving Inter's ten-point lead at the top of the table intact.

Mario Balotelli slotted home the opener in the second half and the eighteen-year-old's goal looked to be good for victory after the dismissal of Juventus midfielder Tiago, but Zdenek Grygera popped up in added time to head home an equaliser.

Mourinho made three changes to the team that drew with Palermo last weekend, with Julio Cesar back between the posts, Samuel returning in defence and Figo starting on the right wing for his 100th match in Italy's Serie A.

Chivu switched to left-back at the expense of Maxwell, while Zanetti slotted in on the opposite flank with Santon starting on the bench.

Ranieri opted for 4-4-2 with Del Piero starting up front alongside Iaquinta after getting the nod ahead of Trezeguet.

The Bianconeri attacked Mourinho's men in the early stages but it was Inter who produced the first clear chance through Balotelli in the 10th minute.

The Italy Under-21 forward controlled a long pass and burst past two defenders before sending a low shot on target. Buffon took the sting out of it, allowing for Tiago to clear off the line.

Juventus continued to create and Julio Cesar made easy saves from Del Piero and Iaquinta before the latter had a shot deflected off Samuel. The home side went even closer when Marchionni, put through by Del Piero, tried to lift the ball over Julio Cesar but the Inter keeper had moved quickly to narrow the angle.

Inter produced more towards the end of the half with Stankovic firing wide from Balotelli's inviting pass and Figo testing Buffon after a solo run on goal.

The Nerazzurri came out for the second half as they ended the first and Stankovic's stinging shot forced a parry from Buffon who minutes later saved Ibrahimovic's header from Balotelli's cross.

The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Ibrahimovic found Muntari in space down the left and the Ghanaian crossed to the far post where Balotelli was on hand to slide beyond Buffon.

Inter's task was made easier with less than a quarter of an hour on the clock when Tiago was shown a straight red card for shoving Balotelli right after a bad challenge on Muntari.

Mourinho made two tactical changes, introducing Vieira for Balotelli and Burdisso for Muntari as the Nerazzurri made the man advantage count, and Buffon was a busy man in the closing stages. The Juventus keeper kept out a shot from Stankovic, later making a tipped save from Cruz who replaced Figo in the final minutes.

Against the run of play, Grygera popped up in the box in added time to send a flicked header from Giovinco's inswinging corner past Julio Cesar and salvage a point for the home team.

Juventus 1-1 Inter (HT: 0-0)

Scorer: Balotelli 64, Grygera 90+1.

Juventus: 1 Buffon; 21 Grygera, 33 Legrottaglie, 3 Chiellini, 28 Molinaro (29 De Ceglie 63); 32 Marchionni (17 Trezeguet 74), 18 Poulsen, 30 Tiago, 11 Nedved; 9 Iaquinta, 10 Del Piero (20 Giovinco 80).
Subs not used: 12 Chimenti, 4 Mellberg, 5 Zebina, 15 Knezevic.
Coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Inter: 12 Julio Cesar; 4 Zanetti, 2 Cordoba, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 19 Cambiasso; 7 Figo (9 Cruz 87), 5 Stankovic, 20 Muntari (16 Burdisso 78), 45 Balotelli (14 Vieira 77); 8 Ibrahimovic.
Subs not used: 1 Toldo, 6 Maxwell, 23 Materazzi, 39 Santon.
Coach: José Mourinho.

Referee: Stefano Farina (Novi Ligure).

taken from: inter.it

Inter 2-2 Palermo

2009-04-12T19:07:00.001+07:00

MILAN - Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had first-half goals cancelled out by second-half efforts from Edinson Cavani and Davide Succi as Palermo held Inter 2-2 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

It was one-way traffic in the opening period of the Serie A Week 31 clash, with Inter's 18-year-old striker nodding home the opener on 14 minutes before Ibrahimovic added the second from the penalty spot six minutes before the break.

Despite a strong start to the second half by the visitors, Inter looked to be on course for a 23rd league win but Cavani and Succi scored in the space of three minutes to force the draw.

Francesco Toldo for Julio Cesar between the sticks was Mourinho's only change to the team that beat Udinese 1-0 last Sunday. Palermo coach Ballardini also made also one switch to the team that beat Torino by the same score last weekend, bringing in Cassani for Savini at right-back.

The Easter Saturday fixture kicked off after a minute's silence to remember the Abruzzo earthquake victims. All the players wore black armbands while Mourinho donned a black tie as a mark of respect.

Inter had an early chance when the flag stayed down after Ibrahimovic controlled Cambiasso's through ball and lobbed Amelia but his effort was off-target. Balotelli did better five minutes after, rising totally unmarked in the area to head Muntari's left-wing cross beyond a hapless Amelia for his seventh goal in all competitions this season.

SuperMario went close to a quick second, lifting Muntari's floated pass over Amelia and the crossbar before Ibrahimovic tested the Palermo custodian with a fierce angled drive.

Amelia pulled off more saves from Stankovic and Maxwell but there was nothing he could do to stop Ibrahimovic topping the scorers list with his 20th of the season with a powerful penalty kick after a foul in the area by Kjaer.

Palermo came out for the second half all guns blazing but the first chance fell to Balotelli whose curling shot missed by a matter of inches. Rosanero substitute Bresciano volleyed narrowly wide and Toldo made a splendid tipped save from Cavani as the visitors continued their search for a goal.

Their first came in the 73rd minute when Cavani fired diagonal shot past Toldo. The second arrived three minutes later when Bresciano delivered a cross to the back post and Miccoli played first-time into the path of Succi who slid home from close range.

Miccoli went close to a late winner, curling inches wide after drifting past three opponents.

Inter 2-2 Palermo (HT: 2-0)

Scorers: Balotelli 15, Ibrahimovic (pen) 39, Cavani 73, Succi 76.

Source: inter.it

Udinese 0-1 Inter

2009-04-07T18:11:00.000+07:00

UDINE - Inter took a step closer to a fourth consecutive Serie A title after Sunday's 1-0 victory over Udinese.

The home side dominated for much of the ninety but the Nerazzurri got the all-important goal with 13 minutes remaining when Isla turned into his own net.

Sunday's fifth straight away win sees Inter take full advantage of Juventus' 3-3 home draw against Chievo and open up a nine-point gap with eight games left to play.

Gökhan Inler fired an early warning when his crisp 20-yard strike forced Julio Cesar into a punched save.

Inter soaked up the early pressure and Muntari had two chances on his old stomping ground, firing just wide on both occasions.

Quagliarella had a penalty claim turned down before sending a swerveshot wide as Udinese imposed their game in the ten-minute period before the break.

Udinese brought their momentum into the second half and Floro Flores had a weak header saved before he set up Inler who sent a terrific shot just wide of the target.

Ibrahimovic forced a save from Belardi with a low 20-yard shot as Inter struggled to find openings, and the Nerazzurri had Julio Cesar to thank for a brilliant tipped save from Quagliarelli, moments before Felipe sent wide a flicked header from Pasquale's cross.

Inter produced a further chance when Stankovic slid wide from close range after Ibrahimovic's right-wing cross.

With time running out Mourinho made a double substitution. Opting for experience over youth, he introduced Figo for Balotelli and Vieira for Santon.

The Portuguese was forced into a third switch soon after, bringing on Toldo for Julio Cesar who pulled up with a thigh injury.

The breakthrough came in the 77th minute when Vieira beat the offside trap to collect Ibrahimovic's pass and Udinese defender Isla turned the ball into his own net.

Ibrahimovic went close to what would have been a magnificent second goal in added time, drifting past three players before shooting narrowly wide of the far post.

Udinese 0-1 Inter (HT: 0-0)

Scorers: Isla (o.g.) 77.

Udinese: 80 Belardi; 15 Isla, 2 Zapata, 19 Felipe, 26 Pasquale; 88 Inler (5 Obodo 83), 21 D'Agostino, 20 Asamoah; 7 Pepe, 27 Quagliarella, 83 Floro Flores (9 Ighalo 84).
Subs not used: 12 Koprivec, 18 Zimling, 65 Sissoko, 66 Bradaschia, 99 Sala.
Coach: Pasquale Marino.

Inter: 12 Julio Cesar (1 Toldo 73); 39 Santon (14 Vieira 69), 2 Cordoba, 26 Chivu, 6 Maxwell; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 20 Muntari; 5 Stankovic; 8 Ibrahimovic, 45 Balotelli (7 Figo 69).
Subs not used: 9 Cruz, 18 Crespo, 23 Materazzi, 25 Samuel.
Coach: José Mourinho.

Taken from : www.inter.it

Inter Milan 3-0 Reggina; The incredible Ibra-Cadabra

2009-03-23T09:17:00.003+07:00

MILAN - Inter remain seven points clear at the top of the table with nine matches of the season remaining after a comfortable victory over Serie A strugglers Reggina.

Esteban Cambiasso and Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored early goals at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, and the Swede added a magnificent second-half effort to leave the Nerazzurri requiring 20 points to wrap up a 17th league title.

Beset by injury problems and with Samuel out suspended, Mourinho made three changes to the team that beat Fiorentina last weekend, naming Cambiasso and Rivas at the centre of defence and handing Mancini a place alongside Ibrahimovic and Balotelli in a three-pronged attack.

Javier Zanetti, making his 635th appearance to become Inter's second most present player of all time, propped up a three-man midfield with Muntari and Stankovic.

Reggina were without top scorer Corradi but Orlandi's team were boosted by the return of Santos in defence and Barreto in midfield.

Inter made a dream start against the Amaranto. With less than six minutes on the clock Balotelli crossed for Stankovic who backheeled into the path of the onrushing Cambiasso who lifted over Puggioni for his third goal of the season.

Four minutes later, Ibrahimovic bettered his record of 17 goals in one Serie A season with his first penalty of the campaign, tucking under Puggioni after Mazzoleni pointed to the spot after a Valdez foul on Mancini.

Zlatan was denied a second by the woodwork on 18 minutes when his first-time shot hit the inside of the post and flew across the goalline on its way out for a goal kick, and in the 37th when Puggioni kept out his angled drive from the left channel.

Reggina's best chance of the first half came three minutes before break after Obinna replaced the injured Mancini, but Barillà, through on goal with just Julio Cesar to beat, was brilliantly denied by the Inter keeper.

After a sluggish start to the second period Ibrahimovic brought the game to life and killed it off with a wonder goal. After gliding past three opponents, the Swede spotted Puggioni off his line and lobbed the Reggina keeper with an inch-perfect finish to join Di Vaio on top of the top scorers list.

Playing for honour, Orlandi's men never stopped fighting but there was no way past Julio Cesar who made difficult saves from Barreto and Lanzaro.

Mourinho threw on Luis Jimenez for Dejan Stankovic for the last twenty-five minutes but the Chilean's game lasted for just sixteen after he pulled up injured.

Inter had plenty of chances for a fourth, with Ibrahimovic Balotelli, Obinna and Muntari all going close in the final stages.

Inter 3-0 Reggina (HT: 2-0)

Scorers: Cambiasso 6, Ibrahimovic (pen) 10, 58.

taken from: inter.it; uefa.com

Serie A: Bologna 1-2 Inter Milan

2009-02-22T00:32:00.001+07:00

BOLOGNA - No messing around in Bologna. Those were the orders from José Mourinho, and the Nerazzurri obliged with a 2-1 victory that sees us move a massive twelve points clear at the top with the chasing pack still to play their Week 25 fixtures.

Esteban Cambiasso capped a period of pressure with the opening goal early after the restart but Bologna fought back and got their reward ten minutes from time when Britos snatched an equaliser. But Mario Balotelli came off the bench and restored Inter's lead within a minute with a magnificent curling free kick.

Mourninho chose to rest Dejan Stankovic and advance Sulley Muntari to the playmaker position for Satuday afternoon's clash at the Dall'Ara, with Maxwell alongside Cambiasso and Zanetti in an all-South American midfield.

But the Nerazzurri suffered a set-back in the warm-up phase when Walter Samuel pulled up with a left-calf injury. Nelson Rivas took his place in the starting lineup with Mancini the extra sub on the bench.

Bologna boss Sinisa Mihajlovic kept faith with the 4-5-1 lineup that held Napoli 1-1 last weekend, Marco Di Vaio the Rossoblu's lone striker.

Referee Nicola Ayroldi got proceedings under way after a moving minute's silence in memory of Bologna and Azzurri legend Giacomo Bulgarelli, and Inter produced a series of early chances as Antonioli made saves from Ibrahimovic and Santon.

The Bologna goalkeeper then denied Muntari, narrowing the angle to force the Ghana midfielder to shoot over after an intelligent through pass from Ibrahimovic.

Julio Cesar was a spectator for much of the first half but, as always, was prepared. The Brazilian blocked Zenoni's arrowed shot after a rare sortie by Bologna, moving quickly to thwart Di Vaio before the break.

Volpi went close to what would have been a spectacular equaliser in time added on, his curling free kick sailing narrowly wide of the back post.

Mourinho threw on Stankovic for Muntari at the start of the second period and Inter asserted their superiority. Cambiasso broke the deadlock twelve minutes in, latching on to Adriano's headed assist from Maicon's cross and hooking into the net.

Julio Cesar made last-gasp saves from Mingazzini and Marazzina as Bologna reacted strongly, but there was nothing he could do to keep out Uruguayan defender Britos' downwards header into the far corner in the 80th minute.

But the Nerazzurri weren't messing around and Mario Balotelli came off the bench to curl a left-wing free kick into the bottom right corner.

Inter survived a late surge from the Rossoblu, with Di Vaio inexplicably heading wide from close range in the last minute.

Bologna 1-2 Inter (HT: 0-0)

Scorers: Cambiasso 57, Britos 80, Balotelli 82.

Source: inter.it

Spectacular, Incredible, Fantastic of Inter Milan

2009-02-16T22:12:00.002+07:00

MILAN - Adriano and Dejan Stankovic scored first-half goals to give Inter victory in the 270th Milan derby as José Mourinho's men defended doggedly after Pato reduced the arrears to set up a thrilling finale.

The result sees the Nerazzurri increase their lead over second-placed Juventus to nine points, and open up a massive eleven-point gap over their city rivals.

The eagerly-awaited derby sprang to life in the 18th minute when Ibrahimovic played in Cambiasso and the Argentine swung in a cross for Stankovic who hesitated before shooting, allowing Ambrosini to make a last-gasp interception.

Ronaldinho, scorer of the winner in the reverse fixture last September, showed he relishes Milan derbies, twice setting up Pato whose second effort took a deflection off Santon, forcing Julio Cesar into a difficult save.

Inter soaked up a period of Rossoneri pressure and delivered the perfect reply inside the half hour when Maicon's pinpoint delivery from the right was headed home by Adriano.

Stankovic made amends for his earlier miss just before the break to put Inter firmly in control, firing first time past Abbiati after a headed assist from Ibrahimovic.

Adriano had a chance to wrap up the points seconds after the restart but he stroked his shot wide with just Abbiati to beat.

The Rossoneri keeper then said no to Ibrahimovic with terrific one-handed save, with Adriano hooking behind his spectacular shot from the resulting corner as Inter continued to have the upper hand.

But Milan rallied and set up a dramatic finale when Pato sidefooted home Jankulovski's pull-back from Ronaldinho's pass in the 71st minute.

Adriano had a further chance to kill off the game but was denied by Abbiati after shaking off a challenge from derby veteran Maldini.

Inter endured sustained pressure as Filippo Inzaghi saw plenty of action after coming on for derby debutant David Beckham. The Italian volleyed home Pato's cross, only for the offside flag to go up, and was caught offside again minutes later when he headed over Zambrotta's delivery.

Inzaghi went closest in time added on with a low shot that Julio Cesar saved with the tip of his toe.

Inter 2-1 AC Milan

Scorers: Adriano 29, Stankovic 43, Pato 71.

source: inter.it

Squad for knockout stage of Champions League; there is no name of Quaresma and Crespo in this squad

2009-02-02T12:52:00.003+07:00

'A' LIST
1 Francesco Toldo;
12 Julio Cesar;
22 Paolo Orlandoni;

2 Ivan Ramiro Cordoba;
4 Javier Zanetti;
6 Maxwell;
13 Maicon;
16 Nicolas Burdisso;
23 Marco Materazzi;
24 Nelson Rivas;
25 Walter Samuel;
26 Cristian Chivu;
37 Andrea Mei;
39 Davide Santon;

5 Dejan Stankovic;
7 Luis Figo;
11 Luis Jimenez;
14 Patrick Vieira;
19 Esteban Cambiasso;
20 Sulley Muntari;
33 Alessandro Amantino Mancini;
36 Francesco Bolzoni;

8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic;
9 Julio Ricardo Cruz;
10 Adriano.

'B' LIST

38 Luca Caldirola (defender);
41 Mattia Destro (striker);
42 Joel Chukwuma Obi (midfielder);
43 Luca Stocchi (goalkeeper);
44 Luca Tremolada (midfielder);
45 Mario Barwuah Balotelli (striker);
46 Rene Krhin (midfielder);
51 Vid Belec (goalkeeper).

source: inter.it

Inter Milan 1-1 Torino; Quaresma needs more training for improving his truly skill

2009-02-02T12:41:00.003+07:00

MILAN - Nicolas Burdisso replied to Rolando Bianchi's opener as Inter held Torino 1-1 in Milan, a result that sees the Nerazzurri increase their lead at the top of the Serie A table to seven points.

In what was a dull opening half, Ibrahimovic had a shot saved by Sereni and Cruz fired narrowly over before forcing a palmed save from the Toro keeper.

Torino's best chances fell to their Swiss midfielder Blerim Dzemaili, who shot wide from 20 yards before crashing over the bar after a run into the box.

Injuries forced both coaches into changes before the break, with Colombo replacing Rivalta and Figo coming on for Stankovic.

Mourinho made his second switch at half time, bringing on Quaresma for Maxwell, who started the match in midfield.

The Portuguese winger barely had time to settle when Bianchi outjumped Cordoba in the box and headed past Julio Cesar to stun the home crowd.

Cordoba had an immediate chance to redeem himself with a bullet header from Figo's corner but Sereni pulled off a brilliant save, but there was nothing the Toro keeper could do to prevent Burdisso from nodding home Inter's equaliser in the 58th minute.

Diana went close with a first-time shot from Abate's cross and in the same minute Maicon sent his snapshot inches wide of the target.

From then on in it was all Inter as the Nerazzurri launched an all-out assault for a winner. Dzemaili made a headed clearance from the Ibrahimovic's hooked effort, with Crespo sending his follow-up shot on to the roof of the net.

Burdisso hit the post and Quaresma sidefooted over from an inviting position before the woodwork denied Ibrahimovic a goal on his one hundredth appearance for Inter in time added on.

Inter 1-1 Torino (HT: 0-0)

source: inter.it; uefa.com

Catania 0-2 Inter Milan

2009-01-29T06:49:00.003+07:00

CATANIA - Ten-man Inter performed magnificently to hold off a spirited challenge from Catania and come away from the Stadio Massimino with a 2-0 victory.

Dejan Stankovic headed home an early goal but Sulley Muntari was sent off just past the half hour, sparking a strong reaction from Walter Zenga's side.

But the Nerazzurri weathered the storm and the Serbian midfielder turned provider midway through the second half, setting up Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a brilliant second.

Cordoba and Burdisso came in for injured pair Chivu and Samuel at the centre of defence for the last midweek round of the season while Santon made his third consecutive start at left-back.

Julio Cruz returned to the starting lineup after a four-match absence, partnering Zlatan Ibrahimovic who missed Sunday's win over Sampdoria through suspension.

Inter make the perfect start in Sicily with Dejan Stankovic getting in behind Silvestre and heading past the despairing dive of Bizzarri after an inch-perfect cross from Cruz.

Catania thought they were back in the game eight minutes later when Paolucci slotted home from close range, only for referee Gianluca Rocchi to blow for a foul by Morimoto on Burdisso.

The Nerazzurri's early domination continued and Ibrahimovic narrowly missed out on a second when he shaved the crossbar with an angled shot.

Sulley Muntari was harshly sent off on 32 minutes after fouling Tedesco in the centre circle and the home side poured forward in search of an equaliser, Mascara, Paolucci and Morimoto all producing chances before half time.

Mascara went even closer after the restart with a long-range shot that took a deflection off Burdisso and bounced off the post with Julio Cesar stranded.

Inter soaked up the pressure and silenced a deafening home crowd on 71 minutes when Ibrahimovic raced on to Stankovic's lofted pass, lifted the ball over Bizzarri and slotted into an open goal for his seventeenth of the season.

Second-half substitute Maxwell missed a glorious chance for Inter's third in the closing stages and Catania, playing for pride, almost reduced the arrears with five minutes to go when Baiocco forced Julio Cesar into a tipped save.

Catania 0-2 Inter (HT: 0-1)

Scorers: Stankovic 5, Ibrahimovic 71.

source: inter.it; uefa.com

Inter Milan 1-0 Sampdoria; Salute to Adriano

2009-01-26T07:32:00.002+07:00

MILAN - Adriano scored in added time at the end of the first half as Inter battled hard for a victory over Sampdoria that keeps the Nerazzurri three points clear of Juventus at the top of the Serie A table.

José Mourinho kept faith with Davide Santon at left-back after the 18-year-old's impressive debut against Roma in midweek and made three changes to the team that knocked out the Tim Cup holders, bringing in Julio Cesar for Toldo, Chivu for Burdisso and Mancini for the suspended Ibrahimovic.

Inter attacked their Tim Cup semi-final opponents from the outset and Maicon delivered plenty of crosses from the right, the best chance of the opening period falling to Stankovic who dragged his shot wide.

Sammarco wasted a good chance for the Blucerchiati, sidefooting over the crossbar, but Inter continued to dominate and Adriano went close with a well struck rising drive before Muntari hit the side-netting from Cambiasso's pass.

Adriano scored at the end of a bad-tempered first half in which six players were booked and Mourinho sent off for protesting. In the second minute of added time Maicon powered past Pieri and crossed to the far post where his countryman was on hand to hook into an open net.

It was more Inter than Samp in the second half and Stankovic was unlucky not to score a second, first testing Castellazzi with a crisp low shot from Mancini's cross and then shaving the bar with a splendid swerveshot from distance.

At the end of the ninety the fourth man inexplicably indicated six minutes of added time and in the last of them Dessena's blistering long-range effort forced a fantastic save from Julio Cesar.

Inter 1-0 Sampdoria (HT: 1-0)

Scorer: Adriano 45+2.

Source: inter.it; uefa.com

TIM CUP: Inter Milan 2-1 Roma

2009-01-22T14:01:00.004+07:00

MILAN - Adriano scored an early goal and Zlatan Ibrahimovic added an outrageous second right after Taddei's equaliser as Inter knocked out the Tim Cup holders and progressed through to the last four.

After wins in the Italian Super Cup and the league, José Mourinho's Inter completed a hat-trick of victories over Roma to set up a two-legged semi-final against this coming Sunday's Serie A opponents Sampdoria, who ousted Udinese after a penalty shootout.

Mourinho made a string of changes to the side that lost at Atalanta at the weekend, handing 18-year-old Italian full-back Davide Santon his competitive debut and pairing Adriano in attack Ibrahimovic.

Roma had a goal ruled out early on when Mirko Vucinic saw the ball over the line with his hand.

Inter hit straight back and Adriano took advantage of a collision between Mexes and Juan before shrugging off a challenge from Riise and shooting low past Artur for his seventh goal in games against the Giallorossi.

Stankovic almost doubled Inter's lead with what would have been a candidate for goal of the season, striking the crossbar with a stunning volley on the turn from Maicon's cross.

Spectacular efforts were the order of the day and Ibrahimovic tried to lob Artur after ghosting into the box but the Giallorossi keeper produced a tipped save.

The rest of the half belonged to Roma. Perrotta tested Francesco Toldo with a well taken angled shot and the veteran keeper then denied Vucinic before keeping out Perrotta's deflected shot.

The Ibra-Adri partnership continued to work well after the restart and the Swede, voted Italy's Player of the Year for 2008 several days ago, had the crowd gasping with an incredible volley after a powerful move by his strike partner.

Set to make way for Pizarro, Taddei silenced the Meazza with a cracking rising drive from Perrotta's pull-back as Roma levelled in the 61st minute. But Inter provided the perfect reaction and were back in front within sixty seconds when Ibrahimovic spectactularly hooked home after Artur parried Samuel's header.

Toldo pulled off another expert save from Pizarro, and Aquilani, on for the last ten minutes, hit the sidenetting and sent wide an overhead kick as Roma fought hard to force extra time.

Inter 2-1 Roma (HT: 1-0)

Scorers: Adriano 10, Taddei 61, Ibrahimovic 62.

taken from: www.inter.it

Maradona: "Moratti, Mourinho were fantastic"

2009-01-17T16:33:00.002+07:00

BUENOS AIRES - Diego Armando Maradona arrived back in South America on friday (January 16th) after his European scouting tour. Reflecting on his visit to Inter, the Argentina coach said: "We were received wonderfully by Moratti and Mourinho.

"They opened the doors of the training session to us. There are many Argentines in Italy and we had the chance to talk to all of them, like Zanetti, Burdisso, Crespo and Samuel, and we saw the Inter-Genoa match."

Maradona revealed that he had long been curious to meet Mourinho: "Managers, journalists and just about everybody had talked to me about him. It was a great surprise. He's an exceptional person and a great worker. He gave me a very good welcome. We talked about tactics, about the characteristics of all his players. As a coach he is an example for me now."

source: inter.it

Serie A: Siena 1-2 Inter Milan

2008-12-21T07:42:00.003+07:00

SIENA - Maicon scored in each half as Internazionale made a winning end to 2008 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi - Montepaschi Arena to become 'winter champions' with two matches to go until the second half of the Serie A season.

The Brazilian right-back netted from close range before half time, adding his second with seven minutes left to cancel out Kharja's 44th-minute equaliser and send Siena to their first defeat at home this season.

Mourinho made two changes to the team that beat Chievo 4-2 last weekend. With Stankovic out through suspension Jimenez was handed his first start of the season, while Balotelli came in for the injured Obinna.

Siena got off to a good start and Kharja forced a save from Julio Cesar with a well struck volley from the left angle of the box.

Inter soaked up a period of Bianconeri pressure and edged in front on 34 minutes when Maicon stole in at the near post to convert Balotelli's corner.

Giampaolo's men rallied and Kharja produced an equaliser on the stroke of half time, sliding home after beating Maxwell to Del Grosso's cross.

Muntari had two shots blocked by Curci and Ibrahimovic saw an effort come back off the bar as Inter upped their game after the restart.

Siena had chances of their own in the last fifteen minutes, with substitute Maccarone blazing over from close range and Ghezzal having a shot deflected off Maxwell.

In between, Internazionale wrapped up their eighth consecutive victory when Maxwell diverted Cordoba's shot into the path of Maicon, who lifted over the onrushing Curci to put Inter nine points clear at the top ahead of Sunday afternoon's match between second-place Juve and Atalanta in Bergamo.

Source: inter.it

Inter's Opponent - Manchester United Factfile

2008-12-19T23:37:00.002+07:00

NYON - Inter Milan's round of sixteen opponents Manchester United are the reigning English and European champions.

In this season's Premier League they lie third, six points behind Liverpool with a game in hand. Sir Alex Ferguson's team have played 16 games, winning 9, drawing 5 (4 away from home) and losing 2 (both away from home).

In this season's Champions League group phase the Red Devils won 10 points to beat Villarreal into first place.

Their most emblematic player is 2008 Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. So far this season the 23-year-old Portuguese has made 13 appearances (12 in starting line-up), scoring 8 goals. He has clocked up a total of 1,054 competitive minutes, been booked three times and sent off once.

Internazionale Milan and Manchester United have met over two legs on one previous occasion. United won 2-0 at Old Trafford in the first leg of their 1998/99 Champions League quarter-final tie, courtesy of a Dwight Yorke brace. The return leg at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza finished 1-1, with Paul Scholes cancelling out Nicola Ventola's early goal.

The Nerazzurri beat United 3-2 during their pre-season tour of England on 1 August 2007, David Suazo scoring twice and Zlatan Ibrahimovic once in front of 73,738 spectators - a record crowd for a pre-season friendly at Old Trafford.

European honours:
European Cup: 1967/68
UEFA Champions League: 1998/99, 2007/08
Cup Winners' Cup: 1990/91
Intercontinental Cup: 1999
European Super Cup: 1991

taken from: www.inter.it

Inter Milan 2-1 Napoli ; Beautiful goals of Cordoba and Muntari

2008-12-01T07:41:00.004+07:00

MILAN - Ivan Ramiro Cordoba and Sulley Muntari got the goals as Internazionale put the midweek defeat to Panathinaikos behind them with a 2-1 win over Napoli.

Ezequiel Lavezzi pulled one back for the Azzurri but Inter held on for a win that sees the defending champions move six points clear at the top of the table ahead of tonight's match between Palermo and second-place AC Milan.

Mourinho made three changes to the team that lost to Panathinaikos, bringing in Samuel, Stankovic and Cruz for Materazzi, Figo and Adriano.

Internazionale made a roaring start and were in front in the 16th minute when Cordoba hooked into the far corner after Maicon played his corner short to Muntari.

The Ghana midfielder made it two-nothing with his second in as many league games on 25 minutes finishing off a swift move with a classy backheeled finish from Maicon's cross-shot after the Brazilian was beautifully played in by Julio Cruz.

Argentina international Lavezzi reduced the gap eleven minutes later, bursting past Samuel on the right wing and one-twoing with Zalayeta before lifting over Julio Cesar.

Napoli fought hard for an equaliser after the interval but the best chances of a second-half goal were black and blue, with Ibrahimovic having a blistering shot blocked by Iezzo who later denied a goal-bound Zanetti.

Chilean midfielder Luis Jimenez replaced Muntari in the closing minutes to mark his return to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

source: inter.it

Inter Milan1-0 Juventus; Salute to Muntari

2008-11-23T19:39:00.003+07:00

MILAN - Italian champions Inter increased their lead at the top of the table ahead of Sunday's fixtures with a 1-0 victory over traditional rivals Juventus in front of over 76,000 fans at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Sulley Muntari, who scored in the Italian Super Cup against Roma in August, tapped in the winner midway through the second half for his second goal in black and blue.

Both tacticians fielded 4-4-2 formations for the derby d'Italia, with José Mourinho partnering Ibrahimovic and Adriano in front of a midfield line of Zanetti, Stankovic, Cambiasso and Muntari.

Claudio Ranieri preferred Marchionni to Camoranesi in his midfield but was forced into an early change when Tiago pulled up after a duel with eventual man of the match Stankovic.

Juve keeper Manninger was kept busy in opening period, making saves from Ibrahimovic and Muntari before tipping over Maicon's brilliant curling free kick.

Inter continued to churn out chances and Ibrahimovic hit a shot just wide after a defensive error by Legrottaglie. The Nerazzurri went close again on the stroke of half time when Muntari's bullet shot was parried.

In between, Julio Cesar tipped over Juve's best chance of the half - a terrific long-range effort from Marchisio.

Chances were few and far between after the restart but Inter made their best one count when Muntari stroked Ibrahimovic's fast cross over the line with Manninger stranded.

Juve's only significant chance of an equaliser fell to their captain Del Piero who saw his header from Camoranesi's corner saved by Julio Cesar.

Source: inter.it

Inter Milan 1-0 Udinese; Cruz create goal in injury time

2008-11-10T19:41:00.002+07:00

MILAN - Julio Cruz came off the bench and hit an injury-time winner as the Nerazzurri beat Udinese 1-0 at the Giuseppe Meazza.

The result puts Inter back on top of the Serie A table ahead of tonight's late game between AC Milan and Lecce.

After playing 4-4-2 in Reggio Calabria and Nicosia, José Mourinho reverted to 4-3-3 for the Week 11 clash, with Walter Samuel partnering Ivan Cordoba in the centre of defence after a long lay-off through injury.

Captain Zanetti was back in midfield after playing at left-back in Cyprus, playing alongside Cambiasso and Vieira.

It was the French midfielder who had the first clear chance of the game when he rifled wide from Ibrahimovic's pass in the 11th minute.

Udinese matched Inter blow for blow and Pepe forced Julio Cesar into an early save with a dipping header.

The Inter keeper was kept busy and expertly blocked a fierce long-range effort from Inler.
The Bianconeri went close again just after the break when Julio Cesar made a one-handed save from Floro Flores.

Inter stepped up a gear and had a double chance when Handanovic parried Ibrahimovic's angled drive before denying Balotelli a chance from the loose ball.

Handanovic then made a punched clearance from Cambiasso's curling free kick, keeping out Ibrahimovic's headed follow-up.

Pasquale Marino's side soaked up the pressure and hit back, D'Agostino forcing Julio Cesar into a diving save with a blistering long-range shot.

Quagliarella then had a shot on the turn deflected wide for a corner but the Nerazzurri surged forward and Javier Zanetti unleashed a low long-range shot that bounced back off the post.
Just when it looked like Inter were heading for their second consecutive goalless draw at home, substitute Cruz popped up in the area to nod home Maicon's headed assist from Obinna's left-wing corner.

source: inter.it

Inter Milan get the Double Great Winning againts AS Roma and Anorthosis in four days

2008-10-23T11:42:00.004+07:00

After beating Roma with many goals, Inter Milan successed to beat Anorthosis in UEFA Champions Lague.

Adriano headed in the winner as the Nerazzurri saw off Anorthosis Famagusta in Matchday 3.
The Brazilian striker, Inter's all time top scorer in the Champions League, took his tally to 18 with a well taken goal just before the break.

The result sees Mourinho's men open up a three-point gap at the top of Group B, with Panathinaikos drawing 2-2 at home to Werder Bremen in tonight's other match.

Anorthosis had the first shot on target with Francesco Toldo, in for Julio Cesar, making a punched clearance from Dellas' well struck free kick.

From then on in it was all Inter, and Stankovic tried a repeat of his goal against Roma at the weekend, scything just over from 25 yards.

Muntari had a shot saved by Beqaj's foot after a brilliant move involving Brazilian trio Adriano, Maicon and Mancini as Inter pinned back the Cypriots.

Front men Adriano and Ibrahimovic then had two chances each before the Emperor rose unmarked in the box to head home a cross from Maicon, who turned Savio in the box after Ibrahimovic's crossfield pass.

Anorthosis saw more of the ball after the restart and went close to an equaliser through Katsavakis in the opening minutes. But the Nerazzurri stayed in control and created chances to build on their lead, with Muntari heading over a Mancini cross and Ibrahimovic slotting wide of the far post before substitute Julio Cruz drilled inches wide in the final stages.

source: inter.it

Incredible Ibrahimovic at the Meazza

2008-10-05T23:09:00.002+07:00

The day after his 27th birthday, Ibra made the incredible goal.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a wonder goal and Adriano converted a spot kick as the Nerazzurri saw off Bologna at the Giuseppe Meazza to join Lazio and Udinese on the top of the table of sixth giornata.

Mourinho made numerous changes to the team that drew with Werder Bremen in midweek, starting with Adriano and Ibrahimovic up front, Quaresma and Mancini on the wings, and Muntari and Vieira in the middle. With Materazzi and Burdisso suspended and Chivu not fully fit, the Inter coach paired Colombians Cordoba and Rivas in the centre of defence.

Bologna's Sergio Volpi shot wide and had another effort saved in the opening minutes but Inter were soon on top and Antonioli twice saved from Ibrahimovic before Quaresma went close, only for his shot to take a deflection.

Quick-thinking Ibra broke the deadlock in the 25th minute, stunning Antonioli with an irresistible backheeled goal from Adriano's left-wing cross to celebrate his 27th birthday a day late.

Inter could have been three-nil up by the break but Antonioli blocked Vieira's close-range effort from Ibra's splendid through ball, before tipping Quaresma's inswinging corner on to the far post in stoppage time.

Mourinho's men looked to have sewn up victory five minutes into the second half when Adriano sent Antonioli the wrong way from the penalty spot after Volpi handled Mancini's cross from the right.

But Bologna fought back and reduced the gap through Evangelos Moras, who fired in from just yards out after a moment of indecision between Zanetti and Cordoba.

An entertaining second half saw Maicon hit the upright with a cross-shot and substitute Stankovic test Antonioli with two cracking shots.

Nigerian forward Nsofor Victor Obinna came on for his Inter debut in the final minutes and almost brought the house down when he shot wide after setting up a counter-attack.

Ibrahimovic should have restored his team's two-goal cushion in overtime but crashed his low shot wide with Obinna lurking in space.

Source: inter.it

UEFA Champions League: Inter Milan 1-1 Wender Bremen

2008-10-02T12:53:00.002+07:00

MILAN - Inter were held 1-1 by Werder Bremen in Matchday 2 of the Champions League and are joined on top of Group B by Anorthosis Famagusta, who beat Panathinaikos 3-1 in Cyrpus.

Maicon gave Inter the lead on 13 minutes but Claudio Pizarro put the teams on level terms with a close-range goal 17 minutes after the restart.

The Nerazzurri dominated the closing stages, creating an array of chances to snatch a winner.
José Mourinho fielded his usual 4-3-3 formation for the visit of Schaaf's side, with Balotelli making his Champions League debut in attack with Ibrahimovic and Adriano. Muntari returned in midfield alongside Stankovic and Cambiasso, with Zanetti slotting in at left-back and Cordoba returning in the centre of defence.

Inter could have gone in front within 30 seconds when Adriano, who scored both of Inter's goals the last time these two teams met in Milan, hooked narrowly over from Ibrahimovic's cross. Muntari then saw his volley deflected behind for a corner before Maicon broke the deadlock, chipping Wiese after winning a rebound.
An injury to Materazzi forced Mourinho into an early change, with Burdisso coming on for the Italy international.

Stankovic missed from close range, Pizarro hit the post, and Rosenberg and Özil had chances as both teams went close before the end of an evenly balanced opening forty-five.
Werder made a strong start to the second half and equalised in the 62nd minute when Claudio Pizarro poked home Özil's cross from the right.

Mourinho threw on Quaresma for Stankovic, introducing Cruz for Adriano in the closing stages and the Nerazzurri produced chance after chance, with Maicon shaving the post from 25 yards and Julio Cruz forcing Wiese into a difficult save with his scything shot.

Werder could have grabbed a winning goal in the dying seconds when Pizarro blasted into the sidenetting after Julio Cesar parried away Naldo's free kick.

taken from: http://www.inter.it/

Torino 1-3 Internazionale Milan

2008-09-21T22:27:00.002+07:00

TURIN - Inter sit on top of the table after 270 minutes of Serie A football after a 3-1 victory over Torino at the Stadio Olimpico.

Brazilians Mancini and Maicon stunned the Granata with goals in the space of two first-half minutes, before Zlatan Ibrahimovic wrapped up the points just after the restart.

Torino reduced the deficit through Elvis Abbruscato with 14 minutes remaining and kept Julio Cesar busy in the final stages.

Cristian Chivu made his return to the starting lineup as Mourinho fielded a 4-3-3 with an attacking trio of Ibrahimovic, Mancini and Adriano - back in the starting XI for the first time since last October's match against Reggina.

Toro made a bright start and all their front men had chances in the early stages, with Amoruso and Rosina firing wide before Bianchi rose to head behind.

Inter broke the deadlock on 24 minutes when Adriano played in the unmarked Mancini, whose cross-shot went in off Pisano.

Maicon doubled the lead inside two minutes, finding the top-left corner with a sweetly struck right-foot shot after collecting Vieira's pass.

Ibrahimovic made it 3-0 six minutes after the break, slotting past Sereni from ten yards after taking Mancini's pass into the area.

The Nerazzurri continued to pressurise Torino with some flowing counter-attacks but De Biasi's men were given a lifeline when Abbruscato slid home from close range after meeting Saumel's left-wing cross.

Rallied by their goal, the Granata came looking for more and Bianchi forced Julio Cesar into a reflex block with a flicked header before Abbruscato headed against the bar.

source: www.inter.it.

Champions League: Panathinaikos 0-2 Inter Milan

2008-09-17T04:03:00.002+07:00

José Mourinho marked his return to the UEFA Champions with victory as goals in each half from Mancini and Adriano earned FC Internazionale Milano the points at Panathinaikos FC in Group B.

Tireless Ibrahimović
Almost a year to the day that Mourinho, who led FC Porto to the title in 2004, parted company with Chelsea FC, the tireless Zlatan Ibrahimović teed up Mancini on 27 minutes then substitute Adriano five minutes from time to put a smile on the face of the Portuguese coach whose side kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign in commanding fashion. The closest Panathinaikos came was when Bryce Moon hit the crossbar shortly before half-time, but the resolve they showed after falling behind will at least be of some comfort to coach Henk ten Cate.

Inter warning
Ten Cate was Frank Rijkaard's assistant when FC Barcelona won the title in 2006 and was No2 to Avram Grant last season as Chelsea reached the final. Now in his first UEFA Champions League match as coach in his own right, he surprised home supporters with a much-changed lineup, starting Dimitris Salpingidis as the lone attacker in a safety-first 4-5-1 formation. After a sluggish opening Inter created the first real chance on 13 minutes when Maicon slipped Ibrahimović through on goal, only for the Swedish striker to roll an excellent chance harmlessly wide. The warning, though, had been sounded.

Mancini strikes
On 17 minutes Mario Galinović tipped Ricardo Quaresma's shot round the post, then punched away Ibrahimović's drive. Inter were beginning to find their way through with alarming regularity and a goal was not long in coming. Ibrahimović out-muscled Simão to the ball then got the better of both Giannis Goumas and Mikael Nilsson before sliding a pass into the path of Mancini who fired Inter deservedly in front on 27 minutes.

Moon shines
Panathinaikos, Greece's sole representatives in the competition this season, responded immediately with Júlio César forced to tip Moon's drive over the bar. It was a rare call to action for the Inter goalkeeper, but it signaled the start of a mini-duel between the pair. Moon's low strike was well held by the Inter goalkeeper on 38 minutes before another shot from the South African deflected off Marco Materazzi and on to the crossbar three minutes before the break. Moon's efforts offered hope to Ten Cate who had to replace the injured Giorgos Karagounis with Andreas Ivanschitz eight minutes before the break.

Adriano strikes
Ivanschitz proved the catalyst for some enterprising play from the home side in the second-half as Panathinaikos took the game to Inter. César blocked one strike from the Austrian international on 50 minutes and was then relieved to see Cleyton's shot curl just wide. He also had to be alert to keep out Ivanschitz's dipping free-kick on 68 minutes. As the game wore on, though, Inter tightened the screw, and added a second when Ibrahimović slipped Adriano through with five minutes to play. Panathinaikos next play Anorthosis Famagusta FC, who defeated their Greek rivals Olympiacos CFP in qualifying, while Inter welcome Werder Bremen to San Siro.

Taken from: www.uefa.com

Ricardo Andrade Quaresma Completes Inter Milan Switch

2008-09-02T18:01:00.003+07:00

MILAN - Inter have completing the signing of Ricardo Andrade Quaresma Bernardo from Porto, with Gomes Passos Vitor Hugo Pelé going the other way.

The Portuguese winger, 25 years old on 26 September, passed a medical before inking a five-year contract which will run until 30 June 2013.

Accompanied by his agents to Inter's headquarters, Quaresma met Inter vice president Rinaldo Ghelfi, technical director Marco Branca, transfer consultant Gabriele Oriali and vice general manager Stefano Filucchi.

José Mourinho, back in Milan after watching Inter's Champions League opponents Panathinaikos in action at the weekend, was at Palazzo Durini to welcome the new signing.

Quaresma, who will wear the number 77 shirt, will be introduced to the press at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti in Appiano Gentile on Tuesday at 12:30 (press entry at 12:15).

Source: www.inter.it

Trainning Session at Appiano Gentile

2008-08-29T10:40:00.003+07:00

After winning the Italian Supercup, Inter Milan is preparing for first match Serie A Italia.

Source: inter.it

Scudetto for Inter Milan

2008-05-21T08:31:00.004+07:00

MILAN - Inter's long Sunday came to a close with the awarding of the 2007/08 Serie A title in front of over 50,000 fans at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Here are the photos:

Source: inter.it

Inter Milan 2-1 Cagliari

2008-04-29T10:41:00.002+07:00

MILAN - Inter brushed aside Cagliari 2-1 at the Meazza but Roma cruised to victory over Torino to keep the Scudetto on ice.

Julio Ricardo Cruz scored his 100th goal since he has been doing his job in Italy to put Inter in front on 22 minutes, Marco Materazzi adding his first of the season after coming on for Stankovic.

Cagliari grabbed a late consolation through Biondini.
Inter were always in control and produced their first chance after just 30 seconds of an enthralling opening ten minutes when Mario Balotelli's shot on the turn missed the target by a matter of inches.

Cagliari, needing points to secure Serie A safety, could have taken the lead in the third minute but Matri shot wide after racing unchallenged into the box.

Mancini's men piled on the pressure and strike partners Cruz and Balotelli both went close before the seventeen-year-old star had a goal ruled out for offside.
Balotelli capped an extraordinary start to the game with a first-time shot from Cambiasso's pass after a defensive mistake by the Rossoblu.

The pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when Cruz' header from Vieira's pin-point pass went in off Bianco.
Inter took their lead into the break after Cambiasso drove wide from close range after Capecchi failed to reach a Cruz cross.

Unrelentless in his search for a goal, Balotelli drew applause for a spectacular shot on the turn that was well saved by Capecchi.
There was no let-up in Inter's domination as Cruz went close to a second in the 76th minute, his low drive finishing just wide.

Materazzi rose at the back post and nodded home Cristian Chivu's brilliant left-wing free kick to double Inter's lead with eight minutes of normal time remaining.
Cagliari midfielder Biondini pulled one back in time added on when his long-range shot went in off Burdisso.

Source: www.inter.it

Inter Milan News ---- Crespo: "Looking forward, not back"

2008-04-04T14:01:00.001+07:00

APPIANO GENTILE - Hernan Crespo is confident that Inter can keep their Serie A lead over Roma and secure a third consecutive Scudetto for the Nerazzurri.

"It's the same as it is for cyclists - we have to look forward, because if you look back they overtake you," he told Italian television.

"Unfortunately it's a very delicate period for us. Getting knocked out of the Champions League shook us a bit, but the old Inter will return now."
He hasn't played as much as in previous seasons, but Hernan still has the chance to make a decisive contribution in the last seven rounds of the campaign. "I might have been selected less than I wanted, but this is right and it's normal," he said.

Inter travel to Bergamo on Sunday, while the Giallorossi host Genoa in their second consecutive home game following the midweek Champions League defeat to Manchester United. "Roma have a lot of 'enemies' because there are other teams behind them, so they have to be careful too," admitted Crespo.

"As for us, we just have to think about ourselves and get back to winning."

source: www.inter.it

Inter Milan 1-2 Juventus

2008-03-25T15:04:00.002+07:00

MILAN - Goals from Mauro German Camoranesi and David Trezeguet gave Juventus a 2-1 victory over Inter in Saturday's 'derby d'Italia'.

The Italian international scored just after the break, with the French forward doubling his team's lead before Maniche set up a dramatic finale with his first goal in black and blue.
The defeat, Inter's first at home in the Serie A since last season's 3-1 loss to Roma, sees Inter's lead cut to four points.

Inter made an attacking start to the Easter fixture but it was Ranieri's men who had the first clear chance to score when Julio Cesar tipped over Del Piero's close-range effort.
Dejan Stankovic headed on to the angle between bar and post as both teams enjoyed pockets of possession in an entertaining first half.

Inter went close again on 34 minutes, Buffon getting down at his left-hand post to parry Chivu's magnificent 30-yard free kick.

The Bianconeri almost had Inter on the back foot in the opening minute of the second half when Julio Cesar made a vital block from Nedved's angled volley.
They did in the 49th, albeit from an offside position when Camoranesi latched on to Chiellini's long ball forward and slid under Julio Cesar.

Mancini threw on Suazo for Jimenez but Juve edged further in front through Trezeguet who fired home from near range after intercepting Burdisso's headed clearance.
Inter's coach introduced Maniche for Cruz, later bringing on Balotelli for Chivu, and it was the Portuguese midfielder who had the greatest impact when he sidefooted home after a brilliant solo run by Maicon.

Maniche could have forced a draw in added time but his poked shot from Stankovic's backheeled through ball came back off the upright.

Taken from: www.inter.it

Inter Milan 2-1 Palermo

2008-03-17T13:18:00.001+07:00

MILAN - Patrick Vieira and Luis Jimenez scored either side of Marco Materazzi's own goal to keep Serie A leaders Inter six points clear of Roma.

Vieira gave the Nerazzurri a dream start, heading past Fontana in the 5th minute after a defence-splitting one-two with Ibrahimovic.
Palermo's first chance of the game came on 16 minutes when Julio Cesar kept out Rinaudo's glancing header from Miccoli's free kick.

Vieira signalled a return to top form with some inch-perfect passing in midfield and went close to a second, heading Chivu's free kick just wide.

The Rosanero equalised against the run of play in the 26th minute. Materazzi unwittingly turned into his own net after Julio Cesar parried Simplicio's follow-up after fumbling Miccoli's long-range effort.

Inter could have edged back in front within sixty seconds but Jimenez was flagged offside when prodding home after Vieira's placed shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced back into open play.

Jimenez restored Inter's lead ten minutes before half time, latching on to Maicon's low pass and losing his marker to fire home from close range.

Inter had the better chances throughout a lower-key second half, with Burdisso heading just wide before Ibrahimovic had two efforts in quick succession blocked by Fontana and Zaccardo.
Palermo went close to a late equaliser when Jankovic's diving header finished inches wide.

source: www.inter.it

Inter Milan 2-0 Reggina

2008-03-10T12:37:00.003+07:00

MILAN - Inter cruised to victory over Reggina in Saturday's Centenary fixture at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted a penalty on 18 minutes, with Burdisso added a headed second before the interval to put the Serie A leaders team six points clear of Roma, who beat Napoli in Sunday's batch of fixtures.

The Nerazzurri were greeted by a party atmosphere when they came on the pitch. Each area of the stadium displayed 100th anniversary banners, the Curva Nord turning on the usual style with an eye-catching choreography.

Inter were a goal to the good less than fifteen minutes in when Ibrahimovic converted a penalty awarded for a Valdes foul on Cambiasso.

Burdisso doubled the lead before half time, powering home his header from Jimenez' perfectly executed left-wing free kick.

Swedish ace Ibra went close to a second just before the break when his blistering free kick shaved the bar.

Relegation-threatened Reggina fought back after the restart and kept Julio Cesar busy, Amoruso, Hallfredsson, Tognozzi and Lanzaro forcing the Brazilian into crucial saves.

Taken from: www.inter.it

Photo Napoli VS Inter Milan

2008-03-05T13:29:00.003+07:00

Source: www.inter.it

Catania 0-2 INTER MILAN

2008-02-12T14:03:00.000+07:00

CATANIA - Serie A leaders Inter scored twice in the space of two second-half minutes to stun Catania at the Stadio Massimino.

Esteban Cambiasso notched his seventh of the season and David Suazo scored his fifth in black and blue to keep the Nerazzurri eight points clear of Roma.

Both teams produced chances in a tactical first half but neither managed a shot on target, Izco coming closest with a sweetly struck shot that flew just over.
Mancini made a forced substitution before the half hour, bringing on Pelé after Jimenez suffered a thigh strain.

The Inter coach made a second change early in the second half, introducing Suazo in place of Chivu and switching from 4-4-2- to 4-3-3.

The Sicilians pressurised their opponents as Inter adjusted, Vargas creating the most danger down the left.

The game turned in favour of Inter in the 55th minute. Maxwell sent in a looping cross from the left, Zanetti headed into the path of the unmarked Cambiasso, and the unmarked midfielder slotted home from close range.

Suazo added a quick second, latching on to Ibra's short pass from Julio Cesar's goal kick before rounding Polito and slotting into an open goal.

Julio Cruz went closest to a third in the 89th minute, sidefooting on to the outside of the post after a run down the right channel.

source: http://www.inter.it/

Inter Milan 1-0 Empoli

2008-02-06T10:34:00.000+07:00

MILAN - Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his nineteenth goal of the season as ten-man Inter held on for a 1-0 victory over Empoli.

The Swedish forward converted a penalty in the first half but Inter were reduced to ten men for the third time in four games when Patrick Vieira was dismissed for a second yellow.

Julio Cesar saved Saudati's penalty in the closing stages as the Nerazzurri held on for a gritty win that moves them eight points clear of Roma, 3-0 losers at Siena.

After a dull start the Week 21 fixture came alive in the 34th minute when Ibra sent Bassi the wrong way from the spot after Stankovic's shot was handballed by Vannucchi.
Six minutes later Vieira was yellow-carded for a challenge on Marianini, and within seconds the France captain was sent marching for protests.

Mancini made a tactical switch at half-time, bringing on Maxwell for Jimenez and moving Chivu into midfield.

The Nerazzurri coach was forced into a second change just after the interval, with Rivas on in place of the injured Stankovic.

Empoli dominated the opening stages of the second half as Inter adjusted, prompting Mancini to bring on counter-attack specialist Suazo for Cruz.

But the Tuscans only real threat on the Inter goal came when Pozzi forced a tipped save from Julio Cesar.

Inter relentlessly looked for a second and almost got their reward when Suazo narrowly missed after being played in by Cambiasso.

Julio Cesar pulled off more heroics seven minutes from time, saving Saudati's penalty after a foul by Materazzi.

Source: www.inter.it

Juventus 2-3 Inter Milan

2008-02-01T12:55:00.000+07:00

TURIN - Inter edged Juventus 3-2 in a pulsating clash at the Stadio Olimpico to complete a 5-4 aggregate victory and set up a Coppa Italia semi-final meeting with Lazio.

Inter Primavera's 17-year-old striker Mario Balotelli gave the Nerazzurri a dream start to the third 'derby d'Italia' of the season, controlling Maniche's ball into the box and shrugging off a challenge from Birindelli before sidefooting past Belardi for his third goal in the competition.

Juventus produced a quick reply through their captain Alessandro Del Piero, his free kick taking a deflection off the Inter wall and sailing past a stranded Francesco Toldo.

Mancini's men went close to a second in the 20th minute when Belardi tipped on to the post Nuno Maniche's thunderous long-range shot.

But it was the Bianconeri who edged in front just after the half-hour mark. Toldo tipped Stendardo's header from Del Piero's free kick on to the upright, and Vincenzo Iaquinta pounced on the loose ball to head in from close range.

Inter kept their cool in an inferno-like atmosphere and levelled before the break when Julio Cruz sent Belardi the wrong way from the spot after Salihamidzic handled in the area.

There were no signs of a second-half slowdown as both teams looked to gain the upper hand.

Stankovic headed wide Balotelli's fast cross and Cruz had a low effort blocked by Belardi, before Toldo pulled off a miraculous save to thwart Pavel Nedved.

Inter were back in front in the 54th minute when 'Supermario' Balotelli collected Stankovic's ball into the area, swivelled and thrashed his shot into the top right corner.

Claudio Ranieri threw Trezeguet and Camoranesi into the fray to give his side fresh attacking options, but Inter continued to create and Cruz missed a great chance to kill off the game, firing just wide with just Belardi to beat after Stankovic's long ball upfield.

Toldo made another brilliant intervention in the closing stages, producing a one-handed save to keep out Trezeguet's snapshot.

Camoranesi made his team's dim chances of a comeback even dimmer when he was shown a straight red card for kicking Pelé in the centre circle.

Juventus 2-3 Inter (HT: 2-2, AGG. 4-5)

Taken from: www.inter.it

Inter in 2007: a record year

2007-12-25T19:02:00.000+07:00

MILAN - Inter capped an extraordinary year with yesterday's 2-1 derby victory over AC Milan.
The defending Italian champions played 37 league matches from 13 January to 23 December 2007, collecting 92 points - 22 more than Roma. No team has managed a points per match average of 2.48 in one calendar year since three points were awarded for a Serie A victory.

With Sunday's Christmas derby win the Nerazzurri stretched their unbeaten league run to 23 games, their last defeat coming against Roma at the Meazza in April. Away from home, Mancini's men are unbeaten in 28 league games (20 wins and 8 draws).

The derby win over AC Milan was Inter's 10th consecutive victory in all competitions (6 in Serie A, 3 in Champions League, 1 in Coppa Italia).

In league games at the Meazza this season Javier Zanetti & Co. have won 25 out of a possible 27 points. The Nerazzurri have scored in 47 consecutive home games, netting a total of 112 goals.
Roberto Mancini's team are 2007/08 'winter champions' with two games of the first half of the Serie A season still to play.

Taken from: www.inter.it

Branca: "Focused on ourselves"

2007-10-08T17:27:00.000+07:00

MILAN - Inter technical director Marco Branca was interviewed this morning on Radio Rai programme Radio Anch'io Sport. This is what he had to say:

President Massimo Moratti said he's surprised the team has showed its strength so early in the season. Were you convinced this would happen?

"We always have great faith in our team and its character. In his surprise, I think our president was referring mainly to the team's good level of performance after the difficulties due to disqualifications in the Champions League and injuries in specific areas of the pitch. This is a compliment our president paid to the team because despite everything we are doing even better than last season."

In the first few rounds of the championship Inter were criticised after a few slip-ups. Roberto Mancini said the criticism was exaggerated. Has this criticism motivated the team?

"Roberto Mancini was completely right, and I say this without wanting to be self-pitying. Inter have always been criticised when things aren't going well and have always been praised when they are, without any real measure. Our players know this and they have changed their attitude towards the criticism, which is considered as a stimulus to do better."

Do you think Inter need another good midfielder to add to Cambiasso, Dacourt and Vieira to avoid the problems that injuries can bring?

"No, I don't think so. We have a lot of midfielders and let's not forget Javier Zanetti who is playing on the flank because of Maicon's disqualification in the league and the Champions League. And we also have Stankovic, Figo and Chivu who can play in midfield. We didn't want to have an overabundance and not give our players the chance to be present and useful, even in different positions."

Are Roma Inter's biggest rival for the Scudetto?

"We're only at the seventh round of the championship. There are still many matches to play and a lot of things can still happen. Roma are certainly among the teams who will be competing with us. There's Milan, who are a bit behind at the moment, Juventus, Roma, and maybe there will be a few surprise teams. We're pleased to be as competitive as we were last year and we're just thinking about ourselves."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in great form and everything he's doing is going well. Shouldn't he learn to do the easy things?

"No, I don't agree. Zlatan has improved a lot, showing great solidity from a tactical point of view. For example, when we were reduced to ten men in our last Champions League match he did a great job blocking and setting up moves as if he were a midfielder. I don't think you can take away from a solid player the pleasure of enjoying himself and trying spectacular plays."

In recent years Inter have brought in many great players on free transfers. However there are those who continue to say that you're good at dealing on the transfer market because you have more money than the other clubs. What do you think?

"It's true that we have the money, just like the other teams at our level. But it's also true that in the last few years we have brought in players like Cambiasso, Julio Cesar and Maxwell on free transfers. They are all lads of 26 and 27 who have been playing for us for two to three years. They are all gambles that have paid off thanks to the great teamwork, because it's not me alone who chooses which players to buy. We have chosen well and the players have given the perfect reply on the pitch. The last time we splashed out was for Ibrahimovic two years ago. We paid around twenty-five million euros. In terms of value for money, I don't think you can make any comparison with other players you see in Europe today."

How are Marco Materazzi and Patrick Vieira? Will they be ready after the break?

"I hope so. I think Patrick will be ready after the break but our coach will see how and when to use him. As for Marco we're doing everything possible to have him back as soon as possible, and I have to say that he is working really hard. However, we still have eight months of the season ahead of us and we don't want to risk any other injuries so we're doing things calmly."

The best thing about this Inter is the squad's harmony. Whoever plays gets into the match without needing time adapt. And last Saturday we saw this with Julio Cruz.

"I agree, but I wouldn't limit this consideration to Cruz. The club and coach have worked well over the years to create this harmony. For example, we can't forget how Toldo, Solari, Burdisso, Samuel and Crespo have behaved. They have always been at the service of the coach. This is because they're showing they want to win and they have realised that you can't always be a protagonist. They have respect for their own professionalism, and for the club."

Source: http://www.inter.it/

Preparing for Scudetto and Champions League || Inter Milan Training at SANTA MARGHERITA DI PULA

2007-07-12T13:11:00.000+07:00

To get Scudetto 2007/2008, Inter Milan have started to preparing itself. Inter's player have trained at Santa Margherita di Pula. Roberto Mancini ("Mancio") has been leading this training directly. Here is the photo from http://www.inter.it/.

Inter Milan wins its Serie A title

2007-04-28T19:03:00.001+07:00

MILAN, Italy (AP) -

Inter Milan won its 15th Serie A title Sunday after beating Siena 2-1.

Marco Materazzi scored two goals to help Inter move 16 points clear of second-place AS Roma, which lost at Atalanta 2-1.

Materazzi scored from close range in the 18th minute and converted a penalty in the 60th. Paolo Negro headed in Siena's goal in the 21st.

"The team has had an extraordinary season," Inter coach Roberto Mancini said. "To win five games from the end is a fantastic achievement. I am delighted for all Inter fans."

Mancini also announced that he had agreed to a four-year contract extension through 2011, with an option for another year.

The triumph matched Torino (1948) and Fiorentina (1956) for the league record of wrapping up the title with five games remaining and was only the third time Inter had won consecutive championships.

The Milan team also won back-to-back titles in 1953-54 and 1965-66 - although last year's trophy was awarded by default following the Italian match-fixing scandal.

"We have won without stealing," Inter president and owner Massimo Moratti said. "We are all really happy. But my first thought is for Giacinto Facchetti. This championship has the imprint of his generosity and honesty."

The former Inter player and president died in September.

Inter has 84 points, followed by Roma with 68, Lazio with 57, Milan with 56, and Empoli with 50.

"I have been waiting a long time for this moment and made a lot of sacrifices," said Inter captain Javier Zanetti, who won his first title on the field since joining the club in 1995. "The Inter family deserves this joy. Our only objective has been to do well for Inter and our triumph has arrived for this reason."

Inter could have won the title on Wednesday but lost to Roma 3-1.

"They deserve the title," Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said. "They have a great team and it is fair that they celebrate."

Roma was forced to field an understrength team in Bergamo. Philippe Mexes, David Pizarro and Amantino Mancini were suspended because of accumulated cards, while captain Francesco Totti was out with a back injury.

Cristiano Doni headed in Atalanta's first goal in the 37th minute and Riccardo Zampagna added the second with a looping shot over his right shoulder seven minutes later. Italy midfielder Simone Perrotta tapped in Roma's goal in the 74th.

Roma defender Matteo Ferrari was sent off for a hard tackle in the 90th and will miss next weekend's derby against Lazio.

Inter Milan wins its Serie A title

2007-04-28T19:03:00.000+07:00

MILAN, Italy (AP) -

Inter Milan won its 15th Serie A title Sunday after beating Siena 2-1.

Marco Materazzi scored two goals to help Inter move 16 points clear of second-place AS Roma, which lost at Atalanta 2-1.

Materazzi scored from close range in the 18th minute and converted a penalty in the 60th. Paolo Negro headed in Siena's goal in the 21st.

"The team has had an extraordinary season," Inter coach Roberto Mancini said. "To win five games from the end is a fantastic achievement. I am delighted for all Inter fans."

Mancini also announced that he had agreed to a four-year contract extension through 2011, with an option for another year.

The triumph matched Torino (1948) and Fiorentina (1956) for the league record of wrapping up the title with five games remaining and was only the third time Inter had won consecutive championships.

The Milan team also won back-to-back titles in 1953-54 and 1965-66 - although last year's trophy was awarded by default following the Italian match-fixing scandal.

The former Inter player and president died in September.

Inter has 84 points, followed by Roma with 68, Lazio with 57, Milan with 56, and Empoli with 50.

Inter could have won the title on Wednesday but lost to Roma 3-1.

"They deserve the title," Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said. "They have a great team and it is fair that they celebrate."

Roma defender Matteo Ferrari was sent off for a hard tackle in the 90th and will miss next weekend's derby against Lazio.

VALENCIA HOLD INTER IN MILAN

2007-02-22T17:51:00.000+07:00

MILAN - Villa and Silva replied to Esteban CAMBIASSO and Maicon goals as Inter were held 2-2 by Valencia at the Giuseppe Meazza.

The Brazilian notched his second for the Nerazzurri after Cambiasso's fifth of the season was cancelled out by a Villa free kick.

But Silva's late volley levelled the tie to give Valencia two important away goals ahead of the return leg at the Mestalla.

Inter Milan wins 15th straight

2007-02-14T19:53:00.000+07:00

Inter Milan won its 15th straight game in the Serie A on Sunday, beating Chievo Verona 2-0, and Brazil striker Ronaldo made his debut in AC Milan's win.

The Serie A resumed Sunday, more than a week after all professional soccer in Italy was suspended for fan violence.

Adriano put Inter ahead in the first minute with a strike from the left edge of the penalty box and Hernan Crespo added the second in the 51st.

The game at Marc Antonio Bentegodi stadium was one of four Serie A matches played behind closed doors for failing to meet new security standards, which were approved by the government after the death of a policeman in rioting at the Catania-Palermo match on Feb. 2.

The safety requirements include having closed circuit surveillance cameras and turnstiles at the entrances.

Ronaldo, wearing the No. 99 jersey, replaced Oliveira in the 63rd for his first appearance for Milan since joining from Real Madrid last week. Milan beat Livorno 2-1.

Inter leads the league with 60 points, 11 more than second-place AS Roma, which beat relegation-threatened Parma 3-0. Palermo, which lost to fourth-place Empoli 1-0, is third with 42 points.

Also Sunday, it was: Atalanta 0, Lazio 0; Cagliari 2, Siena 2; Fiorentina 2, Udinese 0; Messina 1, Catania 1; Sampdoria 2, Ascoli 0; and Torino 1, Reggina 2.

On Saturday, Juventus drew 2-2 with Vicenza to drop into a tie for first place in the Serie B with Napoli.

Inter's result at Chievo tied the European record for consecutive victories held by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Madrid won 15 in La Liga in the 1960-61 season and Bayern won its last nine Bundesliga games of 2004-05 and its first six of 2005-06.

Taken From: China Post

PHOTOS FROM APPIANO GENTILE

2007-02-11T20:02:00.000+07:00

Empoli - Inter Milan : 0-2

2007-01-12T11:59:00.000+07:00

EMPOLI - Inter take a two-goal lead into next week's Tim Cup quarter-final return leg with Empoli after a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Castellani.

The Nerazzurri dominated for long stretches of their first competitive fixture of the new year as Adriano started 2007 as he ended 2006, with a well-taken second-half goal to give further confirmation he's returning to his best.

Substitute Ivan Cordoba headed in the second in added time to give Inter a comfortable cushion ahead of next Wednesday's clash at the Meazza.

Luis Figo had a goal ruled out on 21 minutes after his indirect free sailed over the Empoli rearguard, out of Bassi's reach and into the left corner.

Mancini's men went close again twenty minutes later when Patrick Vieira had a header cleared off the line by Marzoratti after Bassi's one-handed clearance from an Adriano cross.

Right on the stroke of half time Zlatan Ibrahimovic tested the Empoli custodian with a crisp left-foot shot from inside the Tuscan box.

Francesco Toldo was rarely troubled in the opening period as the Empoli strikers failed to capitalise on a series of decent balls into his area.

Inter stepped up a gear after the restart, producing chance after chance. Adriano sidefooted wide an Ibrahimovic low cross before Vieira had a near range effort blocked by Bassi after receiving from Adriano.

Ibra then had a close-range shot hooked clear by Vanigli before Matteini sent a curler just wide after a quick one-two involving Marianini and Buzzegoli.

The inevitable breakthrough came on 71 minutes when Adriano (who ended his goal drought against Atalanta in the last game before the Christmas break, and added two more in the friendly match against Bahrain) ran on to Ibrahimovic's pin-point through ball before lobbing the onrushing Bassi.

Adriano was denied a second soon after by Bassi, who pushed the Brazilian's bullet header from Figo's free kick on to the post.

Empoli's best chance of an equaliser fell to Gasparetto, who outjumped Cordoba to head narrowly over Toldo's crossbar. The Colombian defender made amends in added time, rising in the Tuscan box to send a looping header from Mariano Gonzalez' cross over Bassi and into the back of the net.

Taken from: www.inter.it

Inter Milan wins 8th straight in Italian league

2006-12-12T05:17:00.000+07:00

ROME — Inter Milan beat Empoli 3-0 Sunday to equal its club record of eight straight wins in the Italian league, and Lazio snapped AS Roma's six-game winning streak with a 3-0 victory in the Rome derby.

Hernan Crespo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Walter Samuel scored in the second half for Inter.
"We played a great game in a tough stadium, against a team that knows how to put you in trouble," Inter coach Roberto Mancini said. "We defended well in the first half, didn't risk anything, and then we closed the game like great teams do."
Empoli has the second-best defense in Serie A and was the last team to beat Inter in the league — on April 30 of last season.

Inter previously won eight straight on three different occasions — in 1939-40, 1964-65 and 1988-89 — and went on to win the league each time.
"Our strength is having a great roster," Mancini said.

Inter leads the Serie A with 39 points, followed by Roma with 32 and Palermo with 31.
Argentine midfielder Cristian Ledesma scored for Lazio in the 44th minute, converting a long, rising shot for only his fourth goal in more than 100 Serie A appearances.
Five minutes later, Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni received a yellow card for tripping Goran Pandev and Lazio captain Massimo Oddo converted a penalty kick.
Massimo Mutarelli scored Lazio's third goal in the 73rd, pounding in a rebound of a chip off the crossbar by Stefano Mauri.

On Saturday, Palermo beat Livorno 3-0.
Catania moved into fourth place with a 1-0 win over Udinese. Gionatha Spinesi headed in the goal in the 68th minute for the promoted Sicilian club.

AC Milan continued to struggle and was held to a 0-0 draw by Torino at the San Siro. Milan striker Alberto Gilardino missed a penalty kick in the 79th.
Milan, which began the season with an eight-point penalty from the Italian match-fixing scandal, is in 15th place with 13 points. It has won only three of eight games at home, in contrast to its undefeated record of 18 wins and one draw last season.
"Milan is paying for its penalty," said Torino coach Alberto Zaccheroni, a former Milan coach. "They have a structure set up to compete for the league and Champions League titles, but the handicap took away enthusiasm."

Last season's Serie B winner Atalanta beat Messina 3-2 to move into a tie for fifth with Livorno, while Adrian Mutu's 80th-minute goal gave Fiorentina a 1-0 win at Chievo Verona.
Fiorentina, which has a 15-point penalty from the scandal, moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.

Taken From: www.usatoday.com

Dour Inter Milan hold position atop Serie A with a win

2006-11-22T21:28:00.000+07:00

Title-holders Inter Milan moved three points clear atop of the Italian Serie A on Sunday with a hard-fought 1-0 win over lowly visitors Reggina and an earlier loss by Palermo at Cagliari.
Hernan Crespo got the only goal of the game after four minutes for Inter, who now have 30 points from 12 outings, with Palermo remaining on 27 points after their 1-0 defeat on Saturday to end a five-game winning streak.
Inter ran several risks after Crespo's right-footer off an assist from Frenchman Patrick Vieira and were saved by defender Ramiro Cordoba as keeper Julio Cesar failed to grab a dangerous cross.
The young Rolando Bianchi came even closer for Reggina through a header that bounced off the post on 10 minutes, while an alleged handball by Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic and a disallowed goal triggered vehement protest by coach Walter Mazzarri, who received his marching orders on 36 minutes.
Good chances for Inter went begging from Crespo and fellow Argentinian Santiago Solari, but Reggina kept up the pressure, threatening again after the break through Luca Tognozzi.
No meaningful improvement for Inter came when Adriano came on for the injured Ricardo Cruz on 52 minutes. His coach, Roberto Mancini, said that the struggling Brazilian star "did his best but is still far from his best form."
Mancini said that Inter are having good moments, "even though every game is difficult, but it is important that the team don't give up. I don't think it is always possible to win without letting the opponents play. Reggina had good chances, and we also had some chances to score again."
Roma remain third on 26 points after a 7-0 hammering of nine-man guests Catania that saw Simone Perrotta and Christian Panucci score a brace each. Catania striker Giuseppe Mascara received his third red card this season on 14 minutes and Davide Baiocco was sent off in the dying minutes.
Tuscany side Livorno are fourth on 19 points, thanks to a 3-0 home win over 10-man Parma, who had Croat Igor Budan dismissed, while newcomers Atalanta trail on 17 points after clawing back a 2-2 draw at minnows Chievo Verona.
International Vincenzo Iaquinta notched a brace to help Udinese clinch a 3-0 beating of Siena to draw level with them on 16 points in a sixth position occupied jointly by Empoli, who drew 0-0 on Saturday with AC Milan, and Catania.

Taken from: Taipei Times

Cruz gives holders Inter Cup advantage

2006-11-13T20:24:00.000+07:00

A 40th minute strike from Argentine Julio Ricardo Cruz gave Italian Cup holders Inter Milan a 1-0 win away to Messina in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Thursday.
Cruz curled a free kick home from 20 metres to ensure Roberto Mancini's side go into the second leg with a one-goal advantage as they aim to win the Cup for the third consecutive season.

Inter were one of eight teams granted a bye into the last 16 by virtue of finishing in the top eight in last season's Serie A.

They created a number of chances in the first half before Cruz struck but after the break they were content to keep control of the game and defend their lead.

Serie B side Napoli beat top flight opponents Parma 1-0 in Thursday's other tie.
A 68th minute penalty converted by Cristian Bucchi was enough to give promotion-hunting Napoli victory over the Serie A strugglers.

On Wednesday, AC Milan had to fight back from a two-goal deficit to overcome second division side Brescia 4-2 but AS Roma had no such trouble beating another Serie B side, Triestina, with Vincenzo Montella scoring each side of the interval in a 2-1 win.

The return legs are scheduled for November 29 and December 6.

Taken from: www.supersoccer.co.za

Inter Milan 2 Spartak Moscow 1

2006-10-20T02:09:00.000+07:00

Internazionale almost let victory slip through their fingers but held on to beat Spartak Moscow and earn their first points in Group B.
Julio Cruz struck twice in the first nine minutes as Inter seemed to be cruising to a comfortable victory.
But Spartak had other plans and Roman Pavlyuchenko's goal in the 54th minute put them back into the game.
Dejan Stankovic had a goal disallowed while Spartak had a chance to equalise late on, but goalkeeper Julio Cesar ensured Inter kept hold of the full three points to finally get their Champions League campaign up and running.
Inter coach Roberto Mancini appeared to be taking their crucial tie with Spartak lightly as he left Hernan Crespo on the bench, preferring instead to hand Julio Cruz a rare start.
It seemed to be an inspired tactical move as the Argentinian slammed home his first from close range after only two minutes.
Alvaro Recoba's free-kick was rather accidentally laid on for Cruz by Patrick Vieira, and Cruz made no mistake as he slammed the ball in off the underside of the crossbar.
Recoba and Cruz combined again to double the home side's advantage before 10 minutes had even been played.
This time Cruz used his head to send Recoba's cross into the back of the net from six-yards out.
Inter then made the mistake of resting on their laurels, thinking that they would cruise through the rest of the match.
Just 10 minutes into the second half, Spartak deservedly pulled a goal back with Pavlyuchenko converting Denis Boyarintsev's low cross.
Inter held on despite late pressure to earn their first Champions League points of the season and leave their hopes of qualifying alive

taken from: www.itv-football.co.uk

Inter Milan United, insists Ibrahimovic

2006-10-06T19:22:00.000+07:00

Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists the Inter Milan dressing room is united.
The Swedish striker said: "Of course we're a united squad. The only problem is that we haven't been able to show this on the pitch.
"There's a lot of different personalities. People say that's a bad thing, but I am the opposite. It would be bad if everyone had the same personality."
Of the red card problem Inter has been hit with this season, Ibra declared: "I speak for myself, but also in general terms, football isn't a game for little missies. Football is a sport that requires aggression. The problem is if I, at my 1.9m and 90kgs make a challenge, it's easier to book me than someone who is 1.75m tall and less than 80kgs."

Taken from: www.tribalfootball.com