Internazionale Main Thread III

[Bagg10]

Not to take anything away from the moves in that video but it's a lot easier to control the ball playing futsal.

[Lombardiamia]

[Totally FRANK]

I just watched the Neftchi game and I was impressed with Livaja. He is confident on the ball, always seems to want it and has an eye for goal. I think he will turn out to be a very good option for us if he can get some regular playing time at a smaller club for 2 years.

We should send him to Espanyol next.

[Messinterista]

[Messinterista]

Palacio back for derby

Rodrigo Palacio is back in the Inter squad for tomorrow night’s Milan derby, but Cristian Chivu has undergone surgery.

Palacio is named in the side by Andrea Stramaccioni after a month on the treatment table, but Dejan Stankovic, Wesley Sneijer, MacDonald Mariga and Chivu are out.

Chivu underwent surgery this week to correct a problem with his toe and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.

Inter squad for Milan: 1 Samir Handanovic, 12 Luca Castellazzi, 27 Vid Belec; 4 Javier Zanetti, 6 Matias Silvestre, 23 Andrea Ranocchia, 25 Walter Samuel, 40 Juan Jesus, 42 Jonathan, 44 Matteo Bianchetti, 55 Yuto Nagatomo; 14 Fredy Guarin, 16 Gabi Mudingay, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 20 Joel Obi, 21 Walter Gargano, 31 Alvaro Pereira, 41 Alfred Duncan; 7 Philippe Coutinho, 8 Rodrigo Palacio, 22 Diego Milito, 88 Marko Livaja, 99 Antonio Cassano.

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/25855/palacio-back-derby

[Messinterista]

Milan 0 - 1 Inter
Samuel 4 (I)
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza

Gritty 10-man Inter won an extremely controversial derby thanks to a Christian Abbiati howler, but Milan were furious at a disallowed goal and penalty appeals. The Nerazzurri held on despite Yuto Nagatomo's foolish red card.

This is always a huge occasion in Serie A, but it already felt like a turning point for both sides who have revamped and reduced their expectations this season. The Rossoneri missed Alexandre Pato, Sulley Muntari, Didac Vila, Djamel Mesbah and Rodney Strasser, but revamped the defence with Daniele Bonera, Mattia De Sciglio and Philippe Mexes, while Bojan Krkic was preferred to Giampaolo Pazzini against his old club. The Nerazzurri were again adopting their three-man defence, but Wesley Sneijder, Cristian Chivu, Dejan Stankovic and MacDonald Mariga were unavailable. Antonio Cassano faced his former teammates with Diego Milito and Philippe Coutinho.

There was a special Milan fan in the San Siro stands too – Mario Balotelli.

The first row came after 150 seconds with Max Allegri debating angrily with the referee. From that contested free kick on Cassano, it was whipped to the back post by Esteban Cambiasso where Christian Abbiati completely mistimed his interception, allowing Walter Samuel to nod in with a diving header.

It should’ve been 2-0 moments later, as Abbiati aimed a weak backpass straight to Milito, but a combination of Mexes sliding in and the striker’s timid header ensured he got away with it. El Principe seemed almost too stunned by the howler to make the most of it.

Riccardo Montolivo’s blockbuster from 25 metres out shaved a coat of paint off the post as the San Siro crowd held its breath. Stephan El Shaarawy couldn’t get enough power on his finish under pressure from Yuto Nagatomo, then the Little Pharaoh tested Samir Handanovic from distance as Milan came out of their shell.

Milan again went close, as Kevin-Prince Boateng drilled inches wide from a Bonera pull-back. Emanuelson intercepted a Juan Jesus defensive pass and immediately set up Boateng, who horribly dragged his kick wide.

There was controversy on 39 minutes when Handanovic came flying out to punch the ball away from Emanuelson’s head and with the goalkeeper still down Montolivo fired into an empty net, but the referee had awarded a foul against the Dutchman.

Andrea Ranocchia desperately intercepted a counter-attack in the box, then Handanovic parried a sudden Bojan snapshot at the near post.

Fredy Guarin replaced Coutinho for the second half, but within three minutes of the restart Nagatomo foolishly received a second yellow card for a handling offence. The Japanese full-back stuck out an arm to block Mattia De Sciglio’s header. Javier Zanetti dropped into the right-back role as Inter went to a back four.

Ignazio Abate replaced Bonera and Cassano made way for Alvaro Pereira amid deafening jeers from the Milan fans. Robinho came on for De Sciglio, moving Emanuelson to left-back, as Inter sat back to protect their lead.

There was a double chance for the Rossoneri, as Handanovic palmed away a Montolivo blockbuster, then Boateng crossed to the back post where Boateng acrobatically volleyed into the ground and over.

Another Montolivo screamer from distance was parried into the path of Bojan, who incredibly slipped on the six-yard line with only Handanovic to beat.

Moments later, Alvaro Pereira drilled wide from distance. Pazzini and Rodrigo Palacio were introduced for El Shaarawy and Milito.

Pazzini sprung the offside trap and came sliding in at the back post, but could only skim Robinho’s cross with his studs.

The ball was cleared to the outside edge of the area and Emanuelson’s angled drive was deflected just wide by Walter Gargano.

Handanovic was under siege and desperately flapped the ball off the head of Pazzini in the six-yard box. Palacio had the chance to seal it for 10-man Inter, but hit a weak effort straight at Abbiati.

Milan’s fury exploded on 81 minutes when they demanded a penalty, but instead Pazzini was booked for dissent, as Robinho was pulled back slightly by Samuel when trying to run on to his pass. The Argentine certainly didn’t go for the ball, but the referee judged it to be using his body to shield it rather than fouling Robinho, who did go down rather easily.

Another Montolivo long-range effort was deflected wide by Samuel with Handanovic rooted to the spot.

Milan: Abbiati; Bonera (Abate 50), Yepes, Mexes, De Sciglio (Robinho 57); De Jong, Montolivo; Emanuelson, Boateng, El Shaarawy (Pazzini 72); Bojan
Inter: Handanovic; Ranocchia, Samuel, Juan Jesus; Zanetti, Gargano, Cambiasso, Nagatomo; Coutinho (Guarin 46); Cassano (Pereira 53), Milito (Palacio 72)
Ref: Valeri
Sent off: Nagatomo 48 (I)

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/22166

[Messinterista]

Moratti: 'Strama like Mourinho'

Inter President Massimo Moratti compared Andrea Stramaccioni to Jose Mourinho and the derby to the epic result in Barcelona.

“I approached this game with a lot of confidence. I was even confident after we went down to 10 men,” the patron told Sky Sport Italia.

The Nerazzurri emerged 1-0 winners despite Yuto Nagatomo’s red card just three minutes into the second half.

“It reminded me of that epic battle in Barcelona on the way to the Champions League, as we also fought on with 10 men that day.

“I chose Stramaccioni for his technical abilities, but also his intelligence. In my view the thing that makes him most similar to Mourinho is his dedication to work. Like Mou, Stramaccioni is also a great Coach.

“The defence did very well and the credit goes to the Coach for making the right decisions.”

Inter are currently in joint third place with Lazio, whereas Milan are floundering in 11th.

“This season our objective was to not go crazy on the transfer market. I think we can have a good campaign and anything can happen,” continued Moratti.

“Milan sold some fundamental players and need a little time to get back on track.”

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/25903/mo ... a-mourinho

[Messinterista]

Stramaccioni: Mou? I’m nobody

Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni has played down comparisons with treble-winning tactician Jose Mourinho.

The Coach was likened to the Special One by President Massimo Moratti last night after his 10-man Nerazzurri beat Milan 1-0 in the derby.

“I’m very proud of what the President said,” Stramaccioni told Radio Anch'io Lo Sport. “I can only smile at the comparison because I’m a nobody, while Mourinho has won wherever he has been.”

Stramaccioni was confirmed in the job during the summer after he was promoted from the Primavera set-up in March to replace Claudio Ranieri.

“I feel fortunate because I caught the attention of a club like Inter, first with the youth team, then President Moratti was following the Primavera and appointed me.

“That’s why I work every day on the training pitch to try and repay his faith in me. I'm happy at the moment, but I need to keep my feet on the ground because we still have a long way to go.”

Stramaccioni has used a variety of systems at San Siro, the latest being a three-man defence which is proving to be very popular in Serie A.

“I think we've found the best system to cover the pitch by playing three at the back,” he added. “We can mix things up further forward, but I think it’s the defence which gives this team more balance.”

One player to benefit from the Stramaccioni touch is centre-back Andrea Ranocchia, a stopper who is now back in the international set-up.

“It’s not down to me, it’s down to him,” the 36-year-old added with a smile. “I remind him I’m the same Coach who didn't pick him last year and that this season it’s his brother who’s playing for us!"

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/25924/st ... 99m-nobody

[Messinterista]

Talk of us being linked with the injured French right back Sagna.

[Totally FRANK]

We need a RB. Jonathan hasn't convinced, I don't think he ever will. He lacks composure when in possession. I think Faraoni would have done a better job.

[Lombardiamia]

[Messinterista]

Inter: Rebuilding their defence

In 2011-12 Inter suffered one of their worst seasons in history, and in response to this Massimo Moratti set Andrea Stramaccioni the task of rebuilding his squad to make them competitive again.

So how is he doing? Generally, I’d say he’s doing very well, and in this series of articles I’m going to look at how the project is shaping up so far. Firstly I’m going to look at how he’s rebuilt his last line of defence ensuring that unlike last season Inter don’t concede too many goals.

At one time Julio Cesar was considered to be the best shot-stopper in the game. In the last two seasons, however, his concentration seemed to slip on many occasions, and these lapses in focus led to mistakes being made and goals being conceded where he should’ve easily made the saves instead. His large wage, inconsistent performances and age were all against him, so it was inevitable that his time with Inter was going to come to an end. As he bid a tearful farewell to Inter he was replaced by the outstanding Slovenian 'keeper Samir Handanovic.

Already this season the 28 year old is proving his worth, and in the five league matches he’s appeared in so far, he’s held three clean sheets and made a total of 19 key saves for the Nerazzurri. Not bad stats when you consider that he missed the start of the season after having surgery on a knee injury.

It's safe to say that Handanovic has settled into the group and has proved beyond doubt that Inter made the right decision to sign him. For the future, I'm hoping Handanovic stays with Inter for years to come and becomes one of our all-time great keepers like the legendary Zenga, Toldo and Cesar.

As for the centre backs, one of the biggest problems last season, in my opinion, was that the ageing defenders just didn't have the pace to chase the ball back and deny the opposition a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. On top of that, Lucio’s habit of making forward runs and joining Inter's attack meant that Samuel was often all alone to defend against counter attacks.

Walter Samuel signed an extension on his contract in the summer, at the time I thought he would only be suitable to play as a backup. Stramaccioni made the decision recently to switch to a three-man defence in an attempt to bring a bit of solidity to his backline. In order to take advantage of his defenders greatest strengths he's positioned the defensive line quite deep, so far this system is working remarkably well and Samuel's experience and hard tackling are being used to full effect. By minimising the amount of ball chasing Samuel has to do during a match, Stramaccioni has given him the opportunity to once again demonstrate his fantastic ability to stop the opposition in their tracks and remind the world why he is known as 'The Wall'.

For Lucio it was ultimately his huge wage that saw him removed from the Inter squad in the summer and now Stramaccioni has replaced the acclaimed Brazilian defender with two of the most promising and talented centre backs in Italy.

Andrea Ranocchia joined Inter from Genoa in January 2011 and was hailed as one of the most exciting prospects of recent years, the young Italian failed to live up to his huge potential and there were even rumours in the summer that Inter had lost patience and were willing to accept any offers that came for him. That didn't happen and he is now blossoming under Stramaccioni's guidance, his recent solid performances have even earned him a recall to Cesare Prandelli's Azzurri squad.

On the left side plays another Inter youngster, and despite Juan Jesus only signing for the Nerazzurri last January he too looked to be on his way out of the club in the summer, however after he showed some good performances in the Brazilian Olympic team, Stramaccioni decided to give him a chance to shine in the Inter squad.

Stramaccioni's faith was soon repaid with Juan Jesus being outstanding for Inter in his appearances so far. The young Brazilian is defensively aware and solid in his tackling. For me, he has been Inter's best player this season so far. A couple of months ago he stated that he wanted to become as good as PSG's Thiago Silva and I think it's safe to say that the young Brazilian is well on his way to achieving that goal.

With both Ranocchia and Juan Jesus drawing plaudits for their excellent performances the future is looking bright for Inter's defence and one day, once he's gained more experience and grown as a player I would love to see Ranocchia take over as the captain of not just Inter but also the Italian national team as well.

As for Samuel, obviously Inter need to find a younger replacement for him in the near future. Mattia Silvestre was brought into the club this summer and may be the player to replace the Argentinean but if Silvestre's performances so far for the Nerazzurri are anything to go by he is more likely to find himself out of the door instead.

Time will tell and Silvestre may prove me wrong before the end of the season, one thing is certain though - the rebuilding of Inter's defence looks to be almost complete with the team now possessing a back line that will put fear into the opposition's attack for years to come.

Source: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/nam ... 94?cc=3436

[Messinterista]

Coutinho: 'Inter for the Scudetto!'

Philippe Coutinho is confident Inter “are on the same level as Juventus and Napoli, so can win the Scudetto.”

The young Brazilian spent last season on loan at Espanyol, but returned to become an integral part of Andrea Stramaccioni’s side, especially with Wesley Sneijder out injured.

“The derby was a wonderful night. We knew how important it would be to win and we are so happy to have achieved that, but now we have to continue,” Coutinho told Sky Sport Italia.

“Are Inter on the same level as Juventus and Napoli? Yes, I think so. Inter are doing well, so we hope to improve even more and get to the top of the table.

“Can we win the Scudetto. Yes, I really hope so!”

Coutinho also confirmed the importance of Coach Stramaccioni on the current campaign.

“Since I returned to San Siro, I have more confidence and hunger to do well. I know that I must improve a great deal, still.

“Stramaccioni gives everyone belief and that is important for the younger players. I think he is doing very well indeed.

“Antonio Cassano’s arrival also pleased me, as it’s always wonderful to play alongside a great champion. I’ve had the chance to play with Cassano, Milito, Eto’o and Sneijder, so I’m living the dream.”

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/26133/co ... r-scudetto

[Messinterista]

Moratti: 'Inter can win Scudetto'

Inter President Massimo Moratti hailed Andrea Stramaccioni, Javier Zanetti and confirmed “I believe in the Scudetto.”

The Nerazzurri had a rough start to the campaign, but the derby victory has propelled them into joint third place.

“I really believe in the Scudetto and I have to because that way the players will believe too,” he told RAI.

The patron recently compared Stramaccioni to Jose Mourinho after they beat Milan despite playing with 10 men for the entire second half.

“I made the comparison based on dedication to work, because that is very important for any professional. Some people are distracted by publicity and popularity, but he has this dedication within him. If he can have the same results as Mourinho, well then...

“Milan want Pep Guardiola? But I’ve already got a great Coach.”

Zanetti has said he would like a job as a director at Inter when he eventually does hang up his boots.

“Zanetti is a fantastic lad and his future is written by him, in the sense that he has constructed for himself a future as a director. That is assuming he’ll stop playing football at some point!”

Moratti was asked about the betting scandal and calls for the sporting justice system to be reformed.

“I don’t want to cause controversy, especially as some people are convinced they are right. If we start changing everything, then it just adds to the problems.

“Every day we read about something that lets us understand what serious problems they have to deal with. I think it is difficult to judge the sporting justice system negatively.”

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/26145/mo ... n-scudetto

[Messinterista]

"Pepito Rossi all'Inter?
Ipotesi possibile e intrigante"

Ne è convinto il procuratore dell'attaccante del Villarreal, Pastorello: "Recupererà al 100% e lo rivedremo in campo a marzo. Lui e Stramaccioni non credo si conoscano, ma abbiamo parlato molto delle varie soluzioni che ci possono essere in Italia e all'estero e anche da parte di Giuseppe c'è un apprezzamento innegabile di questo progetto dell'Inter, pronto per il finale di stagione"
"Giuseppe Rossi tornerà più forte di prima". Ne è certo il suo procuratore Federico Pastorello, parlando del suo assistito colpito da un doppio infortunio e fuori dai campi di gioco da oltre un anno. "È stato un bruttissimo colpo, il primo infortunio è stato brutto - ha detto Pastorello a "La politica nel pallone" su Gr Parlamento -, il legamento è qualcosa che ti colpisce, sai che devi star fermo 5-6 mesi, poi il nuovo incidente è arrivato ad una settimana dal rientro in campo ed è stata una mazzata che pochi sarebbero stati capaci di affrontare con lo spirito e la determinazione con cui lo sta facendo Giuseppe".

FORZA DI CARATTERE — "Io - ha aggiunto Pastorello - non ho mai avuto dubbi conoscendolo da dieci anni, ha una forza caratteriale che gli permette di fare la differenza e farlo essere leader, pur essendo riservato. Sono convinto che tornerà più forte di prima, ad altissimi livelli. La seconda operazione è andata benissimo, c'è la conferma sul recupero al 100% del ragazzo, dobbiamo aspettare ma come ho detto a lui da adesso in poi ogni giorno che passa è uno in meno che resta. Speriamo di rivederlo in campo a marzo, pronto a rientrare per la fine della stagione". Nel futuro di Giuseppe Rossi, legato al villarreal dal 2007, ci sarà certamente una grande squadra, con l'Inter che sembra favorita. "Credo di sì - ha concluso Pastorello -: è un giocatore che può fare comodo all'Inter e a tutti i top club italiani, è in grado di aumentare il tasso tecnico e di pericolosità. Questo nuovo progetto giovane dell'Inter, con un allenatore giovane e preparato, è una cosa che intriga".

IDEA INTER — "L'Inter è un'opzione possibile per Giuseppe Rossi". Federico Pastorello, agente dell'attaccante del Villarreal, strizza l'occhio al club nerazzurro pur lasciando aperte altre ipotesi sul futuro del giocatore. "Lui e Stramaccioni non credo si conoscano, ma abbiamo parlato molto delle varie soluzioni che ci possono essere in Italia e all'estero e anche da parte di Giuseppe c'è un apprezzamento innegabile di questo progetto dell'Inter, che vuole rimanere in alto con una squadra più giovane e meno costosa, e in tal senso un po' di simpatia per Stramaccioni".

Source: http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/15 ... 5014.shtml

[Messinterista]

Cassano: Italy snub and snubbing Juve

Antonio Cassano says he doesn’t know why he’s been dropped from the Italy squad, while he’s revealed that he rejected the chance to join Juventus – on three different occasions.

Despite a stunning start to life at Inter, the Italian international hasn’t played for the Azzurri since the Final of Euro 2012.

“I don’t know why I wasn’t called up, but I hope to be taken into consideration all the way until the end for the World Cup,” he told TV show Che Tempo Che Fa.

“The thing I find a bit irritating is that the journalists find out who gets called to the squad even before the players do.

“My start with Inter has been a good one, now I have to continue like this.”

Cassano has played for Bari, Roma, Real Madrid, Sampdoria, Milan and now Inter in his career, but links with Juventus have never turned into anything concrete.

“I refused three times to go there,” he added. “They just want soldiers there, people who only go straight on their tracks.

“Sometimes I have to go to the right, to the left, where I feel like.

“Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni really wanted me,” he continued. “What does he like about me? I don’t know. I just hope he didn’t make the biggest mistake of his life…

“Today life is all wine and roses for me. Tomorrow, I don’t know. But I have to thank him and President Massimo Moratti who were straight shooters with me – and I’ll repay them on the pitch.”

Cassano was also at his mischievous best during the interview, touching on subjects like his friendship with Yuto Nagatomo, golf, how to get out of training and Twitter.

“We’re friends because we don’t understand anything when we talk to each other,” he smiled.

“What do we talk about? Everything, food, women. From morning to night we tell each other a thousand times what great friends we are, because we don’t have any alternatives…

“Will I start playing golf? I don’t like it. It’s a game for nerds. No offence, but you hit the ball, then you have to wait 15 minutes to hit it again. I get bored.

“The excuse that works best to get you out of training is to say that you’re having groin problems. They’ll run the tests and nothing will show up, but it’s my word against yours.

“Twitter? I don’t know how to use that or anything else…”

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/26175/ca ... bbing-juve

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Classic Cassano

[Messinterista]

Strama: 'Inter options intrigue me'

Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni has to decide between Rodrigo Palacio and Philippe Coutinho in “intriguing” trident options against Catania.

The Coach has continually revamped his side over the past few weeks, adopting a three-man defence and varying midfield and attack systems.

“During the break for international duty we worked well, looking at details and different options. Now we are going into this difficult run of games, but have to take it one at a time. The most important is always the next one,” he said in today’s Press conference.

“We must focus exclusively on Catania. I have no doubts over my line-up, we are concentrated and fired up. The Sicilians have had a great start to the season, as they have more points than Roma and Fiorentina, so it is a very difficult encounter.”

Palacio is back from a long injury lay-off, leading to even more options in attack.

“The idea of Antonio Cassano and Diego Milito with Palacio is intriguing, but risks becoming unbalanced. With Coutinho I feel more covered, but that is nonetheless an option that really excites me.

“We strongly wanted Palacio, as he was our first signing. He has unique characteristics in our front line.”

Matias Silvestre looks likely for a January exit after struggling to find space, although he’ll be facing his former Catania teammates tomorrow afternoon.

“Silvestre can play in a three-man defence, as a right-centre-back, but the performances tell us that Walter Samuel, Andrea Ranocchia and Juan Jesus are doing very well.”

Asked about today’s huge Juventus-Napoli top of the table showdown, Stramaccioni replied: “Who do I support? Only Inter.”

Finally, there are numerous reports that Inter are closing in on Brazilian talent Paulinho for the January transfer window.

“Have we signed him? I’m always the last to know these things! The truth is that he is of interest to many clubs and we did get there first, but I can rule out the idea he is already our player. Paulinho is a modern midfielder who can play in a bank of two or three, can push up into attack and score along with the ability to win back possession with the technique of a Brazilian.”

Inter squad for Catania: 1 Handanovic, 27 Belec, 32 Cincilla; 4 Zanetti, 6 Silvestre, 23 Ranocchia, 25 Samuel, 33 Mbaye, 40 Juan Jesus, 42 Jonathan; 11 Alvarez, 14 Guarin, 16 Mudingayi, 19 Cambiasso, 20 Obi, 21 Gargano, 31 Pereira, 41 Duncan; 7 Coutinho, 8 Palacio, 22 Milito, 88 Livaja, 99 Cassano.

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/26325/st ... ntrigue-me

[Lombardiamia]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... DF3laHbhdU

[red]

While it may be an interesting option to pull out occasionally, I don't think Inter's midfield is strong enough to support a front three that contributes very little defensively on any sort of regular basis.

[Messinterista]

Inter 2 - 0 Catania
Cassano 27 (I), Palacio 85 (I)
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza

Inter ran a few risks and Catania were denied a penalty, but Antonio Cassano and Rodrigo Palacio secured the 2-0 victory.

The Nerazzurri had revived Scudetto hopes after their derby victory and needed a win to keep up with Lazio in third place. Yuto Nagatomo was suspended after his red card against Milan, joining the injured Wesley Sneijder, Dejan Stankovic, Macdonald Mariga and Cristian Chivu. Andrea Stramaccioni reshuffled again with a trident attack including Rodrigo Palacio. Catania had never won at San Siro, though they fumbled a 2-0 lead here last season to draw. Giuseppe Bellusci and Augustyn were sidelined.

There were 14 Argentines on the field to start this game and Catania had the first great scoring opportunity when a Pablo Barrientos through ball split the defence, sending Sergio Almiron clear, but Joel Obi threw himself in front and did enough to force his shot over the bar.

The Sicilians were again dangerous as Giovanni Marchese skipped past Obi down the left and couldn’t quite get his pass across to Gonzalo Bergessio.

Inter struggled to create chances with this new system, but Palacio nodded a wonderful Antonio Cassano long pass into the arms of Mariano Andujar.

The Nerazzurri did break through with Cassano just shy of the half-hour mark. Diego Milito sparked the move, pulled back for Esteban Cambiasso whose long cross found a precise Cassano header at the back post.

Samir Handanovic had to fly in order to pluck a swerving Marchese strike out of the air, then on the stroke of half-time Mariano Izco incredibly turned a diving header wide when totally unmarked!

Cassano rolled across and Palacio just failed to get on the end of it from three yards in front of an open goal.

Andujar got just enough of his hand on to a Milito angled drive to turn it past the far post, albeit with quite a few nerves, then from the corner Palacio nodded wide from a very promising position.

Catania did have a good opportunity, but both Bergessio and Barrientos failed to get their shot away inside the box.

A Barrientos wayward shot turned into a cross that Almiron threw himself at, but could not get the final touch with his head. The Sicilians were pouring forward and Almiron’s turn was deflected off Ranocchia for a corner.

Ricky Alvarez nearly killed off the game on the counter-attack, but hesitated so he could get the ball on to his left foot, allowing Nicolas Spolli to close him down from six yards.

Catania went on the counter from that corner and Gomez wanted a penalty for Fredy Guarin’s challenge, but the referee waved play on. Replays suggest he certainly did not get the ball, so Catania were denied a penalty.

It was wide open now and Ranocchia again threatened to add a second, but he was denied by the frame of the goal on his header from Cambiasso’s cross.

Alvarez was very sluggish yet again on the counter and hesitated to fire straight at the goalkeeper.

Inter did get their second in the final minutes despite the pressure they were under. Palacio chested down a Milito cross on the counter and smashed the volley across Andujar.

Inter: Handanovic; Ranocchia, Samuel, Juan Jesus; Zanetti, Mudingayi (Guarin 71), Cambiasso, Obi (Gargano 62); Palacio, Cassano (Alvarez 69); Milito
Catania: Andujar; Alvarez, Legrottaglie, Spolli, Marchese; Izco (Castro 65), Lodi, Almiron (Ricchiuti 80); Barrientos, Bergessio, Gomez
Ref: Russo

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/22176