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THE VERSION OF GASP

Gazzetta's exclusive interview with the former Inter coach.

"I wanted Palacio with Milito and Eto'o.  You know how it ended."

"Moratti proposed Balotelli and I said yes.  Then he said we were ones who wanted him."

"The club and I could not come together on the module and the valuation of individuals."

"I have seen Lucas in Brazil, a good player but with too many letups.  Maybe he will get better."

GASP AND THE TRUTH

"I wanted Palacio-Milito-Eto'o and with an Inter that could challenge the world.  And Balotelli could arrive as well..."

"A negative experience makes you stronger. "

Turin - On September 20 in Novara, the brief story of Gian Piero Gasperini at Inter ended after two defeats and a draw in the league, another defeat in the Champions League and the failed attack to the Italian Super Cup in Beijing.  Not even one official victory.  Gasp left the team after an ordeal of misunderstanding and criticism.  Tomorrow, half a season later, here are Novara again at the San Siro.  Gasperini for the first time looks back at the nightmare in Milan.  He is in great shape.  He will be commenting on the upcoming European Championship on TV and then return coaching football.

Gasperini, how do you remember Novara?

"As the worst moment in my entire career.  But perhaps at that point, everything was decided.  Around us, there was just a very negative atmosphere around us.  We did everything wrong."

Let's take a step back when Moratti called you.

"He explained that the Financial Fair Play would play a big role but Eto'o would remain.  The goal was to rebuild a team that had shown signs of fatigue and begin to prepare making changes.  All right.  To me, Palacio, a midfielder and a defender would be enough as we had some injuries in all the departments."

That midfielder?

"I was thinking of Vidal.  I also liked Nainggolan whom, however, Inter were not interested in.  Just like Criscito and of course there was Palacio.  Inter were looking at Sanchez, Lavezzi, Tevez, those that were much less affordable. I and the trident of Palacio, Eto'o and Milito were ready to challenge the world.  So it was not going to take much.  Just two or three players, not the nine that Inter bought after me.  In the face of Financial Fair Play.  This is the biggest regret.  I only had little to do well."

Instead, the big piece that stayed was Sneijder.

"I faced the difficulties from the transfer market with the departure of Eto'o.  Then Forlan and Zarate arrived, those very different from Palacio.  At the final minute.  But a great team must be defined at the start so they can work together.  In June, I was coaching half of the team, and the other half was at Coppa America.  In August, the national players started to leave, the other half.  I had the entire group three days before the start of the season without having the need to set things up."

Against Palermo was the first game also the first defeat.

"Yes, but we played well.  Some individual mistakes cost us the game.  I asked the team to be more aggressive, to close down the opponents in order to win the ball back.  The team, instead, was afraid of all the spaces that got left behind.  They intended to run away from the ball so that it was easier to endure counterattacks from Palermo.  We corrected these defects in training.  Again, we were together for a short period of time.  But instead of evaluating the performance in the light of context, it was all going back to the defense of three.  Absurd."

Moratti said so publicly.  Did you feel de-legitimized?

"I was convinced that with the good players, we can only become more and more of a team.  Motivating them with a different game plan, they would find new inspirations.  I still am convinced that Inter have good players and can still win the Scudetto.  At Inter, they were convinced of the contrary: those players will make a great team if they play like they always did.  But then why called me? They knew my style of play was.  I did not come to them.  I was chosen."

Is it true that after Palermo, you thought of resigning?

"Yes.  Had I known things would turn for the worse, I would have done so before the start.  So now perhaps I would be on the bench like Donadoni and Pioli."

Against Trabzonspor you surrendered: a defense of four and rombo.

"Infact, we gave the ball to the Turks.  The team could not have two strikers and a trequartista who do not participate in the defensive end.  But the defeat was justified by bad luck with their offside goal.  And because it was not a defense of three, it was all forgiven.  The next day I told my team: never like this anymore, I would rather coach the children.  That was not my football.  And so I just went forward with my ideas as a clear signal to the players."

The 0-0 with Roma and with Moratti as Pazzini's sponsor.

"Pazzini is a great scorer, but for me it was essential to recover the best Milito.  He is one of a few in Italy that can shift the balance of the game as he is showing right now.  He had just came from a season of injuries.  He needed to play.  I did not understand so much distrust for a player that was so decisive for Inter in many victories.  Against Roma, we did not play badly.  Sneijder was fantastic, just unlucky in front of goal.  Wesley can do everything, he is a complete player.  Must check himself only with certain behaviors.  But then there was talk of Pazzini and the formation."

Then Novara.

"I was hoping to be able to win the group over with the performance on the field with the returns of Motta and Maicon.  The boys followed me then absorbed the skepticism around them."

So much so that, in Novara, Cambiasso ordered Ranocchia to make a defense of four.

"No.  The day after, Cambiasso called me to explain the gesture shown by TV.  He said to Ranocchia, when they had a corner: 'Jump and then stay at four to limit them.'  I did not have any problems with the players, except one."

Can you tell us who it was?

"No, I do not want controversy.  The real problem was that the club and I could not come together on the gameplay ideas or the valuation of certain individuals.  I was willing to give space to youngsters like Coutinho and Castaignos but then there were Forlan and Zarate."

On Balotelli, there was an agreement with Moratti right?
"In Dublin, Moratti told me about the possibility of picking up Mario.  Perhaps he had spoken to Mancini.  But then he explained that we were the only ones at Inter want him.  A president and a coach? I thought that was enough."

What hurts you the most in all of this?

"When you refer to me only talking about the struggling start at Inter.  I was there for three games but Inter were at 15th and 16th places for months.  When I was sacked, Milan only had one more point than Inter.  And then the fact that all the problems were coming down on my alleged tactical dogmas."

From Novara to another, how is Gasperini today?

"Well.  I feel pumped up watching the type of football that I like, winning football: stealing the ball and not waiting for others to lose it.  Playing with courage and great rhythm.  Results give enthusiasm but the true inspirations only come from the performance.  Roma might lose games but I always feel great sensation watching their football.  Juve are better because they are more flexible and unpredictable.  Juve beat Milan at the San Siro with a defense of three, just like Barcelona.  With the defense of three, Napoli and Udinese are playing very well.  Football is evolving.  Who remain firm and repeat the things that they have done in the past are ancient."

Are Juve the favorite?
"Conte is the added value.  He manages to bring everything taught in training on the field.  We have heard from each other.  Milan, however, can recover.  Lazio and Udinese are doing extraordinary things."

What did you learn from Barcelona?

"I am fascinated by the continuity of Pep despite many triumphs.  This year, he has also tried the 3-3-4.  He coaches with great superiority and the on the field, the team plays with perfect organization.  Another nice thing is that there is no stardom on that team.  They practice and have fun like little children."

Have you seen Lucas?
"Good player with many letups in between.  In Italy, Palacio would not do such thing.  Maybe he will overcome that."

Is it true that you have received a big offer from China?
"Let's say that I would earn more than at Inter, but I don't have the courage...  But the football in the powerful Chinese economy is the future."

So where does Gasperini start over?
"Negative experiences make you stronger.  I am looking for a club that allows me to teach my football, that I agree with their methods and objectives.  This is not a good time for coaches.  People will speak of "the player is our of his role" or blame the formations, as if they know how to solve everything.  There are things that a player can solve himself.  Once, the coach was an important reference.  Today, there is always someone who knows more.  And then I want to be a coach that coaches, not manages.  Problems are between the players and management.  I coach."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

FORLAN, ALVAREZ BETTER

OPTIMISM FOR SAMUEL

Appiano Gentile - He is being very prudent because the season so far for him has been very troubled: but Diego Forlan is better, much better indeed, and Ranieri will take this into account as he is evaluating whether and how to play him on Sunday.  We believe that him getting a call-up is very likely because yesterday was the fifth training for the Uruguayan with his teammates.  For a week now, the feelings have been good so much so that Diego Forlan appears to be one of the more fit players that Inter have thanks to a custom program that, at this point, we can consider the good side of the coin of the latest injury. 

Alvarez also better So again, he is better but it remains to be seen if Ranieri decides to give him the starting shirt for Sunday because Forlan is one of those that can give the needed balance for the 4-2-3-1 that the coach has been working on these days.  Just like the striker, yesterday Alvarez also returned training in group (ready to return after troubled muscles and a bothersome right knee).  And there's Stankovic.  Between today and tomorrow, he will be evaluated during the last few training sessions: he could be given a call-up for Inter-Novara.

Guarin and Juan Jesus Longer time, however, is for Fredy Guarin who is also working to regain condition after being out for so long because of a calf injury.  The same also applies to Juan Jesus even though that the Brazilian has now started training immediately with the team.  Optimism, finally, for Samuel: the strain is not serious so the goal is to recover on time for Marseille-Inter on February 22nd.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

PACT SNEIJDER-INTER: THREE GREAT MONTHS TO SAY GOODBYE

The Dutch is ready to return, met with Ranieri who also has one common interest.

To save the season and leave in the transfer window.

Appiano Gentile - We must draw a line and restart.  That was basically what Claudio Ranieri said on Sunday.  The reference was of course to all the wreckage after Roma-Inter.  But that phase also has another meaning and it is directly towards the return of Wesley Sneijder.  A return which would be on Sunday against Novara: the contusion to the leg which occurred in the Palermo game is now gone.  The Dutch yesterday was back training together with his teammates so his availability is almost a given.

Where will he be? The uncertainty is where he will play but that's another story.  A new relationship must take off again.  That of Wes with Inter and more specifically with Ranieri, who is the coach that when he arrived, immediately put the trequartista at the center of his project.  Today Sneijder has become something that has to be handled with great care like a bomb that can explode in your hands, or perhaps rather the fuse that detonates Inter, but in a good way, for at least three months.

Indispensable The common interest is the key that can open certain doors, dissolve what has become a node (not just tactically) that no one can afford to see tangled.  At least from now until the end of the season: then, if all goes well, they can say "goodbye but remain friends."  But a certain situation must come in order for both parties not to remain each other's prisoners.  For Inter because for another player with the same quality of Sneijder, Inter do not have and even in this league.  Not only that, Sneijder is the indispensable interpreter for Ranieri's systems of play.

Transfer market But even Sneijder cannot afford it because there has been much talk about him in these recent months but it is rarely about football, and after the World Cup which Wes demonstrated that he was worthy of the Golden Ball, those quality of plays have been extremely rare.  Then there is European Championship coming up so Sneijder needs to get back to being the true Sneijder for his national team.  Lastly is the transfer market.  At least right now, the rumors of him coming to Anzhi are far from factual. 

Rapports What needed between Sneijder and Inter is a relationship after searching for a common interest rather than out of conviction.  It would be difficult to imagine Ranieri using the harsh tones in front of the Dutch as he did in the eve of Inter-Palermo ("either he speaks our language or we go on without him").  They need to stick together.  It is a bet, rather than a challenge: to win (or lose) together.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

Bad news for Walter Samuel and Inter.  The tests which the Argentinian was subjected to today have shown a strain between second and third degree strain to his left quadriceps.  The Wall, at this point, will certainly miss Novara and Bologna but Ranieri is hopeful to have him back for the first Champions League game against Olympique Marseille on the 22nd of this month.

Source: Inter.it

SNEIJDER AND ALVAREZ RETURN WORKING IN GROUP

Ranieri to count on the recovery of two playmakers for Sunday.

Today, test for Samuel while Maicon to miss Novara game due to suspension.

Milan - The face-to-face between Ranieri and the players will take place this afternoon as the team returning on the field after the defeat against Roma.  The medical staff will be working hard regarding the conditions of Walter Samuel who left the Olimpico with a problem at the quadriceps that prevented him from playing in the second half of that game.  Depending on the conditions of the Argentinian, the team will decide whether to submit more tests.

Alternative to Maicon So the defender remains doubtful for the game on Sunday against Novara.  The one certainty is the absence of Maicon who is on a one-game suspension.  The alternatives to the Brazilian are lacking however from Faraoni, Nagatomo with Chivu on the left and Zanetti on the right.

Ricky and Wes in group Ranieri is hoping for the return of Alvarez and Sneijder, the two players that can light up the team in the darkness.  Both today should return training in group with Stankovic and Forlan.  Inter will take a very cautious approach on the last two so much so that the Uruguayan could postpone his return to the 17th against Bologna in view of the Champions League on the 22 in Marseille.

Guarin calm Longer recovery time is needed for Fredy Guarin who could not be used in the Champions League because of the two games he played in the group stage with Porto.  The Colombian should return in time from Portugal to continue therapies for his injury which was badly treated during his time at Porto.  It is difficult for Ranieri to have him in 20 days.  "I want to return very soon," he wrote on Twitter.  "The new shirt number will be revealed on the day of presentation.  "My" 13? It's Maicon's."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

THE SYMBOL OF EVERYTHING GOOD IN FOOTBALL

The readers of Gazzetta.it and LegaserieA.it voted for the captain of Inter.

"Receiving the award that dedicated to Cannavo fills me with pride."

Milan - Javier Zanetti is a global character.  If there were a Nobel Prize winner in football, he would have deserved it.  His good feet allow him to stay on the field with great dignity to almost 39 years of age, the brains and heart allow him to help the needy children in Argentina with the PUPI Foundation for more than 10 years.  He, who understands suffering and poverty, and his wife Paula, a delightful companion on his side and also full of energy, have never ceased to do good.  And last night, Javier has been crowned with the award of "I piedi buoni nel calcio" ("best feet in football) thanks to the people voting on the web or more specifically Gazzetta.it and LegaserieA.it.  It is true that Pupi has dedicated his entire football life playing for Inter, a club that has superior media coverage than a lot of other teams but many of his colleagues are in favor of this award from Schelotto to Agazzi, from Marchisio to Prandelli, and also Oddo, former Milanista is now at Lecce.  Oddo's foundation Onlus Amo Associazione Massimo Oddo is also very close to that of Zanetti to help the suffering children.

In triumph Zanetti won a trophy which was done by sculptor Stefano Pierotti in a wonderful evening, full of characters and personalities of all kinds, whose purpose was to raise fuds for the Fondazione Candido Cannavò, the charity workers of Beppe Bergomi and the Cooperative Agora 97.  "I have met Cannavò several times over the years in Italy and I can only say that he was a remarkable man," said the Inter captain.  "Receiving an award dedicated in his name and his foundation is an honor.  Just as it is an honor to have received compliments from many colleagues present in this initiative."  Zanetti also found it hard not to sympathize when we brought up the words of Schelotto and Agazzi.  "In 10 years with 'PUPI' we have done so much and we do not want to stop, we want to continue to grow and give smiles to the children."  For one evening that the many problems that his team is experiencing take second place, Zanetti also had a few words about the team that he loves: "We already are ready to start over against Novara.  We need to understand where we have gone wrong and move on.  The goal now is to win games and hit the finish line of the Champions League.  There are no other goals."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

vs.

SHAME!!!

So this is what it looks like when the players don't give a shit.  I don't blame Ranieri for the extremely defensive starting lineup because Forlan, Sneijder couldn't take a crap without getting injured.  But I blame him for replacing a striker in Pazzini with a defensive mid like Poli when we needed to score goals.  What the hell was his intention? Defend Roma's two-goal lead?  I don't get it.

Then there's Maicon.  Nothing is more disgusting than an uninterested Maicon.  The guy doesn't give a shit.  For three straight games now from Lecce, to Palermo and now this, he did absolutely NOTHING.  I said during the game that if Maicon is not benched for the next league game, I'm gonna do something illegal.  Luckily he is suspended so now he has over a week to look at himself in a mirror because he has totally given up on the team.

FORZA INTER PER SEMPRE!

*****

STARTING LINEUPS:

ROMA -  Here are the starting line-ups for Roma v Inter,the 2011/12 Serie A Week 22 fixture kicking off at the Stadio Olimpico at 15:00 this afternoon.

Roma: 24 Stekelenburg; 11 Taddei, 4 Juan,5 Heinze, 3 José Angel; 19 Gago, 16 De Rossi, 15 Pjanic; 10 Totti; 8 Lamela, 31 Borini.

Subs: 1 Lobont, 87 Rosi, 44 Kjaer, 23 Greco, 30 Simplicio, 14 Bojan, 40 Piscitella.

Coach: Luis Enrique.

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 25 Samuel, 55 Nagatomo; 4 Zanetti, 17 Palombo, 19 Cambiasso, 20 Obi; 7 Pazzini, 22 Milito.

Subs: 12 Castellazzi, 2 Cordoba, 23 Ranocchia, 26 Chivu, 18 Poli, 37 Faraoni, 30 Castaignos.

Coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Referee: Andrea De Marco (Chiavari)

Prediction: Roma 2-1 Inter

FORZA INTER

ROMA-INTER, ARGENTINE TANGO

Milito, the sniper of the new year with 8 shots, 8 goals.

In 2012, Diego has yet to wasted a bullet.  "Now everything ended in goal..."

Appiano Gentile - We are still at the beginning of 2012 and the Prince has turned into King by "simply" converting 8 shots on goal into 8 goals.  Not even one bullet wasted.  A real sniper, the real Milito, a killer wearing the crown.

Before, 4 of 16 This statistic is extraordinary and out of this world, especially when we compare him to not the Milito in the treble winning year in 2012 but the Milito who at the beginning of this season that missed the goal from left to right.  Those horrible mistakes were due to the freshness of the a Prince that was just withered and like an old rusted machine.  Yet, Inter have never failed to believe in him: certainly has Ranieri but also the management which - despite missing goals in the most amazing ways - said that: "he's just in a period like that but soon you will see that he will not stop scoring."  That period was when Diego had 16 total shots on goal but he only converted them into only four goals.

The victims Here is the resurrection, distributed as follows: 2 goals against Parma on January 7 (the victim was Mirante), one against Milan (Abbiati), 1 against Lazio (Marchetti), 4 to Palermo (Viviano).  Those are the 8 goals that he converted from only 8 shots on goal.  Behind the Prince are Miccoli (5 goals out of 11 shots on goal), Di Natale (5 out of 10), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (4 out of 11) and Totti (4 out of 5).  "The movements are always the same as before.  But before those balls ended up anywhere but inside the goal and now they are going inside.," said Milito to Inter Channel.  A shot, a goal: repeated 8 times.  Everything the ball between the two posts, it is a goal.  Monstrous.  It is also interesting out of the total goals he has this season, half of them were against Palermo (2 in the first leg and 4 on Wednesday).  Then there's Roma today where he said: "Hopefully we'll be able to beat them again this time, playing great game, neutralizing their qualities and getting the win. We need it."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

He is gone, on loan.  And yet he will remain under the magnifying glass of the people at Inter, those who have always believed in his potential.  Philippe Coutinho, born i '92, has gone to Espanyol to play (he is guaranteed at least 50% of attendance) so that he can earn a place in the upcoming Olympics in London with the Brazilian national team.  But this is just a see you later between Coutinho and Inter as Marco Branca said: "Coutinho is the present of Espanyol and the future of Inter.  He is very young, that' true but off the field he is an example.  He loves spending him with his family.

Then Branca goes on and talks about the technical characteristics of the Brazilian: "Technically, Philippe is very gifted.  He can use both feet very well and has a truly sensational dribbling skill."  In Barcelona, Philippe is living in a hotel with his brother Christian, waiting for his parents and Leandro, another brother.  See you back here soon Cou.

Source: El Pais

THE PRINCE OF SNOW UNCOVERS RECORD WITH 9 GOALS IN 6 GAMES

Milito had never scored so many goals in a row.

Consolation: Lucarelli with a poker (four goals) and still lost.

MILITO IS THE ONLY THAT SCORED FOUR AND DID NOT WIN

Before Milito, there have been 11 Inter players that were able to score four goals in the same game.  And Inter had always won.  Diego is comforted by C. Lucarelli who scored a poker (4 goals) and lost in Parma 6-4 Livorno in 2005.

• Giuseppe Meazza - Two pokers: against Roma in 1930 and Lazio in 1933.
• Attilio De Maria - One poker in Inter 6-1 Sampierdarenese in January 20, 1935.
• Giuseppe Baldini - Four goals in Atalanta 2-5 Inter in January of 1943.
• Bruno Quaresima - He also had two pokers: against Alessandria and Bari in 1946.
• Benito Lorenzi - The "Venom" got four against Lucchese (6-0) on October 26, 1947.
• Amedeo Amadei - Four goals for him in Inter 9-1 Bari on October 31, 1948.
• Istvan Nyers - He alsos cored four against Bari in a 4-0 win on January 8, 1950.
• Eddie Firmani - Got four goals in Inter 7-0 Lazio on March 5, 1961.
• Roberto Boninsegna - Four goals against Foggia in 1973 (5-1) and Cagliari in 1974 (4-1).
• Alessandro Altobelli - The "Needle" got four in Inter 6-0 Catania in 1984.
• Christian Vieri - Monopolized the match of nter-Brescia on December 1, 2002.

Appiano Gentile - Prince, you are unique!  On Wednesday, Diego Milito returned him dazed.  Against Palermo he scored four but Inter left the field with just a point.  One consolation for Milito to think that on May 1, 2005 in Parma-Livorno, Cristiano Lucarelli did the same but he still lost 6-4.  Also because on the other side, Gilardino also scored four.

Never this hot The feat of the Argentinian remains however who in his career had never scored nine goals in six games like in this current streak which began with a goal against Lecce in a 4-1 win, a brace in a 5-0 win against Parma, one in the derby last month, one against Lazio, then the pause for reflection against the same Lecce before the eruption against the former teammate in Viviano.  This is the hottest scoring streak that Milito has ever experienced in his career.  Before Wednesday, he was stopped at 7 goals in 6 games and then 9 goals in 8 games with Real Zaragoza in La Liga and in the shirt of Genoa he did just as good.  9 goals in 7 games in 2003-2004 but that was in Serie B and 8 goals in 5 games in 2008-2009, the last season in Liguria before becoming the Treble icon.

Cursed World Cup And the magical 2010 started to give the Prince problems, who after 52 appearances and 30 goals with Inter did not get a breather in the summer.  The South American World Cup became a boomerang because Diego did not see the field and he returned to Pinetina squeezed with no energy.  Being less accustomed to double life between club and national like than players like Cambiasso and Zanetti, Milito had his vacation reduced and without proper preparation in the summer, in front of him that season was a tunnel full of injuries.  Even last summer, he was also affected negatively by the Coppa America in July.  Holidays were delayed to August, no Super Cup in Beijing and was not in form at the start of the season. 

Slagging summer Despite the "casual" brace against Palermo by rebounding the ball and by converting a PK, Milito was suffering.  Pazzini would have been better but Gasperini did not want to see the Italian national and insisted on the man who he coached in Genoa.  Diego only stop was against Napoli due to a calf problem but the relationship between him and the opposing goal is like that between son and mother-in-law: a constant fight.  Missing great opportunities in Bergamo and at home against Lilla, the killer in Madrid was missing goals from one meter out.  But now he seems to enjoy the confidence given by Ranieri and more calm.  And above all, he continues to arrive first at Pinetina and leave last.

Maniacal There are those that get depressed and those who double their efforts. The Prince - as well as a heart of gold, like when he chose not to stop for interviews on Wed because a teammate who hadn't played was waiting for me in the car" - is an absolute professional. And he can control even the wind thanks to that. It's true that now he's physically fit, however fact remains that before he was hitting the bar from two yards away, now his shot in the Derby hit the post and went in, opponents like Silvestre give him assists and a miskick from Pazzini becomes the best pass imaginable. To score 4 goals you need a bit of luck.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

There have been a lot of rumors regarding the injury of Fredy Guarin who is now the new signing of Inter.  A physical problem that according to the majority of the Portuguese media is the fault of Porto medical staff.  According to the press, the injury was just wrongly treated starting in November of last year.  So now, the Colombian midfielder will need a period of time (2-3 weeks) to recover before making his official debut with Inter.

Source: FC Inter News - A Bola

Having arrived during the January transfer market after such a long negotiation, Brazilian defender, Juan Jesus, explain the first sensations as an Inter player.  "The goal is to stay at Inter for many years.  Every player dreams of being in a situation like this and now I have this opportunity so I will try to do my all to take advantage of it.  I will try to learn the language and adapt to the city as well as my new teammates as soon as possible.  I want to build my history in Italy, helping the team win and maybe even playing in the national team."

"It is an honor to be here along with Maicon, Lucio and Julio Cesar who have won a lot here at Inter and with the Brazilian national team.  I hope to learn everything there is to learn to grow as quickly as possible.  I am very happy with this possibility.  Inter are a great club."

Source: FC Inter News

As a result of a knock in the leg that happened in Inter-Palermo yesterday, Wesley Sneijder was subjected to tests with Professor Franco Combi, director of medical rehabilitation at Inter.  The tests have excluded complications so this is a sigh of relief for the Dutch who communicated this morning via Twitter that there is nothing to worry about:

"Fortunately it's nothing serious!!! So I hope I can play in Rome... Thanks for all the support!!! Have a nice day you all.."

Source: Inter.it

Here are Angelo Palombo's, one of Inter's newest signings, words in the official presentation took place today at Appiano Gentile:

When did you know that about Inter?
"It was a surprise and my first feelings were great.  This is one of the most important clubs in the world and I am very happy."

Also thinking about the Italian national team?
"Even at 30 years old, I'm here to improve my game and make myself available for the coach. I am very grateful to the club, president Moratti and the coach for giving me this opportunity."

Can Inter still go for the Scudetto?
"We are taking one game at a time.  The others have more points but this team has great potential.  It will be a fight until the end."

Could Pazzini have done more at Inter?
"This Pazzini in comparisons to the one at Samp is scoring less yes but he is playing more for the team and creating spaces for others.  Sometimes one gets tired and isn't quite effective in front of goal but he has a great value, one of the best Italians around."

Which teams were you close to join them?

"Other clubs did look at me and I thank them for their interest and appreciation in me.  One must make choices and with all due respect, I think that Inter are the best.  I am very happy with this decision.  Champions League? It's all open and I want to play in it."

Why did you leave Sampdoria?
"I would like to thank everyone and the Sampdoria fans.  For 10 years, I had left my heart there and almost my entire career so I must thank everyone.  But lately, I was told that I'm no longer a part of the project.  That was the club's choice so I had to look around."

Milan also looked for you?
"My agent told me no." 

Tell us about the episode of Mourinho winking at you?

"I remember Milito fouling me in midfield, Mourinho winked at me to let me know that it had been a nasty foul and we understood each other."

How would you respond to those who said Inter are done?
"This team still has a strong spirit.  There are still many great champions here and they are as hungry as before."

What memories do you have about Inter as an opponent and have you talked to Pazzini and Poli?
"Always the best games, that famous 3-2 game with Recoba's winning goal to last year's final game.  Great battles but always with respect.  Yes I have spoken with them here and asked for some advice."

What were your feelings yesterday and about what you said to Moratti?
"It was great to play at the San Siro.  The president surprised me because when I thanked him for the chance he had given me he replied 'Thank you.'"

So again why are you here?
"To win and to give my contribution."

Source: Inter.it - FC Inter News

"I am happy, really happy to be here at Inter: a big family.  It is a pride for me and Inter are an institution," smiles Fredy Guarin with all joy as seen on his face. The new signing of Inter speaks mostly in Spanish but manages himself with a few words in Portuguese and Italian while the questions for him were asked in Italian.  This is the language that he is going to study and best at: "I understand Italian a little bit but it is difficult to speak, but now I will study it just like I did in past countries where I lived."

Then he returns to talk about Inter: "For now, I only wear the shirt of Inter only for official photos and it was already a great emotion, I'm really happy.  Whoever have arrived here at Inter must know that they have to have the mentality of a champion, it could not be otherwise.  This is due to all the trophies that this club has won.  When you arrive here, you will immediately realize that the mentality you have cannot be different from that of the champions who are already here and who have won everything.  Guarin also has a few words on his countryman Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, who is now his teammate: "He is an example for me, for every Colombian player.  I'm glad that I have found him here.  Everybody knows the type of person that he is and the value that he has.  Everybody knows what he has done for Inter."

Fredy Guarin also speaks about what he can do on the field, his characteristics: "Among my characteristics is being a player with great strength, a warrior on the field, one who fights until the end.  My greatest quality is the instinct to never give up and always fight.  Then I try to play with the techniques that the team needs.  I use my right foot mostly  but I have no problems the left.  So now, my qualities will be available at their best to the team.  I repeat, this is a great honor to be an Inter player."

Source: Inter.it - FC Inter News

vs.

THANK YOU THE DEFENSE AND JULIO CESAR FOR RUINING MILITO'S PERFECT DAY!  DISGRACE

*****

STARTING LINEUPS:

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 23 Ranocchia, 55 Nagatomo; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 18 Poli; 10 Sneijder; 7 Pazzini, 22 Milito.

Subs: 12 Castellazzi, 2 Cordoba, 26 Chivu, 17 Palombo, 20 Obi, 28 Zarate, 30 Castaignos.

Coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Palermo: 1 Viviano: 6 Munoz, 2 Mantovani, 3 Silvestre, 42 Balzaretti; 31 Pisano, 23 Donati, 5 E. Barreto; 14 Bertolo; 9 Budan, 10 Miccoli.

Subs: 33 Tzorvas, 13 Aguirregaray, 17 Vazquez, 20 Acquah, 24 Mehmeti, 27 Ilicic, 31 Pisano.

Coach: Bortolo Mutti.

Referee: Marco Guida.

Prediction: Inter 2-1 Palermo

FORZA INTER

REVOLUTION INTER...

Surprise Palombo for the last signing.  For Guarin, an immediate stop.

The former Samp player already on the bench today?

The Colombian between 20 days: arrived with a lesion in calf.

...IN THE MIDFIELD

Ranieri gave him a call-up but Motta still goes to PSG.

To Moratti is 11.5 million.  Leonardo's blitz and the coach had to surrender.

No waiting for June for a goodbye.

Milan - Another piece from Sampdoria has moved to Inter.  After Castellazzi (2010 summer), Pazzini (January 2011) and Poli (last August), to Inter this time is also Angelo Palombo.  The 30 year-old from Ferentino arrives on loan for one million euros with right to purchase at 3.5 million.  Technical director Marco Branca and sporting director Ausilio have replaced Thiago Motta (to PSG) and Muntari with the Italian national and Fredy Guarin.

Immediately on the bench? Palombo, who was able to leave Genoa due to the postponement of Samp-Empoli because of bad weather, arrived at Inter headquarters last night and it is not excluded that the could be on the bench tonight against Palermo.  At Pinetina, he will find his old friends like Pazzini first and foremost.  With him, Pazzini led Sampdoria to the qualification round of the Champions League and the striker was also his neighbor in Pieve Ligure.  At Inter, the midfielder will now find new motivations after many difficult months in Genoa.  After having rejected the move to Fiorentina and Udinese so he could bring Samp back to Serie A, he accepted the move to a big club like Inter.  He has signed a contract until 2015 at 1.8 million per season (the same salary that he had at Sampdoria) and will take the shirt number 17.  "I am very happy to be at a great team like Inter," his words after signing the contract.

Guarin in a month There is also Fredy Guarin.  The 25 year-old former Porto player is now linked to Inter until 2016.  For him, the agreement was one million loan plus right to purchase at 11 million.  The Colombian national, who was also targeted by Juventus, yesterday morning was subjected to medical examinations which have confirmed a major calf injury.  So that is Ranieri (Guarin is "physically strong, with great quality and can change the game.  He's ideal for us.") will have to wait for another 3-4 weeks to have him available to his service.  Guarin now will go to Appiano and then he'll be at the San Siro for today's Inter-Palermo.  Tomorrow, however, he will be back to Portugal to obtain necessary documents for his non-EU status.  And since "his" number 6 already belongs to Lucio, the friend of Cordoba presumably will choose a number between 14, 15 and 16.

Champions list The certainty is that the former Porto player will not be included in the Champions League list which to be submitted by midnight today.  Among the 25 for Ranieri there will be Palombo and in comparison to the list in August, there will be a maximum of three new names.  The second is Forlan and the last spot should be one of Poli, Castaignos, Cordoba and Juan.  The 20 year-old was bought for 3.8 million and is still in Brazil for issues related to the residence and will arrive in Milan in a few days.  Today, the team will decide on official presentations.  If not this Friday, the new signings would have to wait until early next week.

Adieu Motta And then there's Thiago Motta.  The first blitz came in an email early morning yesterday: 11. 5 million, signed by PSG.  And Motta said yes so did Massimo Moratti.  When so many people thought that the midfielder was going to stay put at Inter, there was the thrust of Leonardo: one and a half million plus 10 (payable in two years), 4.5 million to the player with a contract until 2015.  By Monday afternoon, many were convinced that Motta would remain at Inter.  But the Qatari decided to take him and they got him.  Moral: Inter and PSG already had an agreement in place for June but the blitz of Sultan Al-Thani (the French club's owner) had accelerated everything and with that he was able to steer to the closure of this operation.

Rejoice Sarkozy So we must stay that Carlo Ancelotti was right: "Thiago Motta?  We have until January 31."  That was him four days ago.  Thiago arrived in Paris yesterday at about 16:30, went to Parc des Princes at 17 to sign the contract and will be presented today.  He is going to wear the number 28 shirt.  Even Nicolas Sarkozy (President of French Republic and married to an Italian Carla Bruni) celebrated the arrival of Thiago: "We have too many Italians at PSG which I think a good thing right?"

Decided The curious fact here is that Thiago Motta, before 19:00 CET, was in the team list for Inter-Palermo and it was on the site of Inter.  And at 13:00 when the midfielder was in the dressing room saluting his teammates after a training session, Ranieri said: "This morning I saluted him just like I did with everyone, he is called up because I hope to have him tomorrow."  And: "We have no one like him in the team: I hope he stays."  Ranieri would have been very happen without this transfer because the midfielder is the only one that has certain characteristics (which Guarin and Palombo do not have), but this sorrow is not boundless and it is not something that can create friction between him and management.  Because Ranieri knows the following: Thiago wanted to leave at all costs and he was not happy as Inter like before.  His desire to leave grew exponentially when PSG showed interest.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

IN

Juan Jesus - Permanent transfer - 3.7m, contract until 2016

Fredy Guarin - Loan with option to buy - 1.5m for loan, 11m to buy, contract until 2016 if redeemed

Angelo Palombo - Loan with option to buy - 1m for loan, 4m to buy, contract until 2015 if redeemed

Marko Livaja - Permanent transfer

Joel Obi - Permanent transfer - Obi's half was exchange with Crisetig's half, Inter now have all Obi's card

OUT

Philippe Coutinho - Loan to Espanyol

MacDonald Mariga - Loan to Parma

Sulley Muntari - Loan to Milan

Thiago Motta - Permanent transfer to PSG - 10m over 2 years

Jonathan - Loan to Parma with right to purchase half

Viviano - Half to Palermo

Caldirola - Loan to Brescia

Crisetig - Half to Parma

MOVEMENTS ON THE LAST TRANSFER MARKET DAY:

Last day and hopefully we address our last need which is a forward.  We have roughly 9 more hours until the window closes at 19:00 CET in Italy.

9:50 CET - Word coming from Ata Hotel (this is where last minute dealing happens) is that Inter could also take a forward today.

10:07 CET - Genoa do not want to sell one of its better players on the last day. Contacts could still be made throughout the day though.

11:05 - Leonardo, PSG director: "It is almost certain that Motta will not leave. Inter want to keep him so this is not a deal that can be realized. We'll see in the summer. After Maxwell and Alex, our transfer market is finished."

11:12 - Leonardo on Milito: "We have studied the possibility of getting a striker but it is not happening. This team is very competitive."

11: 30 - Lazio director: "Zero chance that Zarate will return to us." Agent: "Zarate leaving? No, he'll stay at Inter."

12:11 - Apparently after losing Padoin to Juventus, Atalanta have contacted Inter for Poli but we said that he's not on the market. Won't sell.

12:13 - Sky: Muntari close to Milan. PSG officials in Milan trying to convince Inter to sell Thiago Motta today.

12:41 - Motta's agents are in Paris to negotiate with PSG while Leonardo is discussing with Ausilio and Branca.  Palombo could be a candidate to replace him if he is indeed leaving for PSG

12:56 - Motta's agent: "It will be up to Inter if they want to accept the offer. It certainly doesn't depend on me. We'll see what happens."

13:08 - Ranieri: "Motta? He is called up for tomorrow match. Just a few more hours and then I don't have to speak about this anymore."

13:16 - Sky: Inter are moving towards Palombo instead of Kucka because Genoa couldn't find a replacement for the Slovakian midfielder.

13:21 - Motta's agent: Inter and PSG have reached an agreement. 

13:29 - Motta's agent: "Agreement reached between Inter and PSG only missing small details but there's time until 19:00 CET to define everything."

13:48 - Sky: "There's an agreement between us and Palombo's agent who is in the headquarters of Inter.  They want Palombo on loan with right to purchase. A formula which is not convincing Sampdoria who want to sell him outright."

14:11 - The formula that can bring Palombo to Inter at this point is a 1.5 million loan.

14:15 - OFFICIAL: Muntari to Milan on loan.

14:58 - Thiago Motta is going to PSG for 10 million which will paid in two years.

15: 08 - Sky: Inter have gotten Palombo on loan for 1 million with right to buy set at 4 million.

15:18 - Sky: Palombo is on his way to Inter to sign the contract.

15:38 - Sampdoria director: "Palombo to Inter is done. Only missing the final details and announcements. 1.5 million loan."

15:45 - Sky: Inter have registered Guarin's contract.  He is now officially their new player.

15:52 - OFFICIAL: Coutinho to Espanyol.  Mariga back to Parma.

16:09 - Sky: For the Inter midfield, it was between Parolo and Palombo, Ranieri chose the Samp captain.

16:31 - Lazio are interested in Andrea Poli but he has already played (registered to be exact) for two clubs this year.

16:53 - OFFICIAL: Juan Jesus at Inter until 2016.

17:03 - Palombo's contract has been summited to Lega Calcio. 

17:09 - OFFICIAL: Fredy Guarin to Inter until 2016.

17:25 - From France: Thiago Motta has landed in Paris.

17:35 - Guarin: "Thank you everyone for the nice words. I'm very happy to make this important step in my career."

17:51 - Palombo: "Inter are a great team, a great opportunity for me. I will talk more in a press conference."

18:27 - OFFICIAL: Angelo Palombo to Inter from Sampdoria until 2015.

19:00 - OFFICIAL: Thiago Motta to Paris Saint Germain and that concludes the January transfer window in Italy.

SNEIJDER, HERE ARE GUARIN AND KUCKA

With them, it is easier to use the "rombo" (diamond midfield) which Wes likes.

Yesterday no meeting between the Dutch and Ranieri: the interest of the team is first and foremost.

Appiano Gentile - No formal face-to-face meeting in Ranieri's office even if on Sunday Wesley Sneijder said: "Due to this substitution, the coach and I have to talk."  Yesterday, everything was peaceful: the Dutch, who was happy for his wife's return to Italy, went to the airport in the afternoon and, as revealed to his friends, he is confident and determined to return to be an important player for Inter.  And also the coach, who had a quick speech to the group, emphasizes two concepts: the final decisions belong to him and the team counts more than anything else and obviously more than the individuals.  And that is also true to Sneijder but not only for him: it is for the good of everyone.

Outside the box Things were obviously born on Sunday and this was the only message from the coach yesterday: "There is no such case with Sneijder."  However, - and he is the first to know - you cannot pretend that nothing happened.  Because in reality, Sneijder's placement on the field has repercussions to the team's overall performance tactically as well as mentally.  This is nothing against Sneijder because no player would give up a chance to have a teammate that can raise the level of play and when that player leaves the field, the opposite team breaths a sigh of relief.  However the group struggles with some of his over the top reactions and inappropriate behaviors.  It happened with Eto'o at times, but it was hardly mentioned because of his ability to hugely affect games, something that this season has happened very rarely.

Mentally It is clear that mending this situation is the interest that everyone has, also Ranieri: an unhappy Sneijder would only penalize Inter (other than himself) rather than being helpful.  It is equally clear that the coach, as said, will do everything possible for the "return" of Sneijder very soon: the key is to do it without penalizing the interest of the team.  Sneijder would also need to take this step, to adapt to the coach's ways and formations.  But the great question is how long will it take to actually find a spot for Dutch without going at the expense of certain balances on the field?  In Lecce, the 4-3-1-2 failed and in the long run may backfired and Wes could adapt to the 4-4-2 as a temporary solution but playing as seconds striker is not his profession (preferred).  And if there is no Sneijder, the team would then focus on Alvarez, an unknown factor that Inter cannot afford.

Waiting for Guarin But with the acquisition of Guarin (and maybe even Kucka), the cards on the table can change: because, as Inter are waiting to eventually migrate to the 4-2-3-1, Guarin would give Ranieri a perfect element for the 4-3-1-2, with the right characteristics to help the midfield to "stand up" for all 90 minutes.  The problem is Guarin will not be able to do it like Sneijder who arrived at Inter and two days later played in a derby.  The Colombian midfielder is still waiting for the moment to become available to the team, Inter-Palermo and Roma-Inter will be up to Ranieri, Sneijder and the entire Inter team to find an immediate understanding.

LEONARDO TO TRY AGAIN

Not only Motta but PSG also think of Milito.

But Inter are not oriented to sell Il Principe.

Offer for the midfielder can rise to 10 million.

Milan - After recent unfortunate experiences from the transfer market for Carlo Ancelotti's PSG (the no from Pato and Tevez came just within a few days of each other), the French club could turn once again to the Nerazzurri in order to inject quality into the team for the objectives of this year such as the French league and cup and also prepare for the upcoming Champions League.  So Leonardo now would not only raise the new offer for Thiago Motta and also think concretely of Diego Milito.

But Inter stop Possible? Impossible? Simply fantasy football? The big offer has not yet arrived but in Paris yesterday, the voices on the Inter duo have started to spread with great force.  Inter, however, at a few hours before transfer market closes, will hardly consider any big outgoing transfers.  After Ranieri's words ("The club has told me that Motta is staying") and also because this is a different Milito than one started the season, letting him go at this point would be impossible.  So there are doubts but from Paris, there is a willingness to be the best (team quality).

Principe Also because Ancelotti, after selling Erding to Rennes, has only two strikers at the moment.  And because of that, Milito is now a variable that has been included in the past few days when PSG were in preparation for Thiago Motta.  Rumors from Paris are that PSG are looking for two players, one midfielder (Thiago Motta is first on the list) and a striker and the club likes Milito.  For Thiago Motta, Leo said that: "Thiago has demonstrated that he really wants to come to Paris."  That's normal especially waiting for him is a two and a half year contract, plus one optional year, and a royal salary of 4.5 million euros.  Sources close to the club yesterday revealed a degree of optimism and above all the willingness to raise the offer.