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vs.

I'm happy with our second half performance.  Tough luck.  I hate Mazzarri, Maggio and Celi, the ref for tonight.  We'll bounce back against Lecce.

STARTING LINEUPS:

NAPLES - Here are the starting line-ups for Napoli v Inter, the 2011/12 Coppa Italia quarter-final being played at the Stadio San Paolo in Naples this evening (20:45 kick-off).

Napoli: 1 De Sanctis; 14 Campagnaro, 28 Cannavaro, 6 Aronica; 11 Maggio, 23 Gargano, 88 Inler, 18 Zuniga; 17 Hamsik, 22 Lavezzi; 7 Cavani.

Subs: 83 Rosati, 8 Dossena, 16 Vargas, 20 Dzemaili, 21 Fernandez, 29 Pandev, 85 Britos.

Coach: Walter Mazzarri.

Inter: 12 Castellazzi; 13 Maicon, 23 Ranocchia, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 4 Zanetti, 8 Thiago Motta, 19 Cambiasso, 20 Obi; 10 Sneijder, 22 Milito.

Subs: 1 Julio Cesar, 2 Cordoba, 37 Faraoni, 11 Alvarez, 18 Poli, 28 Zarate, 30 Castaignos.

Coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Referee: Domenico Celi (Bari).

Prediction: Napoli 3-1 Inter

FORZA INTER

vs.

Too bad that we didn't get the cleansheet but overall a good win.  We need to keep this momentum going as far as we could.  I thought the youngsters did well and we scored two fantastic goals today.  Forza Inter.

STARTING LINEUPS:

MILAN - Here are the starting line-ups for Inter v Genoa, the 2011/12 Coppa Italia round-of-16 match being played at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza this evening (21:00 kick-off).

Inter: 12 Castellazzi; 13 Maicon, 2 Cordoba, 23 Ranocchia, 4 Zanetti; 37 Faraoni, 19 Cambiasso, 18 Poli, 20 Obi; 10 Sneijder, 30 Castaignos.

Subs: 21 Orlandoni, 6 Lucio, 8 Thiago Motta, 11 Alvarez, 22 Milito, 28 Zarate, 55 Nagatomo.

Coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Genoa: 22 Lupatelli; 31 Sampirisi, 5 Granqvist, 24 Moretti, 7 Rossi; 33 Kucka, 14 Seymour, 10 Brisa; 19 Jorquera; 2 Pratto, 9 Ze Eduardo.

Subs: 73 Scarpi, 11 Jankovic, 20 Mesto, 27 Constant, 32 Marchiori, 81 Sculli, 88 Biondini.

Coach: Pasquale Marino.

Referee: Carmine Russo (Nola).

Prediction: Inter 2-1 Genoa

FORZA INTER

THE FINAL: PALERMO PLAYED WELL BUT INTER WON 3-1

A brace for the Cameroonian, third goal scored by Milito.

Rosanero applauded by 40 thousand fans.

Delio Rossi salutes in tears.  Referee controversy.  Zamparini: "They only know how to steal."

Super Cup: it will be a derby in China.

ETO'O, KING OF ITALY

Scored a brace.  Palermo in tears.  Inter, a mini treble that worth a derby in China.

The Nerazzurri were dragged by the Cameroonian and the saves by Julio Cesar: it's the third title.

Anger Rosanero.

Rome A treble for another treble.  And if the Italian Cup won a year ago upped the ante with the Scudetto and the Champions League in their view, this one closes a season in which they "only" won the Italian Super Cup and Club World Cup.  At the end, the two goals by Eto'o and one by Milito were not only too severe for Palermo for the 3-1 win but Inter also lift the fifteenth trophy in the last seven seasons.  Seven Italian Cups in Inter's trophy room.  Not a trophy to be snubbed because Mancini began the new cycle of success, which involves Mourinho, Benitez and now for the first time Leonardo.

The class of individuals The celebration of Inter, which will be in Beijing on August 6 to play against Milan for the Italian Super Cup to start the new season, was the result of exploiting its great champions, from Eto'o to Sneijder as they were the two protagonists of the first two goals that stretched Palermo defense.  Also without underestimating the final contribution of Pandev and Milio who completed the triumph when Palermo got closer with the goal of Munoz, they were in striking distance.  Precisely Palermo don't have champions like at Inter but they can have their head held high because they played very good until the end with a special applause for Rossi who left a team built by him in tears. 

Inter insatiable Without a suspended Maicon and a injured Cambiasso, but with a recovered Sneijder, Leo started the mission for his first title on the bench by relying on the usual 4-3-1-2.  With Nagatomo confirmed on the right, Stankovic saw himself in the middle of Zanetti and Motta, but the problem was not the position of individual players.  The team was understandably tired without acceleration especially on the left where Chivu never went forward.  For Palermo, it was the opposite.  They looked fresher and more motivated, despite the absences of suspended Bacinovic and above all Bovo.  However, the Rosanero couldn't even produce a shot on goal, while Inter had the first real attempt at the goal with a classic counter-attack.  Sneijder launched the ball for Eto'o who was focused and running from the left to the center and slipped it in the angle of the goal.  It was the graze of a champion who understood how important class is but also suggests that Inter are really insatiable, because it still has a hunger for success.  With a special tribute to referee Morganti, who did not stop the action when Acquah committed a bad foul on Motta but waited to give him a yellow after the goal.

Palermo blunt So Palermo tried to rise its head, but the big absence of Bovo and an injured Goian during the match forced Rossi to put in Carrozzieri to play in his first real game after being suspended two years for doping.  Dancing in defense, inconsistent on the wings because Cassani was held back by Eto'o, Palermo lived on the ideas of Pastore and Ilicic behind the lone striker Hernandez who was dangerous on two occasions in the final minutes of the first 45 minutes.  It was a much needed spark to give new courage to the team and eventually Miccoli made an entrance for Acquah in 10 minutes after the break.  Rossi had to redesign the team tactically, leaving Migliaccio in front of the defense in a new 4-1-3-2 where Nocerino, Ilicic and Pastore trying to help out Hernandez and Miccoli who immediately tested Julio Cesar with his head.  Inter were suffering so Leonardo put in Pandev for Pazzini to strengthen the midfield and in the most difficult moment, Pandev got the ball in the midfield, passed it to Sneijder so he can find Eto'o.  This time to the right, but just as good as the one in the first half, he put it diagonally for the 2-0.  Everything seemed to be over, but the fireworks happened here.  With the header by Munoz, Palermo were dreaming of a sensational 2-2, but Inter then struck again with Eto'o who hit the crossbar and the newcomer Milito put it in after the cross by Pandev.  And at this point, it was really over for Palermo.  Because in Beijing, it will be Inter to challenge Milan.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

vs.

That was not a great performance on our part but we did enough to win our 15th title in 5 years.  This, for the most part, was a very good final. i wanted a third for Eto'o really bad but seeing Milito being happy and smiling are priceless. Congratulations everybody!

STARTING LINEUPS

ROME – These are the starting twenty-two for Inter v Palermo in the final of the 2010/11 Coppa Italia tonight at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome (kick-off at 21:00).

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 55 Nagatomo, 6 Lucio, 15 Ranocchia, 26 Chivu; 4 Zanetti, 8 Thiago Motta, 5 Stankovic; 10 Sneijder; 7 Pazzini, 9 Eto'o.

Substitutes: 12 Castellazzi, 14 Kharja, 17 Mariga, 22 Milito, 23 Materazzi, 25 Samuel, 27 Pandev.

Coach: Leonardo

Palermo: 46 Sirigu; 16 Cassani, 6 Munoz, 3 Goian, 42 Balzaretti; 8 Migliaccio, 94 Acquah, 23 Nocerino; 72 Ilicic, 27 Pastore; 9 Hernandez.

Substitutes: 99 Benussi, 4 Kasami, 10 Miccoli, 11 Liverani, 36 Darmian, 51 Pinilla, 80 Carrozzieri.

Coach: Delio Rossi

Referee: Emidio Morganti (Ascoli Piceno)

Prediction: Inter 2-1 Palermo

FORZA INTER

THE GRANDE FINALE

For Inter is a mini treble.  For Palermo, there is history.

The 235 trophies won by the Nerazzurri players against the 11 of the Rosaneri.

One game will close the season in front of 70000 fans at the Olimpico.

Rome 1 Gulliver and the Lilliputians, Goliath and David, Xerxes and Leonidas, those are the big and little guys who know that the smaller guys did not salute those who are bigger than them.  Everything from literature, fantasy, filmography and history can be summarized in this way: a group - adding up all the individual achievements - that has won 235 titles against another that has 11.  This is the beauty of Inter-Palermo.  A game which 69,915 tickets have been sold.  A game on one hand there is mini treble (after Super Cup and World Cup) and on the other, there is history.  Inter are cannibalistic: Stankovic has won 25 individual titles of his own and on the face of everyone there are the hunger and the killer instinct.  Inter want to win again because they want to be at the top and at the same time dragging those 3 (Pazzini, Ranocchia and Kharja) who haven't won anything yet.  In Palermo, there are many who haven't won anything so dragging them are Liverani and Miccoli with the faces of students who want to return home with a 10 in their report card and not only that, a ticket to Beijing.  Ah, there is an aphorism of Samuel Taylor Coleridge that goes like this: the dwarf will see farther than the giant.  When he can stand on the shoulders of the giant.  Eh.

Rome 2 For the mini treble.  For the 15th trophy in seven years.  To continue staying on top.  To be Inter.  Moratti has asked for continuity of victories, Leo wants his first title, here is Zanetti to explain why: "We know the human value of our coach and we know that, like all of us, he really wants to win this trophy.  For him it would be the first with us and maybe be the beginning of a new series of victories with Inter."

The image So it begins with the encouragement of the captain ("A true Inter will be needed, a team that does not miss opportunities," he said to Inter Channel), and with a photo for Stankovic who said: "We want the last image of us raising the cup to be printed" but there are two big questions, Ranocchia and Sneijder.

Plaques and miracles? The central defender, yesterday, still had a fever of 37 degree with a lot of plaques in his throat so perhaps he can not play.  But today the medical staff and Leonardo will make the final decision.  The impression is that the center back wants to be there because he wants to help the team and remove the big zero in the box of career victories (like Pazzini and Kharja).  And what about Sneijder?  If the left calf continues to create problems then no.  The moral just a few hours before the game is that the chances of Ranocchia playing are higher than that of Wesley.  Any substitutes?  Materazzi over Samuel for the spot in the defense and it is almost certainty that Kharja will replace the Dutch who is in need of miracles.

Formation It will be a 4-3-1-2 for Leonardo and Inter.  A system that he and the team know best without Maicon (suspended) and Cambiasso (injured) but watch out for changes during the game because Milito wants to repeat from last year.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

ITALIAN CUP: A DRAW (1-1) AT THE SAN SIRO WITH ROMA AFTER THE 1-0 AT THE OLIMPICO

It is the sixth final in seven years: on the 29th with Palermo.

Eto'o scored, Borriello equalized after hitting the post twice.

For Leo, it could be his first title as a coach.

GO INTER, 6 TIMES IN THE FINAL

Sixth time in seven years for the Nerazzurri.

Roma, surrendered and anger.

Eto'o broke the deadlock but Borriello scared: double post and then equalized. 

A game with Palermo at the Olimpico on the 29.

Milan - There won't be the last derby of the season, but there will be another final, the sixth of the last seven since 2005 for Inter, which will go on the attack for their seventh Italian Cup, the first time against Palermo.  One night after the flop of the new Italian Champions, Inter had great odds against Roma, whom they had already beaten 1-0 in the first leg, but that expected script was not it.  Having slept for a half, Inter were awaken by the kiss of Eto'o who reassured the 1-0 but Roma had their fair share of chances.  So first came the double post by Borriello, just like the blunder of Ibrahimovic against Palermo.  But then the goal came for the former Milan player.  Roma fought much at the end but there was no goal.  So, Inter did enough to secure the 1-1 draw, it was more practical than beautiful by punishing Roma of their errors and omissions.

Inter diesel The absences of Sneijder and Stankovic (who scored the goal in the first leg) including a suspended Ranocchia were not enough to justify the disappointing first half of a slow and heavy Inter, without a hint of imagination and almost lazy.  Only Nagatomo, as usual, was able to pull out the rare applause from the few fans present with his acceleration and recovery on the left.  The other was Eto'o who managed to threaten on the left a few times in this match.  Even Kharja demonstrated the anger of someone who has played little.  Captain Zanetti, who celebrated 1000 professional matches, was only checking on the right while Cambiasso was one again on the left side in the midfield as Mariga was a preferred option in the middle.  Leonardo's tactical choices side, the team seemed only capable of playing like an old diesel engine leaving its fate to the innocent Pazzini, preferred for the declining Milito.

Roma Facing with such an Inter that was so humble and with only one shot on goal in the first 45 minutes, Roma were even worse and they couldn't score a goal to force extra time.  Without the suspended Totti and Taddei, alongside Borriello was Menez who served as a second striker but neither of them can do anything to Julio Cesar who just like Doni was unemployed for a half.  Not only that, the elastic 4-3-1-2 with Perrotta, Pizarro and De Rossi couldn't provide enough support to Simplico so they produced nothing but just smoke. 

Final Eto'o, early in the second half, put Inter in the lead by taking a low shot in the corner after it hit the arm of Perrota.  Inter could double the lead with Milito but instead Roma were awaken.  Borriello was very unfortunately when his shot hit the woodwork twice.  But the same Borrielo was able to head the ball in the net for the equalizer.  At that point, with 6 minutes remaining, we can see that all the fights were fueled by Burdisso and Roma in desperate attempts of mocking Inter in the final minutes.  But the score didn't change and everybody will eventually return to Rome.  Montella's team will go home while for Leonardo's, they will play in the final against Palermo.  Inter could lift their first trophy in 2011 and as a result, their next opponent would be Milan in Beijing for the Italian Super Cup.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

vs.

That was pretty but I'll take it.  Zanetti's 1000th game was a success.  We all wanted a win but 1-1 result was satisfactory.  There could have been more goals if luck or better finishing was involved.  Pazzini and Milito both had good chances to score why Borriello hit the post twice with one shot.

Nagatomo, I thought, did great defensively as well as Mariga but he is extremely raw offensively.  Eto'o got another goal which is his 34th of the season.

Nothing more to add besides FORZA INTER and:

STARTING LINEUPS

MILAN - Here are the starting line-ups for this evening's Coppa Italia semi-final second-leg fixture between Inter and Roma, which is being played at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan's San Siro district (20:45 kick-off).

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 26 Chivu, 55 Nagatomo; 19 Cambiasso, 17 Mariga; 4 Zanetti, 14 Kharja, 9 Eto'o; 7 Pazzini.

Subs: 12 Castellazzi, 8 Thiago Motta, 20 Obi, 22 Milito, 23 Materazzi, 27 Pandev, 29 Coutinho.

Coach: Leonardo.

Roma: 32 Doni; 77 Cassetti, 29 N. Burdisso, 4 Juan, 17 Riise; 7 Pizarro, 16 De Rossi; 20 Perrotta, 30 Simplicio, 94 Menez; 22 Borriello.

Subs: 1 Lobont, 3 Castellini, 9 Vucinic, 15 Loria, 23 Greco, 47 Caprari, 87 Rosi.

Coach: Vincenzo Montella.

Referee: Daniele Orsato di Schio.

Prediction: Inter 1-1 Roma

FORZA INTER

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Kharja starting... I'm going to puke.

Julio Cesar: N/A

He was one of the 23, 980 spectators at the Olimpico. Other than some scuffles, the one time that he was committed was at the 90th minute by a telephone call from Taddei.

Maicon: 6

Picked up a yellow after just 16 minutes so he can say goodbye to the game at the San Siro. Obviously he had to slow down a bit but defended effectively.

Lucio: 7

Returned sumptuously when he went head high pushing for movement. Anticipated on Perrotta on the 26th minutes: that could have been a goal.

Ranocchia: 5.5

He will also miss the semifinal return leg becuase of a useless pull of the shirt of a midfielder: does he want to give a gift to Samuel?

Nagatomo: 6

Got good results facing the imprecise but dynamic Taddei. But in the attack, he served poorly or just ignored it.

Zanetti: 6

A good game in terms of containment, without any dangerous initiatives but he ensured a balance that needed at Inter.

Cambiasso: 7

Started with an illuminating pass for the goal. Then he stood tall to contain.

Pandev: 6

More useful as a midfielder (a surprise) than as a striker, his physical force is the detriment of accuracy and incisiveness.

Sneijder: 6.5

In recovery mode in terms of movements as well as ideas (his final assist to Pazzini). But he must find his shooting touch.

Milito: 5

Tried to create spaces, but he is still unconvinced and stiff. When you saw him he was always marked closely. Courage...

Pazzini: 5.5

Sneijder sent him in front of Doni when he just got in the game but he didn't use his quickness to get around the keeper. That could close the game.

Obi: N/A

Less than a quarter of an hour for the exhausted Pandev to control a Roma which were only dangerous because of the lightness of Ranocchia.

Stankovic: 7.5

He can become such a unique player in one of those nights like yesterday when he combined excessive power, force and class.

Mariga: N/A

Leonardo: 6.5

Finally turned to his stars after many nights of nightmares. Good job to balance the team by sacrificing Pandev.

Overall: 7

Authoritative performance from a team that wanted to close that its best.

vs.

Ha, we won.  We actually won and there's actually a team that worse than us.  A positive game for us I though but that maybe because Roma were shit. 

A few thoughts:

Lucio was rock solid in the back and it seems like he got everything in the box.

Milito was useless and did absolutely nothing other than his offsides that screwed up our attacks.

Obi, in just a few minutes, I thought did great.  He was cool, calm and collected for his age and MUST have more playing time.

Hopefully this will give us a push for the final stage of the season.  We need to secure that 2nd or 3rd spot.  FORZA INTER

STARTING LINEUPS:

ROME - Here are the line-ups for Roma v Inter, the Coppa Italia 2010/11 semi-final first leg being played this evening at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome (20:45 kick-off).

Roma: 32 Doni; 77 Cassetti, 29 N. Burdisso, 4 Juan, 17 Riise; 7 Pizarro, 16 De Rossi; 11 Taddei, 20 Perrotta, 9 Vucinic; 22 Borriello.

Subs: 1 Lobont, 3 Castellini, 15 Loria, 30 Simplicio, 33 Brighi, 87 Rosi, 94 Menez.

Coach: Vincenzo Montella.

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 15 Ranocchia, 55 Nagatomo; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 5 Stankovic; 10 Sneijder; 27 Pandev, 22 Milito.

Subs: 12 Castellazzi, 7 Pazzini, 14 Kharja, 17 Mariga, 20 Obi, 23 Materazzi, 26 Chivu.

Coach: Leonardo.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Bologna).

Prediction: Roma 3-0 Inter

FORZA INTER

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This douche Leonardo needs to fucking tell us why he continuously leaves Coutinho home and the piece of crap Kharja on the bench.

vs.

Well that was exhausting.  A win is a win is a win no matter how ugly it is. 

Anyway, Castellazzi and Ranocchia are clearly the best two players for us but I would pick Ranocchia to have the man of the match award because I am biased.  I don't want to wish injuries on anybody but Cordoba's injury is a blessing in disguise.  Ranocchia is just too good (and expensive) to sit on the bench.  First win at the San Paolo since 1998 at we kept a clean sheet.  Good signs.

I also don't know how Leo kept his last sub.  Dude probably was thinking of keeping it just in case of another injury.  Or he forgot to use it because he was busy with his hair.

Pandev needs to be praised with his efforts today.  He played like his life depended on it.  However, he still couldn't do anything right.  Same with Eto'o who had an off night.  I would love to see Leonardo exchangin their positions.  Pandev on the left and Eto'o as a central forward.

Feel bad for Napoli and its fans since they did have the most chances to score. We basically did this to them:

Forza Inter.

NAPLES - Here are the line-ups for the Coppa Italia 2010/11 quarter-final between Napoli and Inter, which will kick off at the Stadio San Paolo in Naples at 20:45.

Napoli: 26 De Sanctis; 14 Campagnaro, 28 P.Cannavaro, 6 Aronica; 11 Maggio, 5 Pazienza, 23 Gargano, 8 Dossena; 17 Hamsik, 22 Lavezzi; 7 Cavani;

Subs: 33 Gianello, 13 Santacroce, 18 Zuniga, 21 Yebda, 25 Cribari, 77 Sosa, 99 Lucarelli.

Coach: Walter Mazzarri

Inter: 12 Castellazzi; 13 Maicon, 2 Cordoba, 15 Ranocchia, 26 Chivu; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 8 Thiago Motta; 5 Stankovic; 9 Eto'o, 27 Pandev.

Subs: 21 Orlandoni, 6 Lucio, 17 Mariga, 20 Obi, 23 Materazzi, 29 Coutinho, 39 Santon.

Coach: Leonardo.

Referee: Paolo Valeri (Rome)

Prediction: Napoli 3-1 Inter

FORZA INTER

==========

We haven't won at the San Paolo since like forever (over a decade ago to be exact) and I don't think it is gonna change tonight.

vs.

Moratti and our management have to have a meeting with Leonardo as soon as possible after the game to discuss about this decision for putting Rivas in.  Nah, I'm just joking. 

Anyway, if Ranocchia didn't make that mistake it would have been a very very good debut for him but overall still a solid performance.  Dude knows how to take advantage of large frame to block some shots and he did many times in this game.  Too back Materazzi sucks so bad.  He was out of breath at the start of the second half.  He failed to follow Sculli on the second goal.  Can he just be the next Inter ambassador already so we don't have to watch him again?

Class goals by Eto'o.  But the man that is truely back is Maicon.  Two assist for him today, a very good performance.  His runs are back.  He is back.  Leonardo is able to motivate him unlike Benitez.

Forza Inter.

MILAN - Below are the starting teams for Inter v Genoa, the Coppa Italia round-of-16 tie being played this evening at the stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan's San Siro district (kick-off at 21:00).

Inter: 12 Castellazzi; 13 Maicon, 15 Ranocchia, 23 Materazzi, 39 Santon; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 4 Mariga; 11 Muntari; 27 Pandev, 9 Eto'o.

Subs: 21 Orlandoni, 6 Lucio, 20 Obi, 22 Milito, 22 Milito, 24 Rivas, 40 Nwankwo, 88 Biabiany.

Coach: Leonardo.

Genoa: 73 Scarpi; 17 Rudolf, 3 Dainelli, 24 Moretti, 4 Criscito; 33 Kucka, 42 Veloso, 11 Kharja; 18 Rafinha; 29 Jelenic, 25 Boakye.

Subs: 88 Perin, 7 Rossi, 8 Palacio, 14 Sculli, 20 Mesto, 36 Zuculini, 77 Milanetto.

Coach: Davide Ballardini

Referee: Nicola Pierpaoli (from Florence) 

Prediction: Inter 1-0 Genoa

FORZA INTER

From the pages of the Guardian, the Inter and Brazil defender Lucio reveals his impressions on these few days before the World Cup.  "We have a strong group.  Most of us have never won this competition so I suppose that we will have even more the hunger," said Lucio.

Brazil are in Group G with The Ivory Coast of Drogba, who already faced Lucio in the round of 16 in the Champions League.  "He is one of the best strikers that I've ever faced, both on the technical point of view and his physicality.  I was devastated after the match at Stamford Bridge that I hardly could move."

ROME - Starting elevens for tonight's national cup final at the Stadio Olimpico (kick-off 20:45):

Inter: 12 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 2 Cordoba, 23 Materazzi, 26 Chivu; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 8 Thiago Motta; 10 Sneijder; 22 Milito, 9 Eto'o.


Subs: 1 Toldo, 5 Stankovic, 11 Muntari, 17 Mariga, 25 Samuel, 27 Pandev, 45 Balotelli.


Coach: José Mourinho.

Roma: 27 Julio Sergio; 29 Burdisso, 5 Mexes, 4 Juan, 17 Riise; 16 De Rossi, 7 Pizarro, 20 Perrotta; 11 Taddei, 30 Toni, 9 Vucinic.


Subs: 1 Lobont, 10 Totti, 13 Marco Motta, 19 Baptista, 22 Tonetto, 33 Brighi, 94 Menez.


Coach: Claudio Ranieri.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Bologna).

Prediction: Roma 1-2 Inter

FORZA INTER

Jose Mourinho has said: "We are used to not sleeping in case of the disturbance by the fans."  And they did.  Already in the hours for Inter, in Rome, at the "Rome Cavalier" hotel, where they are staying for the tomorrow game in the Coppa Italia, a group of 100 supporters according to the rumors from QSVS, are implementing a pentolada (not sure that this word means).  The act of disturbance against the Inter players with pots, just like what happened in Barcelona a week ago.

In addition, around 23:00, Balotelli and Arnautovic came out of their room to see what is happening on the street.  The two players, after a few seconds, were targeted by the choirs such as: "Throw Balotelli down below", after that they both came back to the room.

The Colombian ahead of Materazzi and he will replace the Brazilian.

Lucio will have to rest for two matches, thus being preserved for the last game with Siena and the final in Madrid.  The visit to "Paideia" center showed the contracture, but not to the level of tendon-muscle.  Ivan Cordoba will therefore take place for the Selecao captain, who will return in time for the last two matches of the season.  Cordoba is in the lead over Marco Materazzi and with Walter Samuel, it was the Inter defense for the last three years.

Goran Pandev however is visibly improving.  The Macedonian, disappointed after not taking part in the game with Barcelona, has everything to be present against Roma, as the hematomain the rectus femoris did not prevent him from training yesterday.  He will have more decisive tests today.  With the former Lazio player on the field, Jose Mourinho will field a 4-2-3-1 with Eto'o, Sneijder and him in support to the lone striker Milito.  But with the absence of the number 27, 4-1-4-1 might be the one with Cambiasso in front of the defense, Maicon and Eto'o on the wings wide, Sneijder and Stankovic in the middle to support Diego Milito. 

Lastly, Davide Santon, has been working on his injury with a personal recovery program.  In 2 weeks, the kid will be back in Barcelona for the next visit.

==========

Resting Lucio is a logical thing.  Too important to risk anything. 

COPPA ITALIA: A goal of Eto'o put out Fiorentina and open the doors to the Olimpico.  It is played on May 5: the other finalist will come from Udinese-Roma.

THE FINAL IS ETO'O'S

Inter this time ruin Florence and await Roma.

The Cameroonian decided the return leg of the semi-final.  The Nerazzurri acquire the pass to the Olimpico.

Florence - The real Special One was in the Curva Fiesole.  Stefano Borgonovo was the guest of honor of the evening and with his eyes he saw an triumphant walk by Inter.  The team of Mourinho conquered a place in the final of the Italian Cup by beating Fiorentina 1-0.  Decided by the magic of Eto'o, the only Inter player to score in all competitions.  An important statistic.  After in the game in the championship which cost Inter the top spot in the standings, this time it was different.  It was decided on tactics, balance of Mou and the personality of warriors such as Lucio, Materazzi and Javier Zanetti.  Inter showed that they have digested the passing of Roma and its readiness to revive itself to challenge for the Scudetto and the Champions League as they are waiting for Juventus and Barcelona.  Fiorentina, however, were stopped to find the first trophy for Della Valle and Prandelli.  Now the Viola must try to regain a spot in Europe through the league.  They have five games to surpass Napoli or Juve.  Not a simple task.

The key This time there are no inventions.  Mou draws a regular Inter with a cautious 4-1-4-1.  Captain Zanetti is in front of the box to protect the defense, Maicon (attacking version) and Balotelli were on the wings as Vargas and De Silvestri waited for them.  A mini bunker, with nine men behind the line of the ball.  The idea works.  In the first twenty minutes, Fiorentina were bouncing against the wall recreated by Inter and at the same time Inter also created several chances on the counterattacks which concluded badly between Eto'o and Balotelli.  Then, here comes the first crack.  Gilardino, a master at finding spaces inside the penalty area, found two good occasions.  At 25th minute, the central striker controlled an impossible ball and put it pass Julio Cesar but Lucio saved it on the goal line.  Five minutes later, Chivu blocked a great shot by Gilardino.  Mou's defensive strategy for the most part did well to emphasize in his precious notes. 

Magic Eto'o  Inter were late for several minutes after the break (for superstitious motive?).  However, Fiorentina were in a hurry.  The problem is that the wall of Inter is an annoying obstacle.  Not only that, four or five men were parts of Mou's defensive plan.  At the 3rd minute, Balotelli took a beautiful shot from twenty-five meters but Frey was there and deflected for a corner.  It was the first shot on goal for Inter.  The ice was broken.  From this moment on, the Nerazzurri were always the masters of the field.  And at the 12th minute they finally achieved the qualifying goal.  Lovely touch by Thiago Motta which freed Eto'o in the area, Eto'o controlled the ball well and blew it pass Frey.

In Keirrison Prandelli then tried to invent something by putting in Keirrison and Santana for Vargas and Marchioni.  Both disappointing.  Mou responded with Milito and Cambiasso for Eto'o and Balotelli.  Just to lock up the result even more.  An excessive caution give that Eto'o has deflated Fiorentina just like a balloon.  The qualification faded away but the Viola still tried to go for at least a goal from this bitter semi-final.  But they couldn't find the goal.  Inter were the master of the game.  The game ended with a song: "All on you feet for Borgonovo."

On the rumors about the gesture in Florence, Wesley Sneijder was very angry:  "It's a big lie - clarifies the Dutch midfielder, I didn't make any offensive gestures toward the fans coming out of the field and I have nothing against them, I was just joking with my teammates."

vs.

And... we are through to the final of the Italian Cup.  I'm happy and pleased but not that excited.

Don't understand the subs by Mou after the goal of Eto'o.  There is no need to play Milito and Cambiasso and at the same time, Balotelli needs some playing time to and what did he do?  He subbed Milito for Balotelli and Cambiasso for Eto'o.  Don't understand it at all.  But Mou chose to play smartly.  Playing 5-3-2 on defense and 3-5-2 on offense and after the goal it was all 5-4-1.  Super defensively approach but it was understandable.

Anyway, I want Roma in the final.  I refuse to believe that they are better than us and I want to revenge.  By the way what is up with the final being in Rome for another year in the running...