Internazionale Main Thread III

[Messinterista]

I read something last year (can't remember the source, might have been FI) stating that we apparently get first choice at Messi when he turns 26. I laughed it off at the time but now this has reared its head out. In 2013 he will be 26. Not sure if his contract runs past that date though. Interesting coincidence or just the papers backing themselves up and spinning some laughable material. Remember when Ronnie was playing some great football for Barca? I didn't think they'd ever get rid of him but look where he is now, playing for AC. Anyway, I'm still not buying it though.

[zafferano]

in 3 years time Messi my not even be alive
how amyone can make such plans so far ahead.
the way our playesr get injuried maybe no inter left anyway.
the thing amaze me most is how so few coaches use
use interval training,what better example then MOU
use the same team for most of the year and so little
injuries

[Messinterista]

Hamburg line up Lucio offer

Hamburg are lining up a €13m swoop for Inter defender Lucio, according to reports from Germany.
It would be a return for the Brazilian centre-back, who already played for Bayer Leverkusen from 2001-2004 and Bayern Munich from 2004-2009.

According to Bild newspaper, Hamburg are ready to put a €13m offer on the table to bring him back to the Bundesliga.

It is an impressive sum for a 32-year-old who has struggled with injury problems recently.

Lucio’s contract ties him to Inter until June 2012, so he’d be sold before he could leave on a free transfer

Source: http://football-italia.net/oct13u.html

[Totally FRANK]

Sneijder set to extend at Inter
Wesley Sneijder is confident that he will soon put pen to paper on a new contract with Italian and European champions Inter.

The Dutchman has been in talks with the Nerazzurri over improved terms following his stellar performances last term.

Signed from Real Madrid just before the 2009 summer transfer window closed, Sneijder subsequently inspired the Nerazzurri to an unprecedented treble.

“There are a few details to sort out, just minor ones,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I don’t think there will be any problems in concluding the contract.

“I would have a lot of options if I decided to change, but my priority is to find a new agreement with Inter and I think that will soon happen.”

When asked whether the ‘details’ surrounded his salary or possible bonuses, the international insisted his age was the critical factor.

“The question is that I am no longer 20-years-old, I’m 26,” he noted. “At this point of my career I am evaluating everything that could happen.”

Sneijder seemed initially reluctant to leave Real for Inter last summer, but he was continually bombarded by text messages from then boss Jose Mourinho.

“I had a special relationship with him and I’m very happy that I had him as a Coach,” he said when asked of the now Real tactician.

“Mourinho is the man who used me in my best position and I was the best midfielder in the Champions League thanks to him – I feel the need to thank him.

“Mourinho and [present Inter boss Rafael] Benitez are totally different, to compare them would be useless and now a new story is being born.”

[Lombardiamia]

Certainly Sneider is someone who does deserve that little bit extra and it will be better for everyone that a conclusion is reached soon enough. About Lucio, I wouldn't accept any offers for him as he is one of the leaders of the squad and he is physically the less injury prone in that department. Ranocchia will be an excellent addition next year but on current level, Lucio offers so much more. In 4-5 years time things will change but for next year, I'd rather have Lucio back there.

[Messinterista]

Cagliari 0 - 1 Inter
Eto'o 39 (I)
Stadio Sant'Elia

It took a moment of Samuel Eto'o magic - plus Julio Cesar and the crossbar - to give Inter a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Cagliari.

Rafa Benitez could not rotate the squad ahead of the Champions League clash with Tottenham, as injuries ruled out Goran Pandev, Diego Milito, Esteban Cambiasso, David Suazo, Amantino Mancini, McDonald Mariga and Ivan Cordoba. They had just one point from the last two Serie A games and welcomed back Javier Zanetti after a month on the sidelines. Cagliari captain and vice-captain Daniele Conti and Alessandro Agostini returned after they were frozen out for a locker room brawl.

The Nerazzurri had won just two of their previous six visits to the Sant'Elia and were extremely fortunate to grab a victory last season. Play was halted after four minutes as the referee ordered a minority of Cagliari fans to stop making racist boo noises at the black Inter players. A warning was read out over the tannoy system.

Julio Cesar was forced to rush out and show off his dribbling skills after a poor Walter Samuel backpass threatened to send Nene' clear.

The Sardinians had penalty appeals for a handling offence that deflected Alessandro Matri's solo effort, but the referee waved play on, as it seemed more ball-to-hand on Lucio.

Inter took a while to really threaten and Douglas Maicon whistled a snapshot across the face of goal from distance after 22 minutes. Moments later Coutinho's effort forced Michael Agazzi into his first save, smothering the low strike from the edge of the box.

Andrea Cossu and Nene' exchanged passes well only for the Brazilian to fire over the bar. Conti's free kick was also off target and Cossu curled wide of the near post.

Michele Canini was fortunate that Samuel Eto'o failed to make the most of his fresh-air clearance, as the Cameroon striker also sliced the shot.

Cagliari went so close to an opener after 35 minutes. Francesco Pisano skipped past Coutinho down the right and his cross was pulled back by Nainggolan for Cossu in the D, who placed the shot inches past the upright.

However, it was Inter who broke the deadlock with a wonderful solo effort from Eto'o. The hitman hooked a deflected ball with his right foot to turn Astori and smashed in with his left from outside the box.

It was almost 2-0 in first half stoppages, as Agazzi flapped at a corner kick for Douglas Maicon to head wide.

After the restart Julio Cesar needed a desperate double save to keep Inter in front. First he had his palms stung by Nene's effort from close range, then parried the Matri follow-up from eight yards.

Agazzi also got his gloves dirty by beating away an Eto'o curler set up by Wesley Sneijder. Nene' flashed a shot wide, but Dejan Stankovic had a great chance when his header flew over from a corner.

Thiago Motta replaced Jonathan Biabiany, who was hit by cramp, to make his debut for the season.

Cagliari were furious when their appeals were waved away for a Samuel handling offence on the edge of the box, as Matri and Robert Acquafresca were two-against-one when the pass was intercepted.

Just 30 seconds later a deflected Andrea Lazzari cross from a corner looped over the helpless Julio Cesar to thump the bar, then the goalkeeper managed to scramble his body on to the Conti rebound.

Thiago Motta's comeback lasted just 10 minutes before he limped off for treatment clutching the same injured knee, but the Brazilian managed to run off the knock.

Matri horribly wasted another chance to equalise, as tender Alex Pinardi pulled back for his scuffed side-foot over the bar.

Cagliari: Agazzi; Pisano, Astori, Canini, Agostini; Biondini (Lazzari 55), Conti, Nainggolan (Pinardi 78); Cossu; Matri, Nenè (Acquafresca 64)

Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Stankovic; Biabiany (Thiago Motta 69), Sneijder (Muntari 85), Coutinho (Obi 66); Eto'o

Ref: Tagliavento

Source: http://football-italia.net/sa1011/cag-int.html

[Messinterista]

Benitez: 'We need new players'

Rafa Benitez has warned Inter “we need to buy new players in January” and denied they are dependent on Samuel Eto’o.
The Coach had precious few options and could not rest stars for today’s 1-0 victory away to Cagliari.

“It was important to win today while we await the return of our many injured players,” said Benitez.

Once again, Eto’o got the only goal, as this season the Nerazzurri have only won games in which the Cameroon hitman has scored.

“We are not dependent on Eto’o. When I have a more complete squad to choose from, we will have more alternatives and styles of play.

“All of Cagliari scoring opportunities came from our mistakes.

“We need to analyse two or three situations with director Marco Branca. I think we need to buy new players in January so we can be sharp right to the end of the season.”

Inter’s next test is in the Champions League against Tottenham.

“It is a difficult encounter, as Spurs are a strong and fast side.”

Source: http://football-italia.net/oct17j.html

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We definitely need more men even if they are just loans to tie us for the rest of the season. Motta played as well! O wait, he started limping 10 mins in. He ran off the knock as the report says but is he ok?

[Totally FRANK]

Are the rumors about us being interested in Palacio true? We could do with anyone right now. Btw, is Suazo injured or is he just not part of the set up.

MI, Motta himself said that he is fine in the post match interviews. Good to see him back. Pandev has also had a full training session today. I guess he should be back for the game against Tottenham.

[Messinterista]

[zafferano]

why bother about the market ,we are a long way to january and
as usual we never buy anyone at that time of the year.
everday a new speculation i would not take any notes

[Lombardiamia]

You may be right Briz, but I suppose that is an argument to keep the forum a little bit alive. I find it so hard to discuss about our games and stuff. It seems like last season drained out most of my enthusiasm. I believe its the fact that we cant do any better than that...
As for the transfer market, I believe Moratti this time will bring in a new face or two come january, given there are the right players available. Certainly we wont be after high priced players. As funny as it might seem, we lack quantity in one department and quality in another. We need those 2 spots to be filled up asap. I dont think Palacio is a target and TBH I hope he isnt. I'd be happy yo not get anyone than get the first available guy then find out he was useless and gets to stay for 4-5 years without playing (like Suazo or Mancini).

[Totally FRANK]

I did not even get to see the match last weekend. It was like 6 in the morning. Its quite dull as you say Lomba. No Mourinho to spice things up, Benitez on the other hand just goes about minding his own business. Added to that I am pretty sure we won't be winning the CL. Serie A is the only one to look forward to, the rivalry with Milan and Ibra.

[Lombardiamia]

[Totally FRANK]

Do you think we will take a crack at Rooney if he leaves Man Ure, which looks likely at the moment?

[RomaShield27]

He's almost certain to leave, and no doubt Benitez would want him and I could see Rooney himself up for a move to Inter, but the main question would be if Moratti is willing to stump up the big transfer fee for him?

I read this earlier on the Guardian (), Paolo Bandini's thoughts on it:

Would they want him?
Rafael Benítez is adamant his Inter team needs upgrading in January, though he is most anxious to add forwards who are comfortable playing wide. With Diego Milito struggling for form early this season, though, there is no doubt he would find a way to incorporate Rooney.

Would they have the money?
The president, Massimo Moratti, is rich enough but, after ploughing a reported €730m of his own money into the club in his 14 years in charge, is keen to get the club breaking even ahead of the introduction of Uefa's financial fair play rules. He might consider sanctioning a move if accompanied by the sale of another well-paid player, such as the Brazil right-back Maicon.

Could they attract him?
Inter are the reigning European champions and capable of matching his ambition but Milan is a very different city from Manchester. His relationship with Benítez, manager for so long of a Liverfekkin'wankscum team he proclaimed to "hate", would be interesting to watch.

Could they make a move in January?
In theory, though Moratti does not seem anxious to throw his money around. Asked if his team were too dependent on Samuel Eto'o, Moratti replied: "When we were dependent on [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic we won two titles. So I'm not unhappy at all."

[Messinterista]

Us going for Rooney hasn't crossed my mind nor will we go for him unless its on a free. When I heard these murmurs about him busting up with SAF the only place I thought he'd go to would be Real. No club in Italy would be "prestigious" enough for these supposed English Gods of Football.

[Lombardiamia]

Rooney decided to move out all of a sudden according to SAF. He declared he didnt have a row with him or anything. If that is really the case here, than it is quite obvious that Rooney has already a deal settled with someone. This someone has to have quite the cash to have SAF agree on letting him go (like the CR deal). And who might this club be? Certainly not Man. City...Man U would refuse any offer from them...certainly not in Italy...No one has that cash.
Mourinho had been asking for another striker in august, but somehow RM didnt get him anyone.....strange. Wouldnt Rooney fit perfectly in Mou's 3-man forward line-up, considering Rooney is the kind of forward who often tracks back (like Eto'o last year)? I can see REAL MADRID written all over this issue...
Anyway, Moratti would never splash out that amount of money.

[Totally FRANK]

Real Madrid seem to be the most likely destination. If he goes there that would leave one of Higuain or Benzema on the rocks and I think we should pick either of them up if there is a chance.

Btw, if he goes to Real I would see him playing up top as a lone striker and not on the wing as they already have CR7, ozil and kaka to fit in among others.

[Lombardiamia]

I can see Mou using the formation he used with us with Rooney, Ozil, CR & Higuain TBH. Kaka seems to be the odd one out and I wouldnt be surprised to see him leave in june. Rooney has played the Eto'o game while at Man U when they won their last Cl, so I really see what Mou is trying to do.
Higuain wont leave as Mou is quite fond of him. Benzema could be up for grabs but would you guys invest 25M on Benzema aka someone who Mou himself labelled as lazy and tactically indisciplined? I'd rather we spend on someone different. Actually I'm more inclined to think that we're looking for someone who's main position isnt that of a striker but a wide forward who can play also in the middle if needed. Latest reports link us with Vucinic....well I think that might be a more plausable solution.

[romawi]