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by **Messinterista** » Mon May 30, 2011 12:57 am

Coppa Italia, Final - 29/5/11
Inter 3 - 1 Palermo
Eto'o 26, 76 (I), Munoz 88 (P), Milito 92 (I)
Stadio Olimpico

Palermo paid the price for poor finishing, as they had the better of the game, but Samuel Eto'o's brace gave Inter the 3-1 Coppa Italia Final victory.

It is their third silverware of the season after the Italian Super Cup and Club World Cup, but the first under Leonardo.

The Nerazzurri hoped to retain the trophy, while the Sicilians had 50,000 fans flooding into Rome for their first ever silverware. They'd lost to Bologna on penalties in 1974 and in extra time to Juventus in 1979.

Wesley Sneijder and Andrea Ranocchia passed late fitness tests to start, though Yuto Nagatomo moved to right-back for the suspended Douglas Maicon. Armin Bacinovic and Cesare Bovo sat out bans for Palermo, but 18-year-old Afriyie Acquah was given the midfield reins.

After 53 seconds Palermo had a great chance when Abel Hernandez hit the side-netting from close range. At the other end, Salvatore Sirigu smothered when Giampaolo Pazzini's first touch let him down on a long pass.

Javier Pastore exchanged passes with Josip Ilicic to slice through the Inter defence, but again his first touch was disappointing and allowed Julio Cesar to grab the ball off his foot.

Moments later Pastore blasted over from the edge of the box. Palermo lost Dorin Goian to injury within 24 minutes, so had to introduce Moris Carrozzieri - who recently returned from a two-year drugs ban.

The Sicilians were still adjusting to the new set-up and Inter took full advantage. A diagonal ball from Sneijder slipped between defenders to send Samuel Eto'o clear down the left and he delicately flicked it past the on-rushing Sirigu. It was his 36th goal of the season in all competition.

An Ilicic floated cross was nodded over by Federico Balzaretti at the back post. There were several opportunities wrapped in one mad scramble on 32 minutes. Inter struggled to clear their lines as shots were charged down and eventually Julio Cesar stuck out a hand to block the Hernandez effort from point-blank range.

Palermo had penalty appeals before half-time when Ilicic ran into the box and went down under Ranocchia's challenge, but the referee waved play on. Replays suggest perhaps there was a little contact, but not enough to fall.

A defensive error allowed Hernandez to fire straight at Julio Cesar. After the restart, Pastore wriggled away from Nerazzurri jerseys to feed Hernandez, but a crucial Cristian Chivu sliding tackle put it out for a corner.

Hernandez again ran into the box, but this time Julio Cesar managed to hold him off with a bit of luck. Fabrizio Miccoli replaced Acquah for his final appearance in a Palermo jersey.

Miccoli, by far the shortest man on the pitch, had a sensational chance as a Pastore cross whipped past Ranocchia to find his head, but Julio Cesar flew for a magnificent instinct save.

Miccoli pulled back from the by-line for Hernandez, but again Chivu threw himself at the shot to block. Inter were increasingly desperate with another mad scramble to clear, as Lucio charged down Miccoli's shot and the ball ricocheted around the box with nobody able to get the final touch.

On 66 minutes Hernandez was wriggling his way through after hooking a Pastore chipped pass and fell under a crucial Chivu sliding tackle, but it was perfectly-timed and it had to be.

Hernandez blasted well wide from a promising position, then Balzaretti's deflected shot only hit the side-netting.

Inter had a rare scoring opportunity with Eto'o bursting down the right on the counter, but Sneijder just came sliding in a little too late to meet the pull-back.

Eto'o took matters into his own hands as the move continued. He found himself in the same position by springing the offside trap on Sneijder's pass, but this time opted to place an angled drive past Sirigu to scrape the inside of the far post.

It was almost 3-0 when Sneijder curled a great effort towards the far top corner, but Sirigu performed an acrobatic save.

However, Palermo did get one back at the 88th minute to give them hope of a comeback. With a controversial corner, as Balzaretti's cross came after the ball had gone out of play, Ezequiel Munoz was allowed a totally free header at the back post.

Munoz didn't have much time to celebrate, as within 120 seconds he received a second yellow card for bringing down MacDonald Mariga.

Eto'o thought he'd got a hat-trick in stoppages, but his free kick thumped the underside of the crossbar and went back out with Sirigu rooted to the spot.

Moments later, Inter put the result beyond doubt to win 3-1. Goran Pandev got away from Matteo Cassani and pulled back for a completely unmarked Diego Milito to tap in.

Inter: Julio Cesar; Nagatomo, Lucio, Ranocchia, Chivu; Zanetti, Thiago Motta (Mariga 82), Stankovic; Sneijder (Milito 87); Pazzini (Pandev 61), Eto'o

Palermo: Sirigu; Cassani, Munoz, Goian (Carrozzieri 24), Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Acquah (Miccoli 55), Nocerino; Pastore, Ilicic; Hernandez (Pinilla 77)

Ref: Morganti

Sent off: Mariga 90 (P)

Source: http://football-italia.net/coppa-int-pal.html

by **Messinterista** » Mon May 30, 2011 1:09 am

Leonardo: 'Inter end with a smile'

Leonardo picked up his first piece of silverware for Inter. “It has been a difficult season, but it’s wonderful to end it with a smile.”
The Nerazzurri had already won the Italian Super Cup and Club World Cup with Rafa Benitez at the helm, as the Brazilian took over during the winter break.

“It was satisfying, because it has been a difficult season and one of great changes. It’s wonderful to end it with a smile, as Marco Materazzi and Javier Zanetti lift the trophy celebrating the unification of Italy and the Coppa Italia.

“It has also been a special season for me personally, so to end it in this way is marvellous,” Leonardo told RAI after a 3-1 victory over Palermo.

“The Palermo fans were extraordinary and they packed out the Stadio Olimpico, but winning is the best feeling.

“Now to make the decisive step up in quality we always need this hunger to win. It was tough tonight and without that determination we would not have made it.

“It will always be a battle and we required a great performance. Palermo had a good game, but we end the season with three trophies and not many clubs can say that.”

Source: http://football-italia.net/may29bb.html
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I noticed that, does anyone know what that means?

by **Totally FRANK** » Mon May 30, 2011 1:45 am

The trophy was recognizing the 150th year of Italy's unification.

We suffered a lot today. Palermo played beautifully through Pastore and Illic in the middle and also utilizing their fullbacks. We got the win thanks to Sneijder's incisive passing and Eto'o's brilliant finishing.

by **Lombardiamia** » Mon May 30, 2011 7:28 am

This is why I wouldn't want Leonardo to stay another year. Yesterday was a clear example of how he is helpless in matches that really count. Palermo (not Barcelona) were all over us all match, and we won thanks to Palermo mistakes upfront and some moments of brilliance from Eto'o & Sneijder. Leonardo can't give character to this team when most needed..

by **Totally FRANK** » Mon May 30, 2011 11:37 am

Under Leo we have always gone missing in the big games. I think its fair to give him another season, mainly because of the lack of good alternatives. Unless Guardiola or Villa Boas make a move there is no one else who wouldn't be classified as a 'gamble' to take over.

Moreover, if we get the right set of players and both Eto'o and Sneijder have decent seasons we can be right up there competing for the league even if Leo does not improve tactically. After the debacle against Schalke, I thought we were improving defensively with Cambiasso moving back to the bottom of the diamond. May be we missed him yesterday and also the Ranochhia-Lucio partnership was very erratic yesterday.

by **Lombardiamia** » Mon May 30, 2011 1:08 pm

Yes there is no real alternative to Leo out there and that really makes me sick. Is it possible that it's so difficult to get a decent coach nowadays? Indeed with the right set of players and a good season from champions like Eto'o, Sneijder and Samuel we might be more than competitive for the Scudetto, but that isn't saying much. We could remain as we are and still be competitive in such a mediocre level like the Italian league. We have tasted European glory, and now I can't honestly settle for anything less. That doesnt mean I expect to win another CL, but that I want to be competitive, that I wanna still be in there in April, that we dont make us a laughing stock against another Schalke..That is the level I want us to be and Leo doesn't reassure me much in this aspect.

by **Totally FRANK** » Mon May 30, 2011 9:48 pm

Inter 3-1 Palermo: Sneijder-Eto’o combination twice opens up Palermo

http://www.zonalmarking.net/2011/05/30/ ... alia-2011/

by **Messinterista** » Tue May 31, 2011 12:14 am

I'm sure Moratti knows what to expect with Leo now. If he wasn't sure after the Schalke game he will be now after yesterday. I just cannot see us winning the Scudetto next season with Leo. Anchovy is available?

by **Lombardiamia** » Tue May 31, 2011 11:12 am

by **maro** » Tue May 31, 2011 11:33 am

Alice, alice, who the fuck is Alice?

by **Messinterista** » Tue May 31, 2011 11:29 pm

Ancelotti

by **Messinterista** » Tue May 31, 2011 11:54 pm

Julio Cesar offered to Roma?

There are reports that Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar has been offered to Roma, making way for Emiliano Viviano at San Siro.
The Brazilian has not had his best campaign with the Nerazzurri, but few expected such an imminent departure.

According to Sky Sport Italia, some transfer ‘mediators’ have approached Roma to offer them the chance to sign Julio Cesar.

It is well known that the Giallorossi are searching for a world class shot-stopper, so he would fit the bill.

In turn, selling Julio Cesar would allow Inter to bring in Italy Number 2 Viviano, who is currently co-owned with Bologna.

The main problem would be that Julio Cesar’s contract currently stretches until June 30, 2014.

Source: http://football-italia.net/may31u.html

by **forzaitalia** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 12:11 am

^ Yes please! You'd be crazy to let him go though, he's quality. His save from Miccoli's header just on Saturday, for example.

by **DavidP** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 2:43 am

by **Messinterista** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 10:37 pm

Julio Cesar agent ignores Roma

Julio Cesar has been linked with a bid from Roma this week, but the Inter goalkeeper’s agent insists he’d “rule out negotiations right now.”
The Brazilian was reportedly ‘offered’ to Roma by transfer mediators, freeing up the Nerazzurri job for Emiliano Viviano.

“I must say that I was very surprised by this,” agent Antonio Calenda told Radio Radio.

“Julio has an important contract with an important club. Even if that doesn’t mean Roma are not a suitable club for Julio Cesar, these transfers are big deals and I can rule out the existence of any negotiations.”

However, Calenda did leave the door open for developments over the next few weeks, once new President Thomas Di Benedetto is in place.

“I would not rule out that Roma and their new owners can afford to sign players with big contracts, but we don’t know what their policy will be yet.

“I know they aim to forge a young squad, but it is premature to discuss this now. Julio Cesar is a very important player and the best in the world in his role. It’s only normal a top side starts from a world class goalkeeper, but it’s fantasy football right now to suggest there’s more to it.

“Does Julio Cesar want to stay with Inter? Yes. I think they are still sorting out their issues with the Coach, then we’ll know what their plans are.”

Source: http://football-italia.net/jun1u.html
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Hmmmm

by **Messinterista** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 6:04 am

Inter on chances of netting Sanchez

There is a “60 per cent chance” of Inter signing Alexis Sanchez from Udinese, says President Massimo Moratti. He also discussed bids for Daniele De Rossi and Javier Pastore.

Talking to Inter Channel, the Nerazzurri chief was quizzed by fans on the club’s plans for the transfer market.

"It's hard to give a precise reply at a moment in which we are trying to figure out if the clubs will sell, how they will sell, the prices, wages and whether certain exchanges will be able to be made,” he stated.

“However, let's say that the player with whom we are speaking, and I don't know the odds of our success, is certainly Sanchez, because we've been talking about it for a long time.

“Also because he's a player with many qualities and because we've opened a certain kind of discussion with Udinese.

“Let's say, not that he's definitely coming, but there is a 60 per cent chance that he will arrive.”

Inter were also linked with Roma’s De Rossi on Thursday, but Moratti seemed to cool those rumours.

"De Rossi, in my opinion, is not a bad idea at all, but I don't believe we have initiated any kind of negotiations with Roma, also because the club is going through a re-organisation,” he added.

“I do not think there are such contacts to be able to study what can be done, and then there's the fact that the player is tied to his club and especially the city.

“But I too consider him a player of great quality and character, and therefore I don't think for him to have an experience with us would be a bad thing...” he smiled.

Moratti then totally dismissed a bid for Palermo starlet Pastore.

“We all know that Pastore is excellent, he also played well against us in the Italian Cup Final, but I don't think that negotiations are possible."

Source: http://football-italia.net/jun3b.html

by **Totally FRANK** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 2:13 pm

There are so many rumors on Sanchez daily. What are our real chances of signing him? Looks like Barca might abandon their move for Rossi and try to sign Sanchez.

by **Lombardiamia** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 4:45 pm

As far as I know, Sanchez's preferred destination is Inter since he would like to remain in Italy and wants to challenge for titles (reason why Juve are totally out of the race, even though they say they're interested). Also there is the fact that Inter have already reached personal agreement with the player and his agent. Now it's Udinese that needs convincing and altough we are surely trying, Udinese are asking for a very high price, knowing that economical giants like Man City & Barca are also interested. Sanchez has definately ruled out a move to Man City, but Barca would be an interesting prospect for anyone. We have to hope that Barca convince themsleves that they need G.Rossi more than Sanchez and that they actually net the deal early, since Udinese are keeping a strong position due to the fear that Barca might get serious. If they do, we're out of the race, cause money wise, we can't compete. Barca are our only competitors.

by **Messinterista** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 10:08 pm

Barca-Sanchez, Inter-Rossi?

Inter and Barcelona could swap primary transfer targets after Giuseppe Rossi was linked with the Italians and Alexis Sanchez with the Spaniards.

Inter have been in talks with Udinese about Sanchez since last autumn, such is their desire to land the Chilean.

The Nerazzurri are understood to have now resumed negotiations with the Friuli outfit who value the attacker at a massive €35m.

However, a compromise on a fee has yet to be reached and Inter chief Massimo Moratti rated his club’s chances of signing the player at just 60 per cent this week.

Their bid may now be complicated further by Barcelona’s apparent interest in the South American.

Having initially had Rossi at the top of their transfer wish-list, Villarreal’s asking price of around €30m has put them off to a degree.

The thinking is that they would rather spend that kind of cash for a player like Sanchez rather than a second striker such as Rossi.

Should Sanchez snub Inter for Barcelona then the Nerazzurri would, it is being reported, switch their attention to Rossi instead.

Villarreal Coach Juan Carlos Garrido expects his club to sell the Italian international, who scored in last night’s 3-0 win over Estonia, during the summer.

Speaking to AS this week, Garrido noted: “If we get a good offer then it will be accepted and we will thank the player for all his efforts.

“If he does leave then we will replace him with the necessary players. Rossi has played many games and scored many goals and so we have to prepare for a possible sale.”

It’s understood that Spurs have had a couple of offers, close to €25m, rejected by the Spanish club for Rossi over the last six months.

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/jun4g.html

by **Messinterista** » Sun Jun 05, 2011 10:22 am

Sneijder to Chelsea brings Rossi?

Inter could raise funds for Giuseppe Rossi or Alexis Sanchez by selling Wesley Sneijder to Chelsea, it’s reported in Italy.

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, the Dutch international could be heading for Stamford Bridge over the summer.

The 26-year-old is wanted by potential new Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink and available for approximately £21m.

Sneijder had already been linked with a Premiershit move to Manchester United.

The Gazzetta suggests that with these funds, Inter would increase their bids for a new starlet in attack.

Sanchez of Udinese had been the number one target up until yesterday, when Villarreal and Italy forward Rossi flew up the rankings.

His performances for the Azzurri, scoring in the 3-0 win over Estonia, have won over the Nerazzurri directors.

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/jun5e.html
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Rumours flying in thick and fast now...

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