Inter beat Siena 2-1 and climbed to the 7th place, only six points behind third placed Lazio.
With six games still to play, Nerazzurri have a very slim chance to clinch the third Champions League spot but, at least, they are back in contention to be in Europe even next season. Europa League 2012-13 is a more viable target. While that could be a distraction for a club of Inter's status, to miss out European football would be a huge stain.
An early mistake from Samuel, after six minutes, allowed Siena to find the net with D'Agostino at the third attempt after Julio Cesar's two consecutive saves.
Stramaccioni started the game with an all Argentinian trident upfront: Alvarez on the right, Milito in the middle, Zarate on the left. A brace from Milito confirmed el Principe's restored scoring vein: 20 goals in the league for Inter's striker. Zarate alternated good things with bad choices (he missed the opportunity to pass the ball to the overlapping fullback several times) but he was one of the most lively players for the home side.
Alvarez looked rusty and by far the least comfortable of the three, as he did the best things when he moved from the flank to find room in the trequartista position. But the 4-3-3 formation doesn't include this role so they were occasional breaks, just like it happened within Ranieri's 4-4-2. But it was just in that spot behind the striker that Alvarez could create clever passes and beat opponents with exquisite one-twos, as he did once with Stankovic in the first half.
That move was a serious contender for the best action of the game alongside:
1. Walter Samuel's beautifully timed sliding tackle in the first half.
2. Mauro Zarate's perfect control on the by-line in the second half
3. Javier Zanetti's slalom on 85 minutes, beating three opponents before being fouled by someone nearly half his age.
Saviero could hardly find a better way to celebrate his 570th game in Serie A, equalling Dino Zoff. After nearly two months off, Inter look less tired than most of their rivals which could be a key factor in these last six games.
Serie A 2011-12 / Day 32
INTER-SIENA 2-1
Inter: Julio Cesar; Zanetti, Lucio, Samuel (38' Nagatomo), Chivu; Cambiasso, Stankovic, Obi (68' Poli); Alvarez (77' Pazzini), Milito, Zarate. Coach: Stramaccioni
Siena: Pegolo; Vitiello (74' Contini), Terzi, Pesoli, Del Grosso; Mannini, Vergassola, Bolzoni (62' Gazzi), Brienza; D'Agostino (62' Gonzalez); Destro. Coach: Sannino
Referee: Romeo
Goals: D'Agostino 6'; Milito 42', 81' pen
Yellow cards: Samuel; Pesoli, Vitiello, Mannini, Contini
Red card: Pegolo (94')
Comments
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Posted by Sam on 04/12/2012
Zanetti! What a legend! He honestly seems to be getting better and better. Perhaps he is some kind of Benjiman Button and actually gets younger as we all get older. That run in the 85th and a couple of others were amazing. I would be entirely comfortable selling Maicon (getting a fee plus freeing up vital funds for other players) and having Zanetti at RB. I actually believe he is better there now than in midfield and offers strong defence and attack.
As for the rest. I thought Inter were alright but I would like them to be a little more direct. Our defence needs a makeover off season, Stankovic cannot be a regular starter next season and I am 50-50 on Zarate, particularly if he takes time away from Coutinho. As for Alvarez I remain unconvinced. His lack of pace and vision worries me. He is better in the middle but offered little in defence or attack most of the match. That said it was his first back and I am sure he will improve. Big game coming up.......
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Posted by Varun on 04/12/2012
I think they look less tired than most of their opponents because they took the entire month of February off.
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Posted by Sia on 04/12/2012
I have enjoyed all last three games and truly believe the change from Ranieri to Strama has influenced the team in a positive way. Now there is connection between midfield and strikers, we are pressing inside opponents half and inside their Penalty area which during Ranieri era that was rare to see. Capitan Zanetti was amazing yesterday, left flank also did so much work, Poli, Obi, Cambiasso, all look good. I think Zarate is playing better football now, not great but better. I still think our defense has concentration and age problem, I'm not sure which is more evident? Opponents score when we make marking errors or are too relaxed in our own half. Bravo Strama for improving the team one game at a time.
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Posted by Mustafa on 04/12/2012
Good response to the last league game, which was a draw. Stramaccioni gave the team some confidence and inspiration. You are right, Gianni, the team does look less fatigued than other teams do. It was a solid performance. Hopefully we will see some continuity, and win the last few games. CL qualification is not far away.
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Posted by inter fan on 04/12/2012
I thought this was one of inter's best performances of 2012 and shows that there are reason's to be optimistic about the future. Milito was player of the game with two goals and a near miss on a toe poke on a rebound from a long range Alvarez attempt. I can see how Alvarez can be a bit frustrating for some of his teammates with his repeated attempts from long range but as long he continues to strike it well I believe he helps keep the opposing defenses & goalie honest to open up space in the box. Zanetti also looked good at right back and had good chemistry with Alvarez. Looking forward to next match!
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Posted by nima on 04/13/2012
Im still not sure why deki plays so many minutes there must be something he brings to the pitch that's more than physical or tactical. I HOPE we see Coutinho back and Spain was a goof idea to get his vision improved. As for our other loanees well all from mariga to Jonathan are doing relatively well but CR played similar system with same players it seems to be a confidence thing. I'd like to.see Juan play a game or two chivus time is up for sure. Mistake after mistake or slip after slip. He concerns me.Esteban given support can play there for another 2 yrs at a high lvl he just needs an obi or s like. Zarare needs a slap and some basic vision training and Alvarez is still finding his identity. Guarin I like a lot both attacking and defending and I think Naga has done enough to earn starter role. Hopefully more youth and Luke will start to feature more with coutinho n co ... Forza beneamata.
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Posted by AMOGH on 04/13/2012
I have champions league winning formula- Swap the following players for following smauel for Fedrico fazio (CB), Chivu for jan vertonghen (RB), samuel for Dejan lovren (LB), keep Ranocchia(CB), Juan manuael vargas(RW), Giuseppe Rossi striker. Formaton-
Vertonghen-Ranocchia-Fedrico-Lovren
Vargas-ALvarez-Nagamoto
Rossi-Milito-Pazzini
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Posted by Bellal A. on 04/14/2012
As soon as i saw the penalty given i was in so much relief, and when Milito banged it into the top of the net i was so happy!! We definetly need to get rid of some players, Samuel is leaving this summer he said he wants to play in london before going back to Argentina i believe. Get coutinho back and Sell sniejder (depends on euros). offload stankovic and sign guarin, and get Lucas (i wish ganso and neymar too haha). apparently we havent seen the best of diego forlan either according to the Uruguayan striker
Posted by Elmar on 05/10/2012
Congrats to Inter on the win. They definitely taghut Spurs a lesson or two about playing against the big boys. I feel let down by Spurs because they have the potential to play way better than what was witnessed last night. I'm sure they will put a more respectful performance come the White Hart Lane fixture.
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Gianni Serra is a European football journalist. He currently writes for 
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