Inter Per Sempre

The controversy hasn't calm down for the last Scudetto that deservedly won by Inter.  Roma's lawyer, Bizzarri, reveals that the shareholders of the club are willing to ask for a penalty against Inter of one point in every game that Milito and Motta played for Inter last season.  They want their contracts to be canceled because Enrico Preziosi was involved in negotiations (allegedly), who at the time was suspended.  According to the lawyer this would mean that the Scudetto will be revoked and assigned to Roma.

Source: Calcio News 24 - FC Inter 1908

Milito - Perfect: 10

Just like Ibra, he scored the Scudetto, less in goals (22 to 25) but he plays a perfect season for and with the team.  Was able to score in both Derbies and sweep his head in the area.  No one else could match his quality and quantity, as we saw yesterday.

Sneijder - Fantasia: 9.5

Arrived on the second match-day and he was immediately put in the derby in last August, even though he didn't have a single training session with his teammates.  If Milito is leading this team, Sneijder is the distributor who offers full imaginations and quality.

Zanetti - Example: 9

The real news here is that he had to skip the game against Bologna due to the sum of yellow cards, because the rest for Zanetti is no surprise.  At 36 years old, he enjoys playing his best season, going from one role to another, the captain is an example on and off the field.

Cambiasso - Leader: 8.5

He is the conductor of Inter, the true coach on the field who returns and advances with his teammates, with grit and personality of a great leader.  When he leaves, the music ended up as the worst night in Catania (Muntari for Cambiasso, Muntari got 2 yellow within seconds).

Eto'o - Altruist: 8.5

In an exchange with the goalscoring champion Ibrahimovic, he scores less but plays for the team more.  His elegant altruism should have shown to the kids, because many times it's because of him that the team can score.  Rare example of class and humility.

Maicon - Springboard: 8.5

He was the ideal springboard for Ibrahimovic.  He is for anyone who is ready to score in front of the goal.  Has a few lows but many highs with his 6 goals, the last of which was the decisive masterpiece against Juventus, the most spectacular goal for Inter at the 75th minute.

Samuel - Outrigger: 8.5

The outrigger of the best defense in Italy, scores 3 goals and makes many anticipations on the opponents and in the area.  As long as there is Samuel, there is no hope for anyone because against this all, it would hurt anyone.  He also scored at the 94th minute in the 4-3 first leg game against Siena.

Mourinho - Leading: 8

From 10 in the Champions League, to "only" 8 from the league because with a better team than last year, he has to wait until the last game, against an already relegated Siena to win the championship.  Mourinho deserves greatly for having believed to have assemble a team with six new faces.  He also has the responsibility of having squandered 14 points ahead of his great enemy Ranieri.  Much tension after the 0-0 draw against Sampdoria.

Lucio - Colossus: 8

Great protagonist in Europe, but "only" great in Italy.  Was the best on the field at Napoli, where he led the resistance to save a precious 0-0, he naturally falls in central defense, where he soon reveals to be a giant with Samuel.

Julio Cesar - Human: 7.5

Incredible, but true.  The onlly play from the first to the last minute, is that he is no longer on the podium even if he remains at the least unbeaten in the league.  He has rare miracles and uncertainties just like yesterday.  This just means that he is human.

Thiago Motta - Incursion: 7.5

Started well by scoring the first of the four goals in the derby, then he slows down slightly but resumes greatly with a double against Bologna, revealing as an important piece thanks to his tactical flexibility.

Balotelli  - Intermittent: 7

Increases the number of appearances and goals: 3 in the first championship, 7 in second and 9 in this one.  But unfortunately, he is confirmed to be a intermittent genius.  He was out of the team for a long time due to punishments.  Pity, because when he plays like in Udine, he can make a difference.

Cordoba - Discipline: 7

Plays less than last year, takes great discipline one the bench.  He tries to find his way back on the field, as a fullback.  But he always offers his best in the central defense.

Chivu - Applause: 7

The head operation after the game against Chievo interrupted but did not break his season.  He was on the field and the bench, celebrating with a great goal against Atalanta.

Pandev - A gift: 7

The sixth reinforcement by Moratti, arrived in January as a gift.  A starter to replace Eto'o at the African Cup of Nations.  He was the the best player four times on the field, with the pearl of the second goal by the free kick in the derby.

Stankovic - Senator: 7

An essential senator in the group and when needed on the field.  In difficult times, he suffers and is an example for the younger players.  Remember his goal from the midfield against Genoa, it was a jewel of a true champion. 

Mariga - Promising: 6.5

First Kenyan in the history of Inter, coming in January with humility of a new face in a team of champions.  He often came off the bench and made his debut against his former teammates at Parma.  He proves to be a promising midfielder with personality.

Materazzi - Professional: 6.5

Played three more games than last season by confirming his attachment to a shirt, a great example of professionalism.  There aren't many 36 year-old champions in the world that accept a secondary role.

Muntari - Humble: 6

He took a few step back after his first season with Mourinho because he couldn't fully win his trust.  But he is always available with humility, scoring two goals: at Catania and Atalanta.

Others: Santon and Vierira promoted.  Mancini leaves no regrets.

In this golden scudetto there were those who often went to the stands or even went away.  Vieira (6.5)  reached City of Mancini, the protagonist against Chievo and scored in Genoa.  Santon (6) was stopped by injuries.  Quaresma (5.5) failed on the year of reparation.  Mancini (5) left no regrets after moving to Milan.  Krhin, Stevanovic, Arnautovic and Suazo  played too little to deserve a rating.  Toldo and Orlandoni did not play even one minute but for the silent readiness, they deserve to be thanked.

A banner which displayed by the Inter players has caused some controversy.  The recipient of the message is Francesco Totti, the main opponent in the race for the Scudetto, but also in the Italian Cup.  This is the text of the banner: "Totti, instead of putting your thumb in your mouth, put it in the ass."  Some people took it with a smile, someone (Massimo De Luca, during Domentica Sportiva) has harshly criticized the opportunity to display a message which is offensive.  In doubt, a group of fans has "cleaned up" the crime scene by tearing down from the bus.  Maybe Totti might be the first to laugh about it. 

==========

I bet Materazzi is behind this idea.  If that's the case, GRANDE MATRIX!!!

The Inter goalkeeper surpasses Jose Altafini, who won four Scudetti.

Julio Cesar has also entered history, because the Inter goalkeeper is the first Brazilian to win five league titles in Italy.  He exceeded Jose Altafini who won four league titles, two with Milan in the seasons of 1958-59 and 1961-62 and two with Juventus  in 1972-73 and 1974-75.

SIENA - Starting XIs for this afternoon's Serie A Week 38 clash at the Stadio Artemio Franchi - Montepaschi Arena (kick-off 15:00):

Siena: 85 Curci; 87 Rosi, 6 Terzi, 29 Cribari, 3 Del Grosso; 10 Codrea; 18 Ghezzal, 8 Vergassola, 12 Ekdal, 24 Jajalo; 32 Maccarone.

Subs: 89 Ivanov, 7 Reginaldo, 9 Malagò, 11 Calaiò, 15 Brandao, 22 Tziolis, 23 Jarolim.

Coach: Alberto Malesani.

Inter: 12 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 23 Materazzi, 25 Samuel, 4 Zanetti; 8 Thiago Motta, 19 Cambiasso; 45 Balotelli, 10 Sneijder, 9 Eto'o; 22 Milito.

Subs: 1 Toldo, 5 Stankovic, 6 Lucio, 11 Muntari, 17 Mariga, 26 Chivu, 27 Pandev.

Coach: José Mourinho.

Referee: Emidio Morganti (Ascoli Piceno).

Prediction: Siena 1-3 Inter

FORZA INTER

==========

Don't feel too good about Matrix playing.

Anyway, I can only watch a haft today and regardless of what will happen, I won't be able to post anything until later on today.

APPIANO GENTILE - The Nerazzurri reported back for training this afternoon after a two-day break following their 4-3 victory over Chievo.

José Mourinho's players kicked off their preparations for Sunday's final match of the Serie A season away to Siena with a 60-minute training session consisting of warm-up exercises, ball possession drills and tactical practice matches.

Lucio and Wesley Sneijder were back in full training, while Ivan Ramiro Cordoba and Davide Santon trained apart.

The coach from London: "It's hard to think about Siena when the Champions League final is near."

From London, where he is participating at the World Fooball Gala, Mourinho speaks again, after releasing a statement via the official website of Inter, by answering some questions of Sky Sport.  "The World Cup? I'm not thinking about it since it coincides with my vacation - he said.  At that time I just want to rest and sleep.  And I'm too young to think about making selections for a national team.  It is something which I think about at the end of my career.  Now I'm strong enough to be able to run 3-4 competitions together." 

He also makes some statements for the rest of the season.  "We expect 15 crazy days and it is not easy to be concentrated on the game with Siena when we are facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.  Italian football?  I love my players and my fans, not Italian football..."

SCUDETTO RACE BETWEEN INTER AND ROMA

The Nerazzurri were virtually Champions for 49 minutes after they recovered on Chievo.  Then they wake up the Giallorossi and with the two goals by Totti in the comeback against Cagliari.  Everything will be decided between Siena and Verona.

HEARTBEAT SCUDETTO

Inter scored four and were Champion for 49 minutes but then Totti came back.

Chievo in front, the Nerazzurri flooded them, they saw the title, suffered and everything slides to the last match-day.

Milan - It was a beautiful path to the Scudetto for Inter at the 34th minute on the first half, when Cambiasso scored the 2-1 to overtake Chievo.  But it turned ugly when at the 38th minute, Totti from the penalty kick for another 2-1, and surpassed Cagliari.  The party at the San Siro lasted for about 49 minutes or so, it was for the second title of the season, between the Italian Cup and the Champions League, but Mourinho will have to win another final next Sunday at Siena.  But on the other side of the usual suspects of our football, if Inter play like they did yesterday they will not have any problems confirming themselves as Italian Champions.

The key A little bit distracted at first, when Chievo were given an advantage with an own goal with a fortuitous deflection off of Motta from a free-kick by Luciano.  But then, Inter kept on going and won its fourth straight league games with three quality determinants: 1) the character to score the goal for the tie immediately, even if it was another own goal; 2) the technical force to crush its opponents with all the champions on the team, at 4-1 with three goals, all beautiful, scored by different players; 3) with a comforting athletical condition, they looked for the 5-3 after the goal by Pellissier to close the match.

Powerful Inter Without Lucio, Cordoba and especially Sneijder, Mourinho relies on Materazzi and Samuel behind, between Maicon and Zanetti, with a 4-3-3 in which the trio of Stankovic-Cambiasso-Motta to act as covers for the trident Eto'o-Milito-Balotelli.  Cambiasso was impeccable as always, acting as a conductor of the movement in the midfield, while Balotelli as a partner with the immense Milito, who was always helped by the generous Eto'o.  When accelerating, Inter were with a frightening power that radiates in every corner of the field, even in very small spaces.  Stankovic pinches the crossbar from outside, then after the two own goals, Cambiasso scored the surpassing goal by flying in for the cross by Maicon.  That was at the 34th minute in the first half when Roma were drawing in their game, Inter deamed of a tricolor party at the San Siro.  The lop by Milito for the 3-1 and Balotelli for the 4-1 seem to secure the victory and the championship, also thanks to the advantage of Cagliari.  But the two goals by Chievo and Roma forced Inter players to keep their eyes open until the last minute of yesterday match and until the last match-day.

Domenico Di Carlo, Chievo Verona coach, has a few words on the upcoming match against Inter.  "I come to these last two challenges without worrying about the standings in the championship and that in itself is a good thing.  I think that I have witnessed great work of the team in this season.  I think at the moment, Inter are the strongest team in Europe, but we will play with pride.  Because Chievo can only make good impressions with we play the game.  We already have a good season but we will not be demotivated going to Milan nor facing Roma.  The commitment of the boys this week was great, nobody has pulled the plug for this season.  We have some injuries but those who can play will play honorably for Chievo and do their best work."

The injury occurred yesterday against Roma is causing less severe consequences than expected.

There is great optimism about the conditions of Wesley Sneijder.  The Dutch playmaker is ready once again to surprise everyone and be on the field not only in the Champions League but even on Sunday against Chievo.  Despite what Mou said last night after the game against Roma, which he doubted his recovery ("I'm afraid that he won't recover on time for Siena and Madrid") and despite that the player had to clenched his teeth against Roma and then to be out after just over five minutes after the clash with Burdisso, it seems that this time Sneijder will play.  The conditions will be assessed only tomorrow when training resumes, but there is optimism in the Inter headquarters and they can even play him on Sunday against Chievo.

He showed optimism after the game yesterday at the Olimpico.  "I got a kick in my leg and some blood came out, but I feel better now.  At least I can walk so we will see what happens."  Statements that sweep away the fears and lead us to believe that he is fine.

Well, we all remember what they do in Manchester to celebrate goals.  N.E.R.D didn't really any comments about it.  But let's see what Marc has to say about this little romantic moment:

Marc, explain yourself...

Heavy, heavy criticism coming from Alexander Kolarov, Lazio left-back, to his fans for the game on Sunday night.  The Serbian defender, who is really liked by Inter, said with indignation the conduct of his fans.  "This attitude has nothing to do with the sporting rivalry.  Such conduct exceeds the passion and it becomes a disease.  Instead of helping us fighting relegation, the fans booed us at the start of the game.  The atmosphere in the stands has conditioned very much the approach to the game, even if Inter deserved on the field the three points." 

Now it seems to be the final break with the fans.  Inter are ready to welcome him.

An award is ready by the president of Siena, Massimo Mezzaroma.

Demoted, yes, but still very determined to make a leap over Inter, Massimo Mezzaroma, is an well known Roma fan and the son of Pietro Mezzaroma, the former president of he Giallorossi.  Siena will try to deliver the Scudetto to Roma because they are stimulated by the promise of a cash prize, as announce on Tele Radio Stereo by the manager of the Bianconeri Massimo Buccioni: "President Massimo Mezzaroma guarantees a prize of two million euros to stop Inter."  Buccione then states: "No game can be sold or bought and our players will fight to the death until the last minute of extra time."

VICTORY AND CONTROVERSY - THE NERAZZURRI PASSED 2-0.  LAZIO SURRENDERED WITHOUT A FIGHT, APPLAUDED BY ITS FANS

Inter are back to +2.  Sensi: "A shameful way to win."

The Olimpico was totally with Mou and not favoring Roma.  Now Chievo and Siena remain.

AT OLIMPICO, EVERYONE WAS PARTYING

Never seen!  Lazio were deflated from its fans.

Inter can see the Scudetto.  Venomous Roma.

Rhythms of a friendly, Mou returns to plus 2 on Roma.

Rome - Plus two on Roma and minus two on the Scudetto.  Inter celebrate because the tricolore is closer on Sunday or at the latest on May 16, the birthday of Moratti.  But he loves sports, firstly football, and can not help to observe the festival of peaceful obedience to the Lazio fans, who did not want to miss to see the dreams of Totti and company get broken.  At this point, just like before the season started, only Inter can cough up the championship, because Chievo at home and Siena on the last day of the season seem to be too low of foals for Mourinho.  The same goes with Chievo and Cagliari, who will have to face Roma, with the hope that the opponents of the Nerazzurri and Giallorossi will give them real games, not like the Lazio played this fake game yesterday with Inter which was "recommended" by the Biancocelesti fans.

The key Inter could have won anyway because they are a much better team.  But the surreal atmosphere with the Lazio fans chanted  "ole" at the announcement of the lineup for the team of Mourinho.  With two exceptions: Muslera, a rare example of professionalism, and the other is Samuel, the "wall of Barcelona" didn't have to defend anything but was the first to destroy the wall of Lazio.

Inter with tranquility Mourinho still manages to surprise by presenting a team that exactly like the one at the Cam Nou with one exception, initially they took the field with ten of the eleven heroes in Barcelona, including the red carded Thiago Motta.  The only change was Stankovic instead of Milito who was saved on the bench, with Maicon moving forward to Zanetti slightly lagging behind the Cambiasso, Stankovic and Motta, but especially Sneijder, he was on the far left on the same line with Eto'o in an 4-4-2.  Never before, however, it does not make sense to talk about tactics and the men on the field, because Inter were freely on the highways to Muslera.  The gift that was promised by the lazio fans, allies and accomplices of the Nerazzurri, their goal was to keep Roma away from that forbidden Scudetto.  But thanks to Eto'o and company, also thanks to Muslera that Inter couldn't score more easily.  But then it all went wrong.  On the fifth attempt, Inter finally found the goal with a great header by Samuel, who was found by Sneijder.  In the second half, Motta scored also with a header just to avoid the slightest risk.  Assuming that a game like this could present some risks.

Embarrassing Lazio It is true that with a draw for Atalanta this afternoon, Lazio's safety is within reach.  Above all, it is true that even the Inter fans would be happy to win the championship at Milan, but there is a limit to everything.  Unfortunately, however, the limit is exceeded by the passive behavior by almost all the Lazio players, and its fans.  So came the first goal and then the second.  Because of joy, the whole stadium was singing "win, win the tricolore".

An unexpected scene occurred an hour before the Lazio-Inter game at the Olimpico.  Mario Balotelli, an Inter striker, as reported by Sky Sport 24 took the field and headed toward the Curva Nord of Inter, or the area where the Inter fans were.  At that point, the boy apologized by beating on his chest several times and with his head down.  The response of the Inter fans is a mixture of cheers and boos, but the majority of the fans showed appreciation.  This suggests that the number 45 of Inter as an Inter player and not seeing his future away from Inter, unlike his agent, Mino Raiola suggested.

Here is the video (at 8:07):

==========

Now a little bit more of that, and you might play the last two Serie A games.

Cristian Brocchi, was also on Sky to analyze the game.  "The goal at the end of the first half changes the fate of this match.  Up to that point, it was a great game.  Here in Rome, the situation is very paradoxical.  We think differently from them (the fans).  We just faced Inter, the strongest team at the moment, there is little to say.  We wanted to win because we are not save yet.  The draw for Atalanta today reassured us, but we wanted to get just one point, the next two matches will be tough."

ROME - Starting lineups for tonight's Serie A Week 36 match at the Stadio Olimpico (kick-off 20:45):

Lazio: 86 Muslera; 25 Biava, 80 Dias, 26 Radu; 2 Lichtsteiner, 32 Brocchi, 33 Baronio, 5 Mauri, 11 Kolarov; 20 Floccari, 10 Zarate.

Subs: 88 Berni, 3 Scaloni, 4 Firmani, 9 Rocchi, 13 Siviglia, 15 Hitzlsperger, 17 Foggia.

Coach: Giovanni Lopez (Edoardo Reja is suspended).

Inter: 12 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 4 Zanetti, 8 Thiago Motta, 19 Cambiasso, 5 Stankovic; 10 Sneijder, 9 Eto'o.

Subs: 1 Toldo, 2 Cordoba, 11 Muntari, 17 Mariga, 22 Milito, 23 Materazzi, 45 Balotelli.

Coach: José Mourinho.

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi (Genoa).

Prediction: Lazio 1-2 Inter

FORZA INTER

Sneijder is near top form, will be present against Lazio.

It was an important day yesterday for Goran Pandev.  The Inter striker, who before the game with Barcelona had some physical problems and therefore he was in the dressing room in tears.  Yesterday, he returned to work in the group with the team to get ready for the trip to Rome to face lazio, his former team.  His day was majority for him getting treatment but at the end he did join the group.  Jose Mourinho is confident and wants to retrieve him against the Biancocelesti, but there are serious doubts and Goran will probably be out of the challenge at the Olimpico.  In any case, the verdict will only come tomorrow afternoon.

And if Pandev is forced to sit out, chances are Mourinho will call Mario Balotelli.  Playing him away from the San Siro is a solution currently.  He will give the starters in Barca a chance to catch their breath and if Pandev is out, Balotelli will be helpful.  This is an opportunity for the number 45 of Inter in a decisive moment of the season.  And the last situation is linked to Wesley Sneijder.

The Dutchman, who played at the Camp Nou despite was not in top form, trained yesterday with the regular team and he seems to be really good.  The problems with the rectus femoris of his left leg seem to be disposed of and his presence against Lazio is almost certain.  He is just too important on the chessboard of Mourinho.

It's Jose Mourinho that talks about the next opponents in Lazio in the league and at the same time Mou also has revealed some admiration for their left-back Kolarov.  "Kolarov is a special player.  Lazio are not a great team - said Mourinho.  Personally, I would love to coach Kolarov, really.  The only obstacle is the negotiation with the Biancocelesti.  Lotito calls too much for him and the situation is not simple.  Anyway, I wish the player can quickly find a great team that allows him to make definitive leap in quality."

=====

Don't want to piss off Lazio and their fans too much:

1. Lazio are our toughest opponents left and they could give us problems.

2. Lazio fans can be in a stabbing mood.  Could be very scary.

If Roma win at Parma and shotly after Inter lose at the Olimpico against Lazio, then the Giallorossi will have one hand on the Scudetto, a shot that would be hard to take not only to Inter fans but also for Lazio fans, who would then see their "hated" cousins celebrating the Scudetto.  The opinion of the fans of the Biancocelesti could be summed up by a post published today on the site of Cristian Ledesma, who will not play on Sunday due to disqualification: "You lose against Inter and then everyone in the Curva Nord can celebrate with a thumb down (Totti's gesture after the derby).  I hope that you have a good memory of what happened in the derby, there are some things that will never be forgotten.  On Sunday, you can save the season."

A clear message of "not to engage" too much against the leaders, so they can prevent Roma to win the Scudetto.  An idea that certainly is not in line with the intentions of president Claudio Lotito, who spoke in the afternoon of the three finals to take home four points needed to stay up.

==========

BTW, these are what the police collected before the recent Rome derby: