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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 returns coaching football.

Gasperini, how do you remember Novara?

"As the worst moment in my entire career.  But perhaps at that point, everything was decided.  The environment around us was absurd. The players had given up.  We got 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.  The one thing I was given was to keep Thiago Motta, after Inter had told him to find himself another team and with Milito who had refused a big offer (PSG).  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 was telling Ranocchia: 'go jump, 4 of us will stay just outside the box.'  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.  We're dead meat.  And I want to be a coach, not a manager.  If a player needs to drink less, the club should have words.  My job is to train."

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

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

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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

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

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

LECCE - These are the 22 players who will start Lecce v Inter, in the firstmatch of the second half of Serie A 2011/12, kicking off at 15:00 atthe Stadio Via del Mare in Lecce.

Lecce: 81 Benassi; 30 Oddo, 13 Miglionico, 40 Tomovic; 7 Cuadrado, 18 Giacomazzi, 26 Blasi, 10 Olivera, 28 Brivio; 24 Muriel, 17 DiMichele;

Substitutes: 25 Petrachi, 16 Diamoutene, 8 Obodo, 21 Grossmuller, 22 Piatti, 11Seferovic, 91 Bertolacci;

Coach: Serse Cosmi.

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 25 Samuel, 55 Nagatomo; 4 Zanetti,19 Cambiasso, 20 Obi; 10 Sneijder; 7 Pazzini, 22 Milito;

Substitutes: 12 Castellazzi, 2 Cordoba, 11 Alvarez, 23 Ranocchia, 26 Chivu, 18Poli, 28 Zarate;

Coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Referee: Luca Banti (Livorno)

Prediction: Lecce 1-2 Inter

FORZA INTER

IT'S A GRAND PRIX INTER

Accelerated together with Ranieri, a specialist in overtaking others: has gone from 15th place to 4th.  A rise that happened in 40 days.

From the win against Fiorentina on December 10 to the victory against Lazio.  Now in 4th place after a series of breathtaking events.

And the coach (only one draw) is not mister X.

• 5 - The goals scored by Diego Milito in the last four games in the league: one against Lecce, two against Parma, one versus Milan and one more against Lazio.
• 3 - The goals scored by Giampaolo Pazzini in the last four games in Serie A: Lecce, Parma and Lazio are all his victims.
• -15 - The distance from league leaders after Inter lost the home game against Udinese (0-1) on December 3, 2011.
• -6 - The difference from league leaders after the win against Lazio and especially after seven straight wins in the league.
  
• 1 - The draw under Ranieri which was against Atalanta.  For the rest, it's either win or lose.
• 7 - The number of games won in a row by Inter which has led them to fourth place.  The victims are: Fiorentina, Genoa, Cesena, Lecce, Parma, Milan and Laizo.

Appiano Gentile - And they bite.  Javier Zanetti was right: "We are like a shark... and quietly here we come..."  That was the Inter captain on December 18 after the victory against Cesena thanks to the decisive goal of Ranocchia.  Since then, this shark has been biting others.  Lazio were the latest victim that was overtaken by Inter, or sorPazzo (sorpasso means overtaking) as Pazzini was the one that scored the decisive second goal.  Inter have surpassed 10 teams within just 40 days by winning all seven of its games.  Moral: there is so much of Claudio Ranieri in all of this (one tie for him in Bergamo against Atalanta) and there is also a lot of Inter who have now understood winning ugly and when they were playing badly.

Bologna, the first victim Claudio Ranieri arrived at matchday five and won at Bologna with the score of 3-1 on September 24.  And with that victory, he had his first three points that were added to the four gained by Gasperini in the first four matches.  Inter did not surpass anybody and it was like that until the 12th matchday of the season, keep in mind that Genoa-Inter was canceled due to the weather.  The first breakthrough came on November 19 when Inter beat Cagliari, went from 8 points to 11, and left behind Bologna in the 10th place.  It was not yet the time for celebration however.

Siena and Fiorentina, the start Then there was the trip to Siena where Castaignos scored the winning goal and then matchday 13 when Inter surpassed Fiorentina.  Matchday 14 which was the lowest point on the Ranieri era because Udinese won at the San Siro, Fiorentina then jumped over Inter and the Nerazzurri were tied for fourth place from the bottom with Siena and Bologna, 15 points away from league leaders.  It was a canyon.  After this game, the duo of Pazzini-Milito were always featured in the starting lineups and Inter started steering back on course: Inter 2-0 Fiorentina (Inter surpassed Atalanta, Chievo, Fiorentina, and reached Parma), then the game against Genoa at the Marassi (1-0, Nagatomo) and with that win, Inter surpassed Catania, Roma, Cagliari and Genoa.

Cesena at -6 It was like a Grand Prix, the Nerazzurri machine just kept on going.  Next up was Cesena and it was a very difficult game.  Ranocchia scored while Julio Cesar made an incredible save on Ghezzal.  It was another three points and this time it was Napoli's turn to see Inter.  Then came the new year but it was an old and red hot Inter with wins against Parma, Lecce and Milan.  Inter did not surpass anybody but they did reduce the gap between them and league leaders to -6.

Moratti: Bravo Ranieri Then of course the game against Lazio on Sunday.  They were the ninth team that Inter have exceeded in seven games.  It was the game where Ranieri did a Mourinho in order to keep the team in great attention for the Coppa Italia game against Napoli and Lecce.  "It's certainly a positive sign from his point of view because he's close to the team, has his finger on the pulse and tries to motivate them for upcoming matches. It seems to me he's taken an intelligent position," said Moratti.  This great stretch is because of many reasons but main ones are the five goals from the last four games of Milito, three goals from Pazzini and the return of Sneijder. "Sneijder has said that he's staying? No one has ever thought otherwise.  Milito is being decisive? Thank goodness. We were counting on him. It didn't seem easy but he's a champion, and he always strikes the ball in a certain way that makes it so lovely to see his goals – and he scores many of them. Let's hope he continues like this.  Protests from Lazio? No, more than from Lazio they came from the press. Lazio seem to have made very little out of it."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

vs.

One of the worst performances of this year.  The defense was terrible with mistakes all over the place by Lucio, Nagatomo, Chivu...  The worst of them all was the midfield.  Hopefully after this horrific show, Moratti can just say no to PSG and their crappy offer for Thiago Motta. 

Can't say anything good about this game other than Milito is in form and we got three points.  What a horror show but I'll take the win.  Forza Inter.

*****

STARTING LINEUPS:

MILAN - Here are the starting line-ups for the 2011/12 Serie A Week 19 match between Inter and Lazio being played at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza this evening (20:45 kick-off).

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 11 Alvarez, 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 55 Nagatomo; 7 Pazzini, 22 Milito.

Subs: 12 Castellazzi, 10 Sneijder, 18 Poli, 20 Obi, 23 Ranocchia, 28 Zarate, 37 Faraoni.

Coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Lazio: 22 Marchetti; 78 Zauri, 20 Biava, 3 Dias, 26 Radu; 19 Lulic, 24 Ledesma, 15 Gonzalez; 8 Hernanes; 9 Rocchi, 25 Klose.

Subs: 1 Bizzarri, 5 Scaloni, 11 Matuzalem, 21 Diakité, 29 Konko, 81 Del Nero, 99 Cissè.

Coach: Edoardo Reja.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Bologna).

Prediction: Inter 2-1 Lazio

FORZA INTER

"THE REAL FACE OF ME AND INTER? YOU'LL SEE..."

"We have gotten in three phrases, having just won the direct confrontation in the derby will launch us even more."

Appiano Gentile - Ricardo Alvarez, please explain how you have gone from staying in the stands to now putting a certain Sneijder on the bench?

"Hands off Wes.  He has unique characteristics within our team.  His recovery will be one more weapon for an Inter that can and must grow still."

Well Ranieri is now married to the 4-4-2 and there is no room for the Dutchman.

"But Sneijder and I can co-exist in the 4-4-1-1, but in a diamond midfield, I understand how it may be unbalanced.  I did well as a central midfielder in Velez although it is true that I prefer to play wide."

When was the turning point for Alvarez?
"After a very difficult period, the first positive feelings arrived against Juve.  But everything was turned about against Cagliari on November 19.  I was just coming back from my duty with the Argentinian team but ended up in the stands.  However, during warm-up, Sneijder got hurt so Coutinho got the start and I was sent to the bench.  In the second half, the first goal came from my free-kick and then I assisted the second for Coutinho."

So boos were turned into applause at the San Siro.

"Our stadium is special but when people take aim at you it is difficult to ignore a certain atmosphere. It is a fear to make mistakes so I have limit those as much as I could by doing homework properly."

The fans also know how to reward those who put their heart in the game especially those are younger and new to the game.

"In Argentina, I was not accustomed to doing much work in the gym.  It was not easy to adapt to the rhythms of your football.  Here all the teams are deadly in counterattacks."

How has Ranieri affected on your growing process?

"A lot.  The mister is a great motivator and knows everything about football.  He has been giving us many concepts that can only do us good but we also have to be aggressive because otherwise we are not going anywhere."

And Alvarez, how far you want to do?

"As far as possible.  You have not seen the real Ricky.  I need to improve every aspect of my game.  Especially in the change of pace after we retrieve the ball."

You made a mistake of wasted a good goal scoring opportunity in the derby.

"It was not an easy chance because Nocerino did well to recover and I was not able to angle the shot.  But it is true that it would have been different had I used my right foot..."

Five Argentinians as starters.  The one out of tune is Zarate.

"I also played with Mauro in the youth system of Velez.  His skills are unquestionable.  He must continue to train well.  Unfortunately for him when he was playing back in October and November, it was not the real Inter.  Without forgetting his contribution in Moscow and against Lille because it was decisive."

The critics say that when the intensity increases, like against Milan, the team is in difficulty.  How would you rate your performance in the derby?
"We were perfect defensively but inevitably we had less control of the game than usual and then I could only create little."

How big was that victory?
"I believe that this is the real turning point of the season.  We had success in the Champions League at Moscow and Lille but we kept losing in the league.  The came December and particularly the derby, it this the game that will launch us even more."

What team has impressed you the most in recent months?

"Juventus are very solid but no one in Italy has a team that like Inter."

So for the Scudetto, you are there too right?
"This I will not say.  We just wan to take and win one game at a time."

The next win would be worth a passing over Lazio.  A team that is better playing away and just like Milan they are very dangerous on the break.

"I don't think that info is new to us.  We understand very well."

What have you learned about Italy?

"It has a bitter cold weather.  But I'm settling well thanks to my teammates and the fans."

You have not scored a goal from the outside which was your  specially in Argentina.
"It will come soon.  For now, the only thing that stopped me from that was the post against Genoa in the league."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

SCUDETTO: INTER RELAUNCH

After winning the derby, the Nerazzurri to have four out of six games at home.

INTER: CATCHING MISSION

The resurgence of Inter and the five matchdays in Milan.

After the derby, four out of six matches are at the San Siro.

Here's the plan to get closer to the top.

Milan - The resurgence of Inter is going through five matchdays in Milan.  One was already behind, gloriously we might add (derby on Sunday), the other four at the San Siro will fall in the next six league games against Lazio, Palermo, Bologna and Novara.  To add to this favorable schedule (four out of six at home), Ranieri's team has won six consecutive victories with the recent one being the Milan derby.  Inter are the most in inform team in Italy as they are pondering the ambush to those who are even closer to the top of the standings.

Pillars of Hercules On February 22, Inter will resume their Champions League action against Marseille and right after that, they have a very difficult trip to Napoli but for now the Nerazzurri do not want to think about it.  The Pillars of Hercules are fixed on February 19 and they don't go beyond that.  From now until that date, Inter will pedal themselves going all out for the league thanks to the four home games and they will also see how far they are from the top of the standings.  The first opponent is Lazio, the club that is only one point ahead of Inter and unlike the Nerazzurri, Lazio will play four of the next games away from home.  Udinese, weakened by the African Cup of Nations, will meet both Juve and Milan in their first six games.  Allegri, intoxicated by the derby, with a couple of hot potatoes in his hands (Pato-Ibra situation, Boateng a midfielder or trequartista?) also has a challenging schedule: away at Lazio and Udinese and with Napoli at home.  Juve, apart from Udinese, have a softer schedule but it is also true that against weaker opponents, they have dropped some points so Interisti can certainly take into account of other braking by the Bianconeri.

Not simple But let's look beyond the Pillars of Hercules on February 19 and say that, the resurgence of Inter and its Scudetto race will not be simple.  First of it's the schedule.  In the second part of the season, Inter will have the toughest away games at Roma, Napoli, Juventus, Udinese and Lazio.  At home only for the derby.  The second is the insertion of Sneijder and Forlan especially the Dutch.  His place in this team is inevitable because Inter have to grow in quality.  You can not win the Scudetto just by leaving the ball to the opponents, limiting the risks and looking for counterattack opportunities, errors like that of Abate or from a dead ball situation.  If Inter want to raise their ambitions then they also have to raise their level of play.  They should be bold and create more than they did in the derby or in general, the league.  Ranieri, the master of emergency, will now have to invent to win.  With Sneijder and the eventual return to a rombo (diamond midfield), will the defense have same protection and coverage?  Will the older Inter players be able to cover for each other in the midfield?

Variable transfer market It's true that the transfer market could bring reinforcements (better midfielders than a Tevez), but the market is a variable that could also reinforce the competition.  However, at the present, Inter do not want to look that far.  In their head, there are only pedals and handlebars to push as hard as they can.  After the five matchdays in Milan, we will see more about this resurgence and to what extent they can still dream about it.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

INTER SCREAM

The Prince decides the derby on Abate's mistakes.

Samuel was man of the match while whistles for Pato.

With goal by Milito, the Nerazzurri beat Milan and are now back in the game.

Moratti: "Ranieri is a bright man.  And now about Tevez, we will see..."

MILITO! THE DERBY RELAUNCHES INTER

The Prince beats down Milan.  The Nerazzurri are now at -6 from Juve.

The Argentinian signs for the victory after Thiago Motta's goal was wrongly denied at the start.

Milan were unrecognizable, Ibrahimovic did not bite.

Milan - Inter are back.  They have come out the darkness like those helicopters in Apocalypse Now and it is the team to be fearful about.  They have beaten Milan who hadn't lost since October 2nd.  They have brought themselves to 6 points from league leaders Juventus, 5 from the Rossoneri, 3 from Udinese or from a Champions League spot.  Lazio are a point ahead and they will be at the San Siro next.  This is the first merit of Claudio Ranieri, the true architect that has reversed the fate of this season while he has been able to applied hunger to those heroes of the treble.  Milito, scores again, decided the match.  Lucio and Samuel, insurmountable, shut down the Milan attack which is the best in the league at 37 goals, a feast that has only happened two times before against Juventus and Fiorentina.

Ibrahimovic rested Milan, in contrary, were unrecognizable as Ibrahimovic and Boateng were not themselves.  The overall reaction to Milito's goal was at a minimum scale.  Perhaps the negotiations and disputes recently limited Allegri and with that, he unloaded a team that appeared unusually distracted.  From here, the coach had to start again in order to give soul to the Rossoneri.  And then resolve the tactical questions.  Yesterday Massimiliano Allegri discovered how life can be very hard when there was no Ibrahimovic.  He was a streak of 7 goals in 6 games so perhaps "resting" a week was natural.  But he has to wake up very quickly.

Inter prudent Ranieri was able to resist the temptation to start Sneijder and confirm the 4-4-2 which is not like any other 4-4-2.  The two lines (defensive and midfield) were low and compact.  Even Thiago Motta, who usually goes on the attack, stayed in line with Cambiasso.  Despite the need to win, the order was clear: to minimize the risks, not to concede the field for counterattacks, while waiting for good opportunities.  Staying low and behind were the strategy that Inter brought to the table for this game: not beautiful, lots of substance, much humility.  The comeback by Inter is more ethical than technical.  And the strategy also did pay off at the fourth minute into the game: Motta headed home from Maicon's freekick.  Inter would have had the lead but because of a mistake by the linesman, it was ruled out due to a non-existent offside.  That was early on in the game but at the end of the first half, Abbiati's foot saved a close shot by Alvarez.  A denied goal and a wasted golden opportunity, it makes you think that perhaps they could do much more than just sit back and wait.  Because a lively Maicon, with the help of Zanetti, could just plunder Zambratta and because everytime that Alvarez cut back inside, he did very well.

Lackluster Milan In front of the prudence of Inter, Milan took the field and played their game for 45 minutes.  Apart from the 7 corners, there were some great chances for Milan as well like the when Van Bommel hit the crossbar at the 45th minute and a right-footed shot by Pato, who was in an excellent position, that went wide.  It was a Milan team that just could not squeeze more out of the possession that they had.  The role of Aquilani has often been underestimated.  Without him, there was only the tender Emanuelson to sort ideas.  The Dutch did create but not enough.  Seedorf could give a good hand in such context but there is usually Ibrahimovic just like the game against Atalanta in Bergamo but as mentioned above, he was resting for the week.

Indiana Jones Allegri did not change anything as he was waiting for Ibra to wake up.  Even Ranieri did not make any changes as he was content to stand and wait for good opportunities.  And they did come.  At the 9th minute in the second half: Zanetti delivered a pass to Milito who then surgically made a diagonal shot just like those times during the treble season.  Robinho, Seedorf and El Shaarawy started one by one to come in but it was too late.  And for Inter, it was Sneider and Forlan in the last couple of minutes.  We will remember how this derby was won by Claudio Ranieri, the Indiana Jones of Testaccio has found his lost Inter.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

Inter faithful, Milan-Inter has finally come. The greatest derby in the world! This game will make everybody excited especially the Nerazzurri faithful. A great encounter that all Italy will be watching especially in the city of Milan. This 18th matchday is going to be a super Sunday.

From a regular point of view, this encounter is like any other. The winner gets three points and in case of a draw, both teams share one point each. But this is the Derby della Madonnina, a prestigious match which will make the town colorful. This match will decide what colors will rule the city of Milan. Will it be the red and black from the defending champions Milan? Or will it be our beloved colors in black and blue? League standings don't really matter in such occasion as what matter is who is going to come out on top.

The derby doesn't only separate the fans but also the players. There are legendary players who have only spent their playing career at one club like Paolo Maldini (who surely will be present) and Javier Zanetti who has been here seen 1995. But there are those that have played for both clubs and the most notable one is of course Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He has been a top player in all the big clubs in Italy including Juventus and he will certainly be the biggest threat to our Black and Blue Warriros. His scoring record speaks for itself as he is the top goalscorer in Serie A with 12 goals in just 14 matches.

We also have a hitman of our own: Diego Milito. The Argentinian has had many ups and downs especially in the early part of this season but things seem a lot better as he put in undoubtedly his best game of the season last matchday against Parma by scoring two goals and assisting one. So far, his scoring record is at six goals in 13 matches.

Another strength that both teams have is their goalkeepers. Julio Cesar and Christian Abbiati are integral parts for each team. Julio Cesar hasn't conceded a goal for 160 minutes while Abbiati has kept a cleansheet for 283. Both players are at their top form and it will not easy for anybody to score against them comes Sunday evening.

Things have not only been positive for Inter this season. We had to climb from the 18th spot in the table to 5th place as of today. Milan however, are having a successful season as defending champions being the current league leaders and have the best offensive team with 37 goals.

Injuries wise, Chivu, Sneijder, Forlan and Jonathan should be fit this game. But it is uncertain if Sneijder is going to start on Sunday or not because he has been out since November of last year despite being probably the best player at Inter. There are other reasons as to support this uncertainty: Alvarez and Coutinho. For Milan, they have a longer injury list. We will not see the likes of Cassano, Yeppes and Flamini while Gattuso and Aquialini will probably be back if they get the OK from the doctors. Seedorf and Abate have had a fair share of injuries as well but it seems that they are back in the squad.

This Derby della Madonnina will be the 276th one and the 43rd for Zanetti. Last year, Milan won both derbies and maybe it's time to change things up a little bit.

IT'S A PRINCELY INTER!

Milito (a brace) was terrific.  Bravo Alvarez!

Fifth consecutive win for Ranieri's team which is just one point from fourth place.

Pazzini, Motta and Faraoni also score.

INTER IN DERBY FORM

Five goals against Parma with a superstar Milito.  Fifth win in arow as they are waiting for Milan.

A brace for the Argentinian who also assists Pazzini's goal.  Thiago Motta and youngster Faraoni also score.

Alvarez is growing.  Colombia now risks being sacked.

Milan - Well there is certainly no need to fine themselves.  Inter are running towards the derby on a highway of trust.  And as they are looking behind them, the difficult moments now seem far away and they are gradually disappearing.  Last night was one of those games where Inter deserved all the credits while they also got the help from the opposition.  Last night, Ranieri's team continued playing with continuity and intensity and that was perhaps the best Inter of the entire season.  They were helped a lot of course by a crumbling Parma and with that performance Colomba is now at high risk on the bench.

Opposites Two teams from different planets are Inter and Parma.  So let's recall the two clubs' statistics.  Inter have won five straight games and thus Ranieri has emulated Mourinho of two years ago.  This win is also the seventh in the last eight games with 16 goals (nine in the last two games) and suffered only three.  The exact opposite is Parma who are back to losing after four consecutive draws but especially Parma have allowed 11 goals in its last three games (31 total).  They did nothing right at the San Siro and the defensive numbers really express concerns.  Colomba's team has many cracks, not compact and just mentally as well as physically not ready to play this game.

The Prince and Ricky Inter were able to take advantage of struggling Parma immediately because its mechanisms functioned in almost every way especially in the first half.  Inter really had only one error in the second half but then game kind of lost its meaning.  Virtually everything from Inter was effective from the defense to the attack (three goals with four shots on goal in the first half).  An attack that has confirmed its awakening before Christmas against Lecce.  It started by the embrace between Milito and Alvarez, the picture that has written another chapter in its place.  Milito did have a bad start by wasting many golden chances to score but yesterday, he scored two goals and assisted the ball for Pazzini.  For Alvarez, he has now gone from being booed early on in the season to getting much applause from the San Siro fans.  Parma were sent into a tailspin and Inter turned off the lights in just under 20 minutes.

Towards the derby Ranieri and Colomba fielded their team in two different 4-4-2 because in reality, Alvarez often transformed the formation into a 4-3-1-2.  He had his presence on the wings and was able to use his instinct to cut back in the midfield where he played his best football.  Parma resisted weakly on his left wing and that was where Inter got the first goal.  After 20 minutes, they were already up 2-0.  Giovinco could at least stop the bleeding but he was wrongly wasted a great opportunity facing Julio Cesar.  Colomba made a few moves by putting in Pelle and turned his formation to 4-2-3-1 but Ranieri was comfortable enough to afford thinking about the derby.  Had the freedom to make changes while Maicon and Motta did not pick up any more yellows.  This is an Inter that Milan, if anything, should be a bit fearful.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

vs.

Now that is how you start a new year.  Everything was perfect.  Our plays were great, defense did its job and got a cleansheet, and no suspensions for Maicon and Motta. 

Milito was clearly the MOTM with two goals and an assist.  The difference between Milito and Pazzini is that Pazzini would be absolutely useless if he doesn't have proper service from others (Maicon...) but Milito would be able to contribute even if he has no chance to score.  Milito has always been a more mobile player than Pazzini and his movement in the last few games was tremendous.  So hopefully he keeps this up, we definitely need another one like this against Milan next week.

*****

STARTING LINEUPS:

MILAN - Here are the starting line-ups for Inter v Parma, the 2011/12 Serie A Week 17 match scheduled for a 20:45 kick-off at the Stadio Meazza in Milan's San Siro district this evening.

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 25 Samuel, 55 Nagatomo; 4 Zanetti, 8 Thiago Motta, 19 Cambiasso; 11 Alvarez; 7 Pazzini, 22 Milito.

Subs: 12 Castellazzi, 18 Poli, 23 Ranocchia, 28 Zarate, 29 Coutinho, 30 Castaignos, 37 Faraoni.

Coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Parma: 83 Mirante; 5 Zaccardo, 29 Paletta, 13 Brandao,18 Gobbi; 7 Biabiany, 4 Morrone, 8 Galloppa, 23 Modesto; 10 Giovinco, 11 Floccari.

Subs: 1 Pavarini, 14 Pereira, 22 Palladino, 24 Musacci, 33 Santacroce, 80 Valiani, 99 Pellè.

Coach: Franco Colomba.

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro (Lecce).

Prediction: Inter 3-1 Parma

FORZA INTER

DILEMMA FOR INTER

If Ranieri doesn't stay, then Spalletti is ready for June.

Moratti's caution: does not want another Leonardo case.

Rumors of a pre-agreement with the coach of Zenit.

Milan - It's just a rumor that start bouncing and spinning.  Inter would take a very cautious approach with Luciano Spalletti if Ranieri does not decide to complete the two-year agreement reached with Moratti on September 22 last year.  Spalletti has an expiring contract and sources from Russia suggest that he will end his Russian Premier League stay in May.  Moreover, the toscano coach has always been an obsession of Massimo Moratti who already wanted him for post Mourinho and also last summer.  Between Spalletti and Moratti, there has always been respect.

Signings or goodbyes It is not the first time that Inter approaches the name of Spalletti.  It had happened one summer ago, before Gasperini and after the departure of Leonardo.  Nothing came out of it however because the contract of the former Roma coach inhibited Moratti.  Today, however, that contract is dwindling and there is even some talk of pre-agreement between the parties.  In addition, the latest words of the coach may seem like a door that is opening: "I like St. Petersburg and I will continue working for my club.  In order to grow however, we need to strengthen and we need at least two major players.  We need to improve otherwise I will have to resign.  It is time to seek class players."  Clear statements even if Zenite general manager Maksim Mitrofanov kind of plays it down a little bit: "Ever since he is here, Spalletti has always had the interest from other clubs.  However, since the agreement was proposed by a formula of 3 +2, which means that we have a long term project."  But that agreement has not yet to be unlocked.

Champions League order Perhaps we have to see how these months will play out.  Meaning: Inter will have to sit in the third spot because participating in next season's Champions League has been deemed as essential and it is a clear order of President Massimo Moratti.  Claudio Ranieri has been able to reactivate a team that had been playing with the handbrake on in such a long time by leading them to fourth consecutive victory, 18 points in their last seven games and especially the Champions League knockout round.  Massimo Moratti is grateful for this coach but it is also true that he expects even more just like Ranieri expects reinforcements from the transfer market.

For the future Ranieri has always behaved correctly with the club: never dictates any market moves to the public, something that was done by Benitez and Gasperini.  Ranieri is looking at the players who can provide depth and speed: "the right players and not so much spending."  But it is hard to find those players at reasonable prices and perhaps his stay for next season might also be uncertain in terms of transfer market moves in January.  Ranieri has a two-year deal in his pocket but he will have a chance to decide whether or not to do an encore for next season.  In case of goodbyes in June, Inter would not want to have another Leonardo case and it is normal things that a big club plans for its future.  And that plan could be Spalletti.  More likely now than in the past.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

4 X 4 INTER SPEED AWAY

From hitting the post four times to four goals: they are now at four straight wins.

Lecce go in front.  Then Pazzini, Milito, Cambiasso and Alvarez score the poker (four goals): at -6 from 3rd place and... -8 from 1st.

Milan - So the year has ended at the San Siro with a bang.  Four goals that pulverize a Lecce team that actually took the lead with a feat of Muriel but then Inter had to hit the post four times just to equalize at 1-1, a save by Julio Cesar which kept the score at 2-1, a wasted opportunity by Corvia for a 2-2, a Nagatomo that dribbled and attacked like Messi while Alvarez was able to find the legs of Sneijder with an assist to Milito and then he completed the poker with a goal himself.  There's glory for Ranieri as well.  Decisive tactical changes at halftime by putting in the players that turned the game around from the bench such as the aforementioned Milito (and Cambiasso), who after three months of fasting, he has finally tasted a piece of cake and drunk champagne.  So all of this have ended a satisfactory year of 2011.  This is also a show of heart from the Inter players who will now continue working to improve and toward the derby.  It is there we will know for sure if the comeback which is persistently preached by Ranieri can really be attempted.  Meanwhile, Moratti will already be thinking about reinforcements...

Record woodwork The same president, who was sitting next to his son Gigio, was rejected by every ball that hits the woodwork of Gabrieli's goal.  And every time, the expression worsened.  If this sequence record of bad luck seems to belong to the surreal British comedy like "Four Weddings and a Funeral," we saw the faces of Moratti that relate more to the funeral part.  In addition to that, the counterattack of Muriel, a 20 year-old boy that dribbled pass Maicon and Lucio, did even more damage to the Inter president.  The first came from Forlan whose shot was deflected by the Lecce goalkeeper just enough to send the ball to the post.  Then it was Pazzini's turn whose header hits the center of the bar.  Third was from Samuel who jumped over all but just could not beat the far post.  Finally, Forlan tried again but found the same result as his header also got the crossbar.  It was 10 minutes of screams and disbelief for Moratti and the fans who must be feeling like they were at a Furniture Fair: with woods everywhere...

What a night: the Prince scores after three months while Alvarez has his first in Serie A.

• You are a strong father - Inter have always won when Pazzini scores: He hasn't been in great form, Pazzo that is.  But he scores the equalizer for the 1-1.  From Maicon's cross, he cut between Gabrieli and Tomovic with great anticipation.  It is his 15th goal since January when he moved to Inter: needed for 13 victories.  When he scored, Inter have always won.  He and Milito hadn't scored since the debut of Ranieri.

• First joy - Alvarez finally explodes: So here it is, the first goal in Serie A by Ricky Alvarez thanks to Nagatomo who made the cross for the Argentinian.  Alvarez had already scored in the Nerazzurri shirt against Trabzonspor on November 22.  At Velez last season, he had four goals in the league and received a call from the national team.

• Milito breaks fast - Teammates are moved: Diego Milito hadn't scored since November 2 which was a home win against Lille.  In the league, he had been dry since September 24: a penalty in Bologna 1-3 Inter.  Yesterday, he returned scoring after Alvarez putting him in front of Gabrieli.  One also said that on the bench, teammates were moved by the goal.
  

Factor Maicon and Milito There was also Maicon who inspired many attacking actions throughout the game.  Each cross from him lurked a danger as he was powered by Zanetti and Motta.  Of course Lecce aren't known for having a spectacular defense but the return of Maicon is great factor for Inter to make this still possible comeback.  Inter were able to equalize before the half thanks to an acrobatic Pazzini then in the second half, Milito came in and he was in a shooting mode.  Professor Alvarez was able to put Milito in a one-on-one situation and the striker did not hesitate and took the shot.  He found the back of the net by instinct just like the good old days.

The moves Ranieri started out by putting in Faraoni as a winger while leaving out Cambiasso.  Inter began with a 4-3-1-2 with Alvarez behind Forlan and Pazzini but the Argentinian has the freedom to enter into the game starting from the wings.  Inter were flying in the attack but were at the same time vulnerable against the counterattacks from Lecce.  Corvia, twice, had opportunities to equalize but the first was saved brilliantly by Julio Cesar while the second was just wasted horribly.  Then Ranieri put in Obi to cover and this particular move immediately triggered Nagatomo.  With the wing protected by Obi, the Japanese became the Ryan Giggs on his wing.  Here he advanced in the area of Lecce with exciting dribbling skills and served the ball beautifully to Cambiasso for the 3-1.  Nagatomo then found Alvarez for an easy fourth goal of the game.  Note that Alvarez had already suffered by a muscle pain but he fought until the end and his instinct led him in the area to enjoy the first starring night at the San Siro.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

vs.

I was 10 minutes away from predicting the right score again.  Damn.

I can't remember the last time that we hit the post four times let alone four times in the first 35 minutes.  It was just unheard of.  Anyway, I don't really care who the opponent is, we must go out and perform which we did so this is a great win.  The bad in my opinon were Motta and perhaps Lucio.  Lucio was out of position a couple of times but Motta was particularly bad today.

The good are plenty.  Julio Cesar, Milito, Forlan, Nagatomo, Maicon, Pazzini were great.  Man of the match was clearly Alvarez.  Involved in all of our actions and with an assist and a goal to go with it.  By far the best game in our shirt.

It's up to Moratti now to give us more sparks and keep this momentum going.  Forza Inter.

*****

STARTING LINEUPS:

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 25 Samuel, 55 Nagatomo; 37 Faroni, 4 Zanetti, 8 Thiago Motta, 11 Alvarez; 9 Forlan, 7 Pazzini.

Subs: 12 Castellazzi, 2 Cordoba, 19 Cambiasso, 20 Obi, 22 Milito, 29 Coutinho, 30 Castaignos.

Coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Lecce: 1 Gabrieli; 30 Oddo, 40 Tomovic, 13 Ferrario; 7 Cuadrado, 18 Giacomazzi, 8 Obodo, 10 Olivera, 28 Brivio; 24 Muriel, 17 Di Michele.

Subs: 50 Turbacci, 9 Corvia, 16 Diamoutene, 20 Bergougnoux, 21 Grossmuller, 22 Piatti, 77 Pasquato.

Coach: Serse Cosmi

Referee: Marco Guida

Prediction: Inter 3-1 Lecce

FORZA INTER