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Winning in Moscow sounds good. Inter now are second, one point behind Trabzonspor. The Turkish side will be soon overtaken by Nerazzurri , who can be sure to reach the knockout stages on top [of the weakest group of the UEFA Champions League 2011-12].
Inter's second win in a row under Claudio Ranieri was not an epic one. Too poor Cska's defense to be considered a valid test to assess Inter's attacking ability with the old-new diamond. And, on the other hand, Inter's defense offered too much room too many times to the very skilled Russian forwards. True, Dzagoev scored from a set piece but Doumbia had hit a post earlier with a header and even in the second half the homeside had at least three clear goal opportunities and then found the net again with Vagner Love.
Just to say that, despite being quite more comfortable with Ranieri's system of play [no comparison, actually], Inter still need to improve in every department. Julio Cesar is still alternating wonderful saves to inexplicable blunders. Similar inconsistency could be said of Lucio: the Brazilian centreback scored his second goal in two games (like Pazzini...) but, again, he showed pieces of bad defending here and there.
On the minus' list even Diego Milito (short of sharpness and movement) and Ricky Alvarez. The Argentinian playmaker was placed by Claudio Ranieri in his favourite position as trequartista a la Sneijder. Unfortunately Alvarez is not Sneijder and the early Lucio goal, that allowed Inter to play the more congenial counterattack, penalised Alvarez who was always too slow to reach the right place to receive a quick pass [nearly all counterattacks bypassed him], and when he had a part in the counterattack he almost halted everything. Alvarez possesses touch, vision and is never afraid to play the ball, but he needs to improve his position and running to have a real impact in European football.
Positive notes came from some of the old guard: Chivu (faultless), Cambiasso (the best), Zanetti (no news here), Samuel (still too rusty but always very good at keeping the back four in line). Pazzini's second goal is just a new chapter of the new deal kicked off by Ranieri - the former Roma coach, had immediately stressed that the former Fiorentina and Sampdoria striker would have been his number one option among the forwards in the squad. Pazzini is repaying the compliment in the most fitting way - scoring one goal per game.
Very solid performances also from Obi and Nagatomo - both capable to add tactical good sense to their natural dynamism. The winning goal came from Mauro Zarate. At Lazio the Argentinian forward was despised by coaches and by many team mates, only fans appreciated his qualities. Zarate's pace and shooting ability are plain to see for everyone and the 3-2 goal epitomized them all. Claudio Ranieri has in front of him not a raw diamond but an outstanding talent who needs only to be guided and exploited properly to become a regular starter for years to come. If he keeps a good attitude it will be very hard to keep Zarate's explosive vigor out of the starting eleven.
UEFA Champions League 2011-12 / Group stage Day 2
CSKA MOSCOW-INTER 2-3
Cska Mosca: Gabulov; Nababkin, V.Berezutski, Ignashevich, A. Berezutski; Aldonin; Oliseh, Mamaev (68′ Tosic), Dzagoev; Doumbia, Vagner Love. Coach: Slutski
Inter: Julio Cesar; Nagatomo, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu (91′ Crisetig); Zanetti, Cambiasso, Obi; Alvarez (83′ Jonathan); Pazzini (50′ Zarate), Milito. Coach: Ranieri
Referee: Thomson (Scotland)
Goals: Dzagoev 45′, Vágner Love 77′; Lucio 6′, Pazzini 23′, Zarate 79′
Yellow cards: Obi, Cambiasso
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Comments
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Posted by Moises on 09/28/2011
Unbelievable how changing one person can produce such a drastic switch in a team, same players with totally different results and an attitude that at one point I thought it was lost.
I hope things keep going on like this, two wins in two AWAY games, Ranieri couldn't hope for a better start. Let's hope Inter become unbeatable titans at home and we'll enjoy a great season.
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Posted by Sam on 09/28/2011
It is amazing how much a team can change by simply playing them deeper! Still massive question marks and in all fairness CSKA could have easily won this match but the team look much more comfortable and aware of what they are doing.
100% agree with your assessment of Alvarez. Looks the goods but often too slow to make the play or get involved. Pazzini was left frustrated by the lack of a pass and Chivu should have got the ball well before moving offside.
I would like to see Coutinho being tried in the forward playmaker role. I think his feet and vision exceed Alvarez.
Hopefully they can keep improving. Solidifying their position and gaining confidence.Once our injured players return I think we will be a force again.
It is now a question on whether Milito will return and whether Cesar will cut out these errors. One has to wonder if he would be under pressure for his place if a certain Viviano was not injured....
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Posted by Nima on 09/28/2011
Ranieri is under rated, it was his set up st valencia and chelsea which ensured they were successful under Rafa and Jose. What he did with Roma which were an awfully weak squad with major inside problems was genius! They took inter to end and Ranieri didn't get the credit he deserved because his Mr Nice! Not like some arrogant coaches the media love because of silly one liners and antics. Alvarez was an awful buy as Coutinho is a real talent and doesn't get played as much. Obi and Naga are future of inter IF that idiot Moratti doesn't sell them. As for Zarate-we know what to expect! His gifted but greedy and with proper guidance he can be Awsome. Our problem is CDM and CBs once we get young legs to learn from lucio and Samuel we should be great again. MORATTI GIVE RANIERI A CHANCE WE KNOW ALREADY HIS LINING UP A GLAMOUR COACH SO STOP BEING A DICK AND GIVE HIM 3 SEASONS. FORZA INTER
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Posted by Angel on 09/29/2011
Simply put....inter are back!
The squad showed great leadership and determination in defeating the last 2 opponenents, all thanks to the guided hand of Ranieri. Watching inter play reminded me of the old teams of Mourinho and Mancini, determined to beat anyone on the field at any given situation. It is true that Alvarez is still new to the European style of play, as it was for Coutinho last season. These young players need time to grow, and would be incredible to have these two players playing together, and show their skills one day.
Samuel played a solid game, along with Chivu. But i agree that inter do need a younger defense that can play and learn from the likes of Lucio and Zanetti.
Inter are moving in a positive direction, and must keep their composure and strong mentality. Napoli are a young squad, and it will be a great test for Inter.
Forza inter!
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Posted by Bellal A. on 09/29/2011
Well put angel, i agree on coutinho and alvarez, these players just need to get used to the atmosphere and become comfortable and they will be ace, and i think ranocchia is that young defender whos gonna be one for the future
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Posted by Kachi Akujua on 09/29/2011
I keep asking myself, will Ranieri at the end of the day fall back for his tinkering/squad rotation. And when or if he does that there certainly will be problems back again in the Inter squad.
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Posted by Pietro on 09/29/2011
Coutinho is better than Alvarez st the moment but Alverez promises to become better than Coutinho and none of them will never be better than Wes
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Posted by Nima on 09/29/2011
Moratti is the one that concerns me ... Rumour has it his already looking for a new manager for next season which is what he did with Gasp. So how can a manager perform with that looming over his head. Moratti lacks patience and because his a fan he gets too carried away. He needs to realise that this is the start of inters new era. A rebuilding of a squad for the future. Every great club has a cycle lasting 5-9 years and we need to plan for our next cycle. We have the young players but they need games and this means dropping some points as they are young and naive which is natural! We must finish top 3 and get to a champions league QF, this is a realistic Target for this season....forlan not a good buy too old. Viviano is inter n Italy future julio should retire now! Lol January we need to keep all the young and add more but I can't see thus happening as Wesley will be sold as will Pazzo. Why because its Moratti!
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Posted by Pietro on 09/29/2011
Nima I agree 100%!!! Our president dosn't know what planning means
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Posted by Angel on 09/29/2011
President Moratti for years has wanted to take a team like his father's, and bring them to the top of the football world. The only difference is like nina and many others have suggested is that Moratti is naturally a fan like us, and wants results.
Ranieri's history of coaching has proven that he does not last very long with a team, he gets a beat up team that is down on the rocks (Parma, Juve , Roma for example) and helps them find their way. He has only won 2 cups in his long career, but i actually believe this can change. Inter are a special club, and this can be Ranieri's chance to win something important. I do agree that inter are still growing, and it is a process. We can't expect them to win it all this year, instead the team has to focus on getting young talent on the defense and midfield side, as well as finding the right system that can bring them back to glory.
And on the issue of Forlan, he has played in the worlds top leagues, and hasn't yet impacted the team? its time!
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Posted by Fred on 09/29/2011
I was sure Gasperini would bomb, I stated it the day he was announced on numerous forums. When Gasperini lost to the Turkish team and there was no way he could remain, I looked around and decided that it was obvious that Ranieri was the only manager available that was minimally acceptable. Lippi already failed badly with Inter, so he was not an option. Many call him a "perdente" (loser) because he always comes in second place but never wins. Even Giorgio Chinaglia, who is is friend calls him a "perdente". But, did he ever reall have a decent team? Hopefully, our old but talented champions with the very lively youngsters will allow Ranieri to have his last hurrah. He is such a nice man, he deserves it.
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Posted by Pietro on 09/30/2011
Fred, I think that at this stage arriving 2nd wouldn't be a disaster... so maybe Ranieri is the best choice. I agree even that he is a very nice person, he'll deserve to win something
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Posted by Austin on 10/01/2011
2nd? I'd settle for top 5. Our defense is trash. Granted the referee for this Napoli game should be stung up and stoned for his travesty of a performance. And the rest of serie a has the balls to claim we cheat? Either this ref is incompetent or Napoli "invested" a little extra into this game against us.
Absolutely demoralizing stuff. If someone offered us 4th or 5th right now I'd take it without batting an eye.
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Posted by Sia on 10/10/2011
It's not Napoli that invested on the ref, but Juve. Napoli is not so worried about Inter, Juve and Milan are anti-Inter and will even invest on others to win against Inter.
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About
Gianni Serra is a European football journalist. He currently writes for lechampions.it, covering international club competitions such as the UEFA Champions League, the Copa Libertadores, the CAF Champions League, the O-League. You can follow him on twitter: @gianniserra20
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