Internazionale Main Thread III

[Messinterista]

[Messinterista]

Inter update Champions League list

Giampaolo Pazzini is not included in Inter’s updated Champions League squad, but Houssine Kharja, Andrea Ranocchia and Yuto Nagatomo are.

The Nerazzurri released their new list handed to UEFA following the January transfer window.

Striker Pazzini is unavailable, having played in the Champions League play-offs for Sampdoria in August.

However, new buys Kharja, Ranocchia and Nagatomo are included and can play against Bayern Munich in the knockout round.

It is interesting to note that Walter Samuel retains his spot in the list despite suffering a knee injury expected to keep him out for most of the season.

1 Julio Cesar, 2 Cordoba, 4 Zanetti, 5 Stankovic, 6 Lucio, 8 Thiago Motta, 9 l Eto’o, 10 Sneijder, 12 Castellazzi, 13 Maicon, 14 Kharja, 15 Ranocchia, 17 Mariga, 19 Cambiasso, 20 Obi, 21 Orlandoni, 22 Milito, 23 Materazzi, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu, 27 Pandev, 29 Coutinho, 55 Nagatomo

B-List: Biraghi, Romano’, Crisetig, Dell’Agnello, Natalino, Bessa, Kysela, Gallinetta

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/feb01u.html
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This answers my question about Nagatomo eligibility for the champions league matches. Shame about Pazzo though.

[zafferano]

[quote="RomaShield27"]Who the flippin feck is this Nagatomo bloke? Did he play many games for Cesena this season? I can't recall him at all. And was he not on loan at Cesena? So he's cancelled that loan deal and just joined Inter on loan instead?

Shield he is the one that mark Messi in the japan friendly win against argentina ,and done
really well.
the other you sold to chievo and inter buy it because he was our product ,could be ok if is back
come good.if not he be a reserve i presume

[Totally FRANK]

Inter’s January signings were an impressive illustration of a club planning for the future, writes Antonio Labbate
Within weeks of becoming champions of the world, a consequence of their glorious Italian and European title successes, Inter were handed a stark statistical reminder that their experienced squad was on the verge of being reclassified as old.

A demographic study by the Professional Football Players’ Observatory, released in January, revealed that the Nerazzurri had the oldest side in Europe. Contrasted with top-flight clubs from 36 other countries on the continent, nobody could match Inter’s average age of 29.6.

Such a finding should have little significance on the outcome of this season’s Serie A race or on the side’s chances of retaining the Champions League, but it does highlight a need for a gradual generational shift at San Siro.

The sale of Mario Balotelli to Manchester City in the summer was a backwards step in bringing down the age of the squad, although Inter did bring in the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Jonathan Biabiany in the same transfer session. But the club’s January moves spoke of a clear rejuvenation strategy.

While city rivals Milan opted for a number of short-term solutions in an effort to maintain their Serie A leadership, Inter invested for the future with three of their four signings – Andrea Ranocchia, Giampaolo Pazzini and Yuto Nagatomo – players with the potential to be making a difference at Inter for the next five years.

Ranocchia is Italy’s great defensive hope of the next decade. Originally set to join Inter at the end of the season after they bought a 50 per cent stake in him last summer, he was fast-tracked to the Meazza following the serious injury suffered by Walter Samuel. Genoa netted €12.5m for their remaining half of the player.

The Italian international, 22, adds much-needed freshness to the outfit’s central defensive options. Of the five players in the squad who can play in that position, all are in their 30s. Marco Materazzi was born in 1973, Ivan Cordoba in ’76, 1978 was the year of birth for Lucio and Samuel, while Cristian Chivu has 1980 on his documents.

Ranocchia – who for the sake of Italian football will hopefully flourish a la Franco Baresi rather than fade a la Salvatore Fresi – and Pazzini were arguably the best options that the Italian market could offer right now. Already very good players, but with margins of improvement, they clearly have the ability to become permanent fixtures in the Giro Azzurro.

The signing of Pazzini was particularly astute. Putting to one side his dream debut in which he scored a brace and won the decisive penalty, there are two aspects of the Pazzo deal that are significant.

Firstly they dealt Juventus, a theoretical title rival, a blow by poaching a player who the Turin giants would surely have targeted in the summer. Secondly, they bagged him at a rather reasonable price. Inter got Pazzini for €12m cash and Biabiany who seems to have been valued at a rather generous €7m.

Although the former Atalanta and Fiorentina man may initially have to play a back-up role to Diego Milito and Samuel Eto’o, Pazzo is five years younger than the Argentine and has three years on the Cameroon forward. If Inter progress in the Champions League then Leonardo will be in a position to rotate his attackers in the championship as Pazzini is cup-tied in Europe.

Inter also deserve praise for their Nagatomo swoop. Well aware that they have an issue at left-back with Chivu and Davide Santon failing to convince, they brought in the Japanese international. Nagatomo will offer the Romanian some serious competition if his performances for Cesena and his country are taken into consideration.

The 24-year-old will have six months to prove his worth at San Siro as he only arrives on loan, again a smart move by Marco Branca. In that time not only will they be able to take a close look at the player at La Pinetina on a daily basis, but they’ve also offered Santon a chance to get his career back on track.

Brought into the Inter team by Jose Mourinho and hailed as destined for greatness by Marcello Lippi, who wasted little time in handing him an Azzurri cap, the 20-year-old has lost his way. The weight of expectation has significantly affected his form and his lack of regular playing time at the Meazza has stunted his growth.

Ending the season at Cesena, with the intention of returning to the Nerazzurri as a better player, he should become a regular. That will only serve to help him in the short term and Inter in the long as they plan for not only a prosperous future, but a younger one too.

[Messinterista]

A reassuring article. He forgot to mention it looks more like an Italian future as well.

[Messinterista]

Julio Cesar commits to Inter

Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar has revealed his intention to keep playing for the club until 2014.

The 31-year-old Brazil international has suffered several niggling injuries this season.

He has also been linked with a move away from Inter amid speculation that Bologna's Emiliano Viviano is already lined up as his replacement.

Interviewed in La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cesar was asked to explain what it's like to be on the sidelines.

“Boredom,” he said. “Therapy, always the same exercises, training away from the squad with no balls. It's terrible for me. My life has always been the opposite of boredom. And then you end up doing strange things.

“During the warm up on Sunday before Inter-Palermo, I was talking to my muscles. 'Cursed things, don't make any jokes, eh?' I shouldn't have played. I came back too early because Luca Castellazzi was injured and when things go this way some wicked thoughts come to you.”

Asked whether he will still be at Inter when his contract expires in 2014, Cesar replied: “Exactly, I don't see why I should change. For me Viviano's arrival wouldn't change anything.”

Source: http://www.football-italia.net/feb02d.html
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Quite a coincidence considering our talk of him of late.

[Lombardiamia]

So what formation do we play tonight?

Certainly JC in goal. Maicon on the right. In the middle I'd play Chivu & Ranocchia so as not to risk Cordoba and especially not to risk having to play Materazzi. If Chivu is played in the middle, Nagatomo will start LB. In midfield certainly Zanetti, one of Cambiasso or T.Motta (both have slight injury problems) & Kharja. Sneijder should be starting as well as Eto'o. I'd be undecided as to who should play between Pazzini & Milito. Both need to play to get some confidence but seeing last sunday's results, I'd be more inclined to start Milito since Pazzini is more explosive than Milito when coming off the bench.

[Totally FRANK]

Leo said that he will evaluate Sneijder's condition today before deciding either way. With matches against Roma and Juve coming up and not to mention the CL we need to be careful with him. I think it would be better to start him of the bench and possibly play Pandev behind the strikers.

IMO Milito is still a better all round striker especially when it comes his movement off the ball. He should start ahead of Pazzini.

[Lombardiamia]

Since Sneijder has been called up, it means that he will start IMO. If Leo wanted to rest him, he'd let him out of today's squad. I agree on Milito of course. Milito beats Pazzini in most aspects. Obviously the problem with him is his general fitness right now. A 100% Milito is twice as good as a 100% Pazzini.

[Messinterista]

Kharja!
The first bit that I watched from the match before I left for work I noticed that Maicon seems to have picked up his great first touches again, and Cesar's fine save from Almiron's free kick? Things are starting to click. Something that worried me was Matrix starting alongside Ranocchia with Chivu on the left? I don't particular want Ranocchia to pick up any bad habits from Matrix...

[Messinterista]

Yahoo Pazzo e Sneijder!!!!!

[Bagg10]

Chivu is a dirty gypsy.

[Messinterista]

Chivu out Nagatomo in? O wells...

[Totally FRANK]

Overall a very poor game from us today. Poor Milito seems to have lost his first touch and I am sure playing Motta as the regista is going to back fire on us sometime soon. He gave away a penalty last game and almost gave one today. Playing him there makes us more fluid but he just can't protect the back four like Cambiasso can. His first touch has been so poor of late. We managed a win just because Bari are in such a bad patch of form.

On the good side, Cesar is back to his best. I did not expect him to be as he just returned from injury but on this form he can win so many points for us like he did today. Good to see Sneijder back with a goal and Pazzini continuing his good form. Kharja could be very useful for us we are to keep ourselves competitive in 3 competitions.

Last of all, shame on Chivu! Punching Rossi in the face like a douchebag. He will likely be suspended for 3-4 games and we can see Nagatomo play, which is a good thing.

[Messinterista]

2 of our newbies that have played have scored. We can't really ask for much more. Chivu did have a brain snap which is not comforting. I would like to have seen him partner Ranocchia in the centre with Nag on the left. Something like this is inexcusable. We should give him a further match suspension on top of what is handed to him just to teach him a lesson and any of the other players as well.

[Totally FRANK]

I liked the club's attitude towards Chivu's punching. Leonardo first came out and said that it was wrong followed by Moratti who apologized and finally they did not appeal against the 4 match ban. Everyone at the club including Chivu himself accepted it was a mistake and he deserved the punishment. And we move on.

[Lombardiamia]

Agreed Frank. It's something we have seen others do so I'm even more happy...

[Messinterista]

Nagatomo eyes Roma start

Yuto Nagatomo says he’s ready to make his Inter debut against Roma on Sunday. “I can’t wait to play in my new stadium.”

The Japanese international was presented to the media today following his deadline day loan move from Cesena.

And given that Cristian Chivu has today been handed a four-match ban, Nagatomo could appear at San Siro this weekend.

“I can’t wait to play in my new stadium,” he said. “I’m at the Coach’s disposal and I’ll be ready when he needs me.

"Inter is the club I wanted, the world champions. I'm very proud to be here and my mother cried with joy when I told her I was joining Inter.

"Everyone has been very nice to me and I'm settling in really well, both with the people and with the football side of things – it has been an excellent start.”

Nagatomo accepted the switch after holding talks with Inter boss Leonardo and getting the opinion of Japan Coach Alberto Zaccheroni.

“Leonardo was very important for my arrival here. He knows Japanese football having played in my country. And it was Leonardo who called me, who wanted me to come here. I’m very grateful.

“I also spoke with Zaccheroni and he wished me well by telling me that I would make it.”

The left-back also thanked Cesena for giving him the opportunity to impress in Serie A after his summer switch from Tokyo.

“The people of Cesena were always very close to me and I have happy memories of those splendid months there.”

Nagatomo was also inevitably asked about city rivals Milan.

“We have to win the derby,” he said. “Milan are not only Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they have many champions but I’ll look to give my best against them. I’ll do just that.”

Source: http://football-italia.net/feb04p.html

[Messinterista]

woah man. it was scary looking at the livescores from work seeing 4-3 and the injury time lasting quite a bit. 5-3 made it worth while.

[Messinterista]

Inter 5 - 3 Roma
Sneijder 3 (I), Simplicio 13 (R), Eto'o 35, pen 63 (I), Thiago Motta 71 (I), Vucinic 75 (R), Loria 81 (R), Cambiasso 90 (I)
Stadio Meazza


Inter demolished 10-man Roma 5-3 with Samuel Eto'o bagging a brace, Wesley Sneijder, Thiago Motta and Esteban Cambiasso. The Giallorossi almost clawed it back from 4-1 down to 4-3, but were undone at the death.

This was a head-to-head for the Scudetto race between two sides who have battled for the title, Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup in recent years. Francesco Totti was out with flu, David Pizarro and Adriano injured plus Philippe Mexes suspended. Inter missed Dejan Stankovic, MacDonald Mariga, Lucio, Luca Castellazzi, Walter Samuel and the suspended Cristian Chivu, but Wesley Sneijder had his first start since December.

Roma were unbeaten in this Serie A fixture since a Sinisa Mihajlovic brace on February 12 2005, followed by two wins and three draws. However, they lost their last two visits in the 2010 Coppa Italia Final and Italian Super Cup.

It took just 130 seconds for Inter to take the lead with Sneijder. The Dutchman received in the D from Douglas Maicon, got the ball under control and smashed into the near top corner with his left foot.

Marco Borriello nearly equalised, the shot beaten away at the near post by Julio Cesar after shaking off four defenders. Borriello then felt he was hauled back by Andrea Ranocchia when clear on goal, but the referee waved play on.

Roma equalised with a well-worked move. Mirko Vucinic turned his man in midfield, fed through Marco Cassetti for a long ball rolled to the back post where Fabio Simplicio came sliding in to beat Maicon.

The Giallorossi thought they'd gone 2-1 up 90 seconds later, but Julio Cesar performed an incredible triple save! First he beat away a Jeremy Menez strike from the edge of the box, then got back on his feet to palm away Borriello's headed follow-up and again to stop Menez at the near post.

Julio Sergio spilled a taut and low Sneijder free kick, but Ranocchia and Samuel Eto'o were prevented from tapping in the loose ball.

Eto'o drilled wide on the volley, while Esteban Cambiasso and Giampaolo Pazzini had shots charged down in the same move created by an Eto'o pass with the outside of his boot.

Sneijder aimed a snapshot from distance to sting Julio Sergio's palms, but Roma peppered the Inter area with strikes. Vucinic threaded through for Simplicio, who dribbled round Julio Cesar, but eventually the shot and pass for Borriello were crowded out. The Giallorossi kept pushing with more efforts charged down by defensive bodies.

However, Inter doubled their lead against the run of play. Eto'o went down the right, skipped past John Arne Riise to pick his spot for a precise left-foot angled drive across Julio Sergio at the near post. The Roma goalkeeper was taken utterly by surprise.

Moments later, Eto'o combined with Maicon to flick the ball just over the bar. Sneijder again tested Julio Sergio from distance. Pazzini had the ball in the back of the net after the restart, but the whistle had gone for a very tight offside decision.

It got worse for Roma, though, as Pazzini burst into the box to chest down a Sneijder pass and was tripped from behind by a clumsy Nicolas Burdisso tackle. He prevented a clear scoring opportunity, so the red card was inevitable and Eto'o converted the penalty into the near bottom corner despite Julio Sergio guessing the right angle.

Simone Loria made his first Roma appearance in 23 months. It was so nearly 4-1 with a classic counter-attack, but Eto'o flashed the ball across for Pazzini and Julio Sergio performed a stunning one-handed reaction save from close range.

The fourth did arrive from the resulting corner. Eto'o knocked the Sneijder cross down for Thiago Motta's diving header from a couple of yards.

Julio Sergio parried a shot from Diego Milito at the near post, then Yuto Nagatomo made his Inter debut, pushing Javier Zanetti into midfield.

Roma did get one back with 15 minutes to go. A free kick was touched on for Daniele De Rossi and the wayward effort redirected by Vucinic just inside the box.

Julio Sergio again performed a great save to deny Milito from point-blank range, though he had been flagged offside. Nagatomo got to the by-line to pull back for Eto'o, but Julio Sergio just about intervened.

The Giallorossi were down to 10 men, but still managed to drag it back to 4-3! A corner found Juan's towering header that ricocheted off the upright and into the path of Loria to bundle over the line.

Claudio Ranieri's men kept pushing and Vucinic's strike was charged down. On the counter Inter had the chance to seal it, but Cambiasso pulled back for Eto'o from seven yards and another Julio Sergio reaction save, then Milito ballooned the follow-up over the bar.

Cambiasso decided to do it himself a few moments later. Eto'o shrugged his way past Rodrigo Taddei, Julio Sergio slapped it into the path of Javier Zanetti, who set up Cambiasso for the finish.
Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Ranocchia, Cordoba, Zanetti; Kharja, Thiago Motta, Cambiasso; Sneijder (Nagatomo 75); Pazzini (Milito 70), Eto'o

Roma: Julio Sergio; Cassetti, N Burdisso, Juan, Riise; Perrotta (Taddei 67), De Rossi, Simplicio (Greco 70), Menez (Loria 64); Borriello, Vucinic

Ref: Tagliavento

Sent off: N Burdisso 62 (R)

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