ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - FC Inter Milan

Posted by Gianni Serra on 12/04/2010

A superb game from Lazio's Brazilian ace killed Nerazzurri remaining hopes of a sixth straight league title. If AC Milan win at home to Brescia there could be 10 points between Inter and Serie A's top. Scudetto's gone, that's a certainty. And if the European champions keep playing this way even the Fifa Club World Cup could follow the same path.

The game against Lazio was the last for Inter ahead of the Intercontinental competition which is starting next week in Abu Dhabi. A very disappointing au revoir. A spiritless performance from the Champions of Europe - Inter played only 15 minutes, the 15 minutes in between Pandev's 73 minutes goal and Lazio's third. Too little, too late. The Olympic stadium witnessed a very good display form the home side against a team whose mid was already in the Emirates. Biava opened the score at the minute 26, Pandev missed an easy chance five minutes later. At the minute 35 Thiago Motta replaced the injured Dejan Stankovic. In the beginning of the second half Zarate exploited Natalino's only mistake of the game. A timid but promising display from the 18-year Inter's right-back. One of the few good notes from this game. Pandev returning to score after 10 months and Sneijder hitting the crossbar could be the other ones. No huge comfort, actually.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Hernanes. The Brazilian's talent was so evident and effective to obscure everyone else on the pitch. Inter now hope Internacional will not emulate their fellow countryman.

Serie A 2010-11 / Day 15

LAZIO-INTER 3-1 (1-0)

LAZIO: Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Biava, Dias, Radu; Brocchi, Matuzalem; Mauri, Zarate (81’ Ledesma), Hernanes (91' Bresciano); Floccari (87' Rocchi). Coach: Reja

INTER: Castellazzi; Natalino (83' Santon), Cordoba, Lucio, Zanetti; Cambiasso, Stankovic (36’ Thiago Motta); Biabiany, Sneijder, Muntari (54' Alibec); Pandev. Coach: Benitez.

Referee: Orsato
Goals: Biava 27’; Zarate 52’, Pandev 74’, Hernanes 89'
Yellow cards: Brocchi, Radu; Muntari

Comments

Posted by Sam on 12/04/2010

Another disappointment. The promise at Parma seems like a false dawn as Inter were woeful from the get go. The ony thing keeping Benetiz in his job is the injuries, for him they are a blessing rather than a curse as they keep him from being found out. So many questions arose from this game, perhaps the most important of the season to date. Why was Sneijder playing on the right wing, it just didnt work; why did he use a formation he did not have the players to ull off; why did the players come out so lacklustre, why does he insist on playing a style of football (possession) the players are obviously not good at; the list goes on. Inter were found out again and I can only hope that Moratti realises that Benetiz ideas do not fit with Inter in its current format no matter how many of our players we get back. I just hope our star players stay long enough for us to get a new coach. I can hear Man United scratching at our door, coming to save Sneijder from his Benetiz induced nightmare

Posted by Pat on 12/04/2010

Sam, let Sneijder leave. Hes overvalued and overrated no comparison with Xavi and Iniesta for the Golden Ball, vs Lazio Hernanes outclassed him. Finished, sell him now before fergie realizes...

Posted by Sam on 12/06/2010

I have to disagree with you Pat, Sneijder is an excellent player but in a particular system. Xavi and Iniesta are excellent at possession football, they are fast and patient, happy to pass the ball back and sideways. Sneijder however, is a master of couter attacking football, he looks for quick passes through the defence. Benetiz however wants to play more possession football and Sneijders game is not suited to this. He is still playing well for Holland where their game matches his skill set but struggling with Benetiz's Inter. In saying that he has been pretty unlucky the last two games and could have got a couple of goals.
As for selling him, if Benetiz insists on keeping this same tactics, then yes we should look to sell him. We should also look to sell 90% of the other players as they are struggling with these tactics too! Sneijder would kill at Man U I think, their style is perfect for him!

Posted by Pat on 12/06/2010

Fair enough. Must admit many good points, Sam. u right Rafas game plan is not suited to Sneijder so one of them must go. I dont like your line about Xavi and Iniesta excellent at passing back and sideways line, 'cause it seems to imply their attacking phase is not as good

Posted by Pedro on 12/07/2010

Sneijder is not THE problem. The real issue is conflict between Moratti and Benitez. Moratti said he won't tolerate to lose vs WB, Benitez replied the owner and Branca knew what players he needed to strenghten the squad. Moratti is wrong he should sack Benitez or back him not undermining his position day after day

Posted by Wiena on 12/05/2012

As a female, I have to say that I love Mike'a art. which is so fenime yet strong I hope to one day be a comic book artist and it's all from the very first comic I bought, Witchblade # 25 that started my passion for the stories and pictures. Mike to me was the very best and always will be my favorite artist. RIP!

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