Internazionale Main Thread III

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[juventino_italiano]

[juventino_italiano]

[Messinterista]

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EXCLUSIVE: Inter Full-Back Maicon To Play Right-Wing Against Barcelona
Brazilian could step into midfield as Mourinho looks to unleash a surprise or two…

By Carlo Garganese & Rupert Fryer

Inter full-back Douglas Maicon will be pushed up into midfield for tomorrow evening’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona at San Siro, Goal.com sources have learned.

With so much of the talk building up to tomorrow night’s match focusing around how Jose Mourinho intends to nullify Leo Messi, Jose Mourinho has seemingly decided to deploy either Ivan Cordoba or Javier Zanetti as an orthodox right full-back, freeing Maicon of his defensive responsibilities.

The Brazilian will instead be let loose on the attacking right of midfield to try and expose Barcelona's weaker left flank, which will be occupied by either Maxwell or Eric Abidal. Goran Pandev will drop to the bench after his poor recent form.

Mourinho has been playing his cards very close to his chest over the past week, refusing to be drawn on the tactical approach he intends to take to the game, suggesting he is hoping to launch a surprise or two on Pep Guardiola; just as he did against Chelsea in the previous round when he selected a more attacking formation for the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Goal.com has also learned that The Special One is likely to scrap this ultra-attacking 4-2-1-3 formation in favour of a more pragmatic approach. The 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 (depending on territory) is the system that Mou is ready to utilise, with a probable team of Julio Cesar; Cordoba, Lucio, Samuel, Zanetti; Thiago Motta, Cambiasso; Maicon, Sneijder, Eto'o; Milito

[Dejan-Stankovic]

This has been floating around for a couple of days now but I'm still not sure as to its validity. At the very least I'd expect Chivu to line up at LB instead of Cordoba and J.Z could take up the RB spot.

About Maicon though, the positive aspect is he can lessen his defensive duties and focus on his great attacking ability but imo he needs space to do what he does. He never really tricks or sidesteps opponents but he beats them with sheer pace in a direct line and continues runs so in theory I think this means he'd be more effective on the counter (which most likely will be the game plan) but it's an unknown quantity as to what he can do when we're holding possession and he's boxed in. It's certainly an interesting option though.

As for as results go, I'd take anything that keeps us in the tie in the second leg. 1-0, 1 - 1, 2 - 1 etc.

[Lombardiamia]

[Lombardiamia]

Feckin savages.........

LA JUVE PERDE A S.SIRO E DISTRUGGE LO SPOGLIATOIO!

Fonte: qsvs.it
Disperazione e degenero allo stato puro. "La compagnia dell'anello bianconero" dopo la magra figura subita a S.Siro in occasione dell'anticipo di campionato contro l'Inter nell'incontro definito "la madre di tutte le partite" sfoga la propria frustrazione contro lo spogliatoio di S.Siro dedicato alla squadra ospite. Il risultato? Tacchetti conficcati, porte da sostituire e un muro senza più intonaco per danni che portano ad un ammontare di qualche migliaia di euro. Lo stesso responsabile del Consorzio San Siro ha dichiarato di non aver mai assistito ad una scena simile in 10 anni di attività presso la struttura. Visti il susseguirsi dei numerosi impegni neroazzuri in questo finale di stagione, che ci vedono sempre protagonisti su tutti i fronti, gli addetti ai lavori sono già all'opera per far sì che i blaugrana domani sera possano avere un ambiente il più confortevole possibile.

[Totally FRANK]

Champions League Comment: Julio Cesar Will Be Key At The Back For Inter Against Barcelona
Goal.com's Subhankar Mondal underlines the importance of the Brazilian goalkeeper during Tuesday night's clash at the San Siro.....

Whatever the outcome may be of the match between Inter and Barcelona at San Siro on Tuesday night, rest assured that the Catalans will have the better stats. Pep Guardiola's side will end up with a greater percentage of possession, more shots taken, more shots on target, more corners earned and more saves forced out of the opposition goalkeeper.

Which is why Inter custodian Julio Cesar will have to be on top of his game.

Few would argue that Inter have the most formidable defensive unit among the semi-finalists of this season's Champions League. Statistically Olympique Lyonnais have the best defensive record among the remaining four teams but Inter have conceded just one fewer goal. Even when you look beyond the domain of stats, you will have to concede that defensively the Italian champions are (on paper at least) stronger than the other three sides.

Lucio and Walter Samuel are arguably the best central-defensive partnership left in the competition, Maicon remains one of the best balanced right-backs in the game, Javier Zanetti is versatile and world class even at 36 and Esteban Cambiasso, although not a Claude Makelele, is a marvellous defensive-minded central midfielder.

But Barcelona have the best attacking line-up on the planet and even without Andres Iniesta remain an imposing force. Chelsea had more shots on target than Inter over the two legs in the last 16 stage and Barca are thrice the team the Blues are; with Xavi controlling the midfield, Lionel Messi cutting in from the sides to feature as a withdrawn centre-forward, Pedro demonstrating an all-round aptitude on the left channel and Daniel Alves bombing up from right back, Inter's backline will be kept on their toes. And Barca will find a way to sneak in past their defence. Which is when Julio Cesar will be called into action.

Cesarhas been among the top three goalkeepers for the past two years but this season he has been disappointing and has looked, on occasion, awkward. He has conceded goals that he shouldn't have, fumbled crosses on several occasions, looked confounded on free-kicks and at times has failed to command his penalty area. Against Barcelona, if he exhibits any of such shenanigans, then Inter will be doomed.

The 30-year-old was a mess against Fiorentina in their 2-2 draw in Serie A in April; The Brazilian's performance against la Viola was pathetic and was one of a succession of poor displays he has exhibited this campaign. Against Bologna too he tried to play smart by attempting a chip inside his own penalty area and almost conceded a loose goal. Against Roma he was responsible for allowing a goal by forgetting one of the basic rules of goalkeeping.

The way Barcelona play their football, it is almost inevitable that they will ask questions of Julio Cesar. And the way Barcelona play, if he fails to come up with the right answers, then he will certainly be punished. For Inter to win against the reigning European champions at San Siro as well as progress to the final, they will have to keep a clean sheet.

Barca's strategy is to tire the opposition by keeping the ball and although Inter's defence know about this, they will also know that there will come an occasion when Julio Cesar will have to come up with the goods to protect the Beneamata citadel.

It will be then when the moment of truth will have arrived both for Inter and for Julio Cesar.

[juventino_italiano]

[Lombardiamia]

[juventino_italiano]

[zafferano]

[juventino_italiano]

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[Dejan-Stankovic]

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What a result. 3-1, I would have never imagined this even in my wildest dreams. I am very proud of the way we played against the best team in Europe and the way Mourinho set out the team to play our game rather than trying to shackle Messi and co. The third goal was a perfect example of our hurrying and hassling where Motta won the ball so high the pitch. A taste of their own medicine.

The last ten minutes were a little worrying as we lost a little shape after Maicon and Milito were subbed. Hopefully they can get back in time for next week's game.

[Dejan-Stankovic]

Fantastic result and game. The better team won on the night and what a turnaround from the group stage vs Barca. That tackle by Sneijder on Alves in the area looked a peno to me even though on the replay it was only minor but the lunge itself looked ugly. Still, if you ask Chelsea, they'd say who gives a fuck. The third goal I haven't seen a proper angle for offside but at first glance it looked like Pique played Milito onside. Still, no doubt these will be the main topics and no-one will mention how good we played, 3 incorrect offsides and the tough call on Eto'o for that foul.

Even though it's a great score, Barca are easily capable of scoring 2 - 5 goals at home in the return leg so we shouldn't get too excited. Still, this is probably the greatest Inter CL game I've seen tbh.

Milito is 99% suffering from cramp imo but Maicon appears to have broken his nose or jaw. Very unlikely we'll see him in the return leg.

I'm still stunned. What a fuckin game. 10/10 for team performance and Ibra and Messi we're almost invisible tonight. But the most telling thing for me tonight on how good we played was at about the 80th min when Xavi got the ball and turned to pass but had to hold onto it for about 5 secs then eventually passed backwards, he turned to the front men and just cracked the shits. I don't think I've ever seen him do that.

I don't know what the fuck is wrong with Balo though; when he went off he threw his shirt to the ground and looked pissed at the crowd who also looked like they were giving him shit.

Second leg, no Puyol for them and no Stankovic for us because of yellows and we'll wait on the injuries.