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THE VERSION OF GASP

Gazzetta's exclusive interview with the former Inter coach.

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

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

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

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

GASP AND THE TRUTH

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

"A negative experience makes you stronger. "

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

Gasperini, how do you remember Novara?

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

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

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

That midfielder?

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

Instead, the big piece that stayed was Sneijder.

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

Against Palermo was the first game also the first defeat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then Novara.

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

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

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

Can you tell us who it was?

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

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

What hurts you the most in all of this?

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

From Novara to another, how is Gasperini today?

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

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

What did you learn from Barcelona?

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

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

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

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

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

PACT SNEIJDER-INTER: THREE GREAT MONTHS TO SAY GOODBYE

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

To save the season and leave in the transfer window.

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

SNEIJDER, HERE ARE GUARIN AND KUCKA

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm digging the home one a lot.  And now with my personal touch (Scudetto badge), I don't hate the away as much as before.  Thoughts?

"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

A CRAZY YEAR

"The derby will be the spring that pushes Inter: we'll play it as if it is the game of the season."

"It would be an automatic fine if we lose against Parma."

INTER 2012: THE SPRINGBOARD IS THE DERBY

"We'll beat Milan and be back in the game.  Doing badly against Parma? Automatic fines."

"It's better than one from the transfer market that can make a difference rather than three that don't change our lives."

Milan - Pazzini, you slept last night?
"I did just enough.  But I'm prepared for the more difficult days ahead."

Well, you have learned those difficult days with Inter no?
"Come on, I'm talking about my son..."

Can you explain how you played that game having just learned that your first child was born?
"So I was in the back right corner of the bus just like always.  And as I was going to the stadium for Inter-Lecce, my phone beeped and it was a text message from my mother-in-law: 'He's born.'  I was like damn and there was no other way to say it.  I was sitting next to Forlan but he had a headphone on so he couldn't hear it.  I looked at the picture of Tommasso at the San Siro and then in the dressing room I told everyone."

Yes, okay then, but how did you manage to forget about it for two hours?
"I said to myself: 'I'm here now so let's enjoy being on the field.  I just want to score a goal to dedicate it to my son.'  Then I am very slow in terms of taking shower but that was the quickest shower that I have ever taken in my career."

A goal and victory: that was the end of the season for you in the black and blue.  Your rating for 2011?

"Six and a half which is the average of the 8 in the second half of last season and the 5 for our bad start of this season.  Although in December we were well beyond sufficiency."

Inter rating is higher than yours?
"Perhaps so.  I had moments where I lost clarity and brilliance but I have experienced it before: last season, I had zero goals in the first eight matches.  Anyway, I could have had six more goals had it not been for the woodwork against Juve, Cagliari and Lecce."

Do you miss that Inter that you rated an eight?
"I do not feel nostalgic for something that can certainly happen again.  I think this team is feeling good again as it now has the winning atmosphere back."

What was the secret?

"The team has an extraordinary knowledge of its own strength.  The team has been staying calm and winning games."

At one point, there was none of that?
"I thought that perhaps the Italian Super Cup could be a spring that pushes us but instead it was the first link in a negative chain."

Gasperini was a blunder, you didn't really love him right?

"I was fine mentally, I scored goals and I thought I could have had more playing time.  But he really made me angry only once against Novara.  He made it clear that I would play but there were only Castaignos, Milito and Forlan on the list."

Since Ranieri's arrival, however, Pazzini was written on that list 12 out of 13 times.

"Ranieri has great experience.  He knows how to run a group as he always gives us peace of mind.  And I'm not saying this because I've been playing a lot."

You said that you had forgotten to score in those 50 days without a goal.  You were frustrated in the area?
"The problem was not about scoring, but it was because I did not have enough chances.  Two, three, four games without being able to approach the goal."

But that dark period is now behind?

"I have the good feelings back.  Maicon and Forlan are back.  Even Lucio and I have seen the naughtiness back in our team after playing badly and suffering for a period of time."

Playing badly in the next two games and win them all by 1-0?
"With 30 points, I would say yes to day.  But our real goal is to play well and win."

How did you turn things around in December?
We have our self-esteem back.  And as I said it before: 'The last four games of the year will tell us who we really are.'"

And what game can you say the same thing in this new year?
"I would say the derby.  And for that, we will play it as the game of the year."

Five days before Parma and then Milan, is it too little after the holidays?
"Everyone has his own personal work program and these upcoming games would be a great test to see if we completed our program in a positive way.  Anway, we have taken this important decision: if we don't do well against Parma, it would be a slap in the face."

What was your game of 2011?
"My first with Inter, the 3-2 victory against Palermo and I enjoyed it like a madman.  My teammates were going back to the dressing room down 0-2 and only said: 'Now let's go back out there and win.'  And at the end, when we came back after the game we said: 'We are Martians.'"

Between September and December, you can say that the Martians were back on earth?

"When things go wrong, you will have some bad thoughts.  I went looking around every day and I never saw the fear of losing on the faces of people."

Your goal of the year?
"I have two.  One in Italy and Slovenia which gave us the certainty of the European Championship and the second was the 2-2 in Inter-Palermo."

On from Maicon's crosses: do you miss him more or Sneijder?

"Maic, Maic.  I told him every morning during the days when I was out due to injury: 'When do you come back? I feel lonely without your crosses.'  Wes is the most crucial player for the team but Maicon is the perfect player for me."

Pazzini-Milito: can you co-exist and play together?
"I have always had faith in this duo because Diego is one that moves a lot and has great football intelligence."

What about the other Diego, Forlan?
"He's one that has experienced many big games and every easy to play with him.  He is a second striker and can play as a trequartista, the ideal link between the central midfield and the attack."

Thoughts on Champions League draw?
"It is not a favorable draw as it could go a lot worse but it could also be a little bit better.  Marseille have had its ups and downs but the ups part is very dangerous."

People say that finishing third and securing Champions League for next year would be a little like winning the Scudetto for Inter this season.

"That would have been right two and a half months ago.  But third place is not celebrated by Inter in the last seven years."

So?
"So we stopped talking about the Scudetto.  Talking about it is unnecessary and not needed.  What needed is right now to win as much as possible."

Maybe with some reinforcement from the transfer market?

"I don't have any preference.  But it is better with only one player that can make a difference, rather than three that do not change our lives."

Can you score the same amount of goals in 2012 as you did in 2011?

"19 goals between Inter and Italy are not little.  But honestly, I hope to score a few more."

About the national team: your rating for the 2011 Azzurri?

"At least a 8.5.  A bravo Prandelli has brought new enthusiasm, football ideas and created a great group that knows how to make a difference with the many champions it already has."

And that is after the misunderstandings at Fiorentina.

"I went to Sampdoria and he greeted me with something like this: 'Perhaps we did not find each other at the right time.'  Now, perhaps this is the right time as I am now more mature and have a few goals behind me."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

Just want to wish everybody Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  So enjoy the festivies and time with your family but no matter what you do, be safe.  So again, Merry Christmas to everybody.

By the way, I would like to thank you Andrea Agnelli for providing me even more laughter in this holiday season with this quote: "Andrea Agnelli: “I am certain Capello’s Juve would’ve beaten the Treble-winning Inter side 3-0."

Mourinho's response:

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

THE EFFECT OF SAN SIRO AND WESLEY

INTER TO STUDY THE COMEBACK

In the second half of the season, the Nerazzurri will start with six out of eight games in Milan.

The return of the Dutch is decisive.  Moratti: "Happy for how the year has ended."

Appiano Gentile - The pilgrimage to see the stars is not so bumpy.  On the contrary.  The start that Inter will have next year is quite friendly.  Six of the eight games that start the new year will be at home before the resumption of the Champions League.

Derby And it is because of this that Inter will have to continue building on that they have done so far and the latest was on Wednesday night.  But in all of this, the next step is the upcoming Milan derby.  The gap between both clubs is at eight points and three points in a head-to-head could really turn season around.  "The Scudetto? I don't want to talk about it as well as I don't want to say it.  But it is a word that I have always had inside me."  Ranieri has never won any league competition and the motivation is there now more than ever.  Of course, the derby (which will be a matchday after the resumption of Serie A) will have another important aspect: because it will give or take away a little self-esteem, on one side or the other.

Seven times San Siro Starting from Parma (at home on Saturday January 7) and the Milan derby on Sunday the 15th, Inter will also play Lazio at home and then go to Lecce for the first matchday of the second round.  Up next is Palermo at the San Siro and then to Roma and face Luis Enrique.  Then two home games against Novara and Bologna.  From January 7 to February 19, it will be a menu full of home games before the restart of the Champions League.  Keep in mind there is also a game in the Italian Cup (still at home) against Genoa on January 19.

Satisfied This year, the San Siro has been assaulted by Juventus, Napoli, Udinese, CSKA and Trabzonspor: too much and too many times.  However, Inter have somewhat reversed the trend a little with the wins over Fiorentina and Lecce.  "I am pleased with the way this year has ended," said Massimo Moratti at the Christmas party.  But it is clear that he now wants even more.

Wes and the 4-2-3-1 And the trend is reversed with those who will become just like "new signings" like Sneijder and Forlan.  Ranieri is focusing on their quality and wants to bet a lot on the change of formation and on those who will be truly the new purchase in January.  Precisely for this reason, he has asked for a left wing to speed up the action, to give depth, and to search for vertical and horizontal movements.  The characteristics that Sneijder and Forlan have.  Even Milito as well who seems to be back to the real thing and could be one of the ingredients for Ranieri to make a comeback.  Something that Ranieri has not only done at the helm of Roma during the 2010 season.  No, it has happened before when he returned to Italy with Parma in the 2006-2007 season: the club at that moment was trembling and in the relegation zone.  He guided them to 27 points in 15 games and allowed Parma to live for another season in Serie A.  For Inter, he has also shown the ability to make a comeback with 18 points in the last 7 games (6 wins and 1 loss).  Now the question is is this break coming at the right time? A legitimate question and a season ago, Inter were from -13 from first place with two games in hand.  Today they are at -8.  Anything can happen.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

"INTER AND I ARE BORN AGAIN."

The Japanese has been the great protagonist in this recovery by Inter.

"I was in crisis but now I can feel things before they happen and a comeback is easier than last year."

NAGATOMO

"I will tell you about how I was raised.  And Inter are just like me."

"I was in crisis but now I'm like in trance.  A comeback for the Scudetto? We are all still convinced."

Appiano Gentile - The interview began with the obligatory bow and smile.  With two recent goals, one by the knee and the other by his head, the 25 year-old from Ehime has sanctioned his own rebirth after three months of disappointment and during last year, he was just untouchable under the guidance of Leonardo.  The boy asked for an interpreter to be present but his Italian has improved visibly.  Also because Yuto, with his contagious sympathy, knows how to be loved by everyone in this country.  A sort of Japanese scugnizzo.  Or an Italian Samurai.

Nagatomo, do we begin with you or Inter?
"The group is always first and foremost."

Beating Fiorentina and Genoa has turned your season around?
"This is too early to tell but certainly we are growing.  The atmosphere around here has also changed.  Results are just amazing medicine."

This Inter can still fight for...

"We can still fight for the Scudetto.  By nature, I'm not giving up and my teammates also believe.  After all, our comeback last year was much more difficult."

But this time in addition to Milan, you are chasing Juventus, Lazio, Udinese and Napoli.

"But everything still depends on us.  Forlan is back and Sneijder is coming back."

Between these clubs, who has impressed you the most?
"We still haven't played Milan which will be on January 15.  About others, I would say Juventus.  A very solid team that has the advantage of not participating in Cup competitions."

Even though Napoli kind of made you mad...

"Don't tell me about it.  The 4 rating that Gazzetta gave me that night created a crazy mess in Japan."

In return, you earned a 7 against Genoa on Tuesday.  You were the striker and the goalkeeper on that one.

"Important victory in a special evening for me.  I was racing in a trance.  I just "felt" things.  First was the cross from Alvarez and then at the end when I saved Marco Rossi's shot with my head."

Bowing instruction as your pleasure.

You are listed at 170 cm on the Inter website which is very generous.  Had you ever scored another header in your career?
"Only once, with the U21 Japanese team."

What was the nicest message that you got after the win at the Marassi?
"Many called me but my mother beat them all.  I will leave for Tokyo on Christmas and you will join us from Osaka."

First there is the Champions League draw tomorrow.  Who do you hope to meet between Basel, Bayer Leverkusen, Lyon, Marseille and Zenit?
"The draw? I really don't know.  However nothing changes.  If a team has reached the second round of the Champions League, it deserves respect."

Cesena and Lecce await you in the league.  Are you ready to score the third consecutive goal against your former teammates?

"I'm sorry for them and for my friend Parolo but I am going to hunt for the third goal.  Inter can not stop now."

Why has this season been different for Nagatomo? Did you forget your mythical salted plums which made you run like a madman last season?

"At first, I suffered a bad injury to the right shoulder late July.  Although there was no games then but staying out and inactive for a month and a half was hard.  Then there were tactical problems related to the new ideas of Gasperini.  So the bad started hit us all.  Then when things were getting a bit better, I got an injured calf."

This is the best Italian Nagatomo?
"Hard ot say.  But I am very well here certainly.  I recently spoke at length with Hiroshi Jofuku, my coach at FC Tokyo.  He was in Milan and a TV commentator for Inter-CSKA so after the game, we analyzed my performance together.  He helped me to keep concentration high, to improve my defensive skills, to read the moments of the game and to understand when to advance and when not."

All the things that you could deal with Ranieri no?
"It's not easy with the language.  Ranieri and I communicate often but with Hiroshi, it was mainly psychological.  Then when we are on the field, the instructions on positions and markings on set pieces we receive from Beppe Baresi."

2010-2011:

• Serie A - 13 appearances (10 starts) and 2 goals.
• Champions League - 3 appearances (1 start).
• Coppa Italia - 3 appearances (3 starts).
• Average rating - 6.17

2011-2012:

• Serie A - 13 appearances (11 starts) and 2 goals.
• Champions League - 5 appearances (5 starts).
• Average rating - 5.58
• 
  

Your careers has had so many turns.

"The first when I was 18 years old.  I was at the Meiji University in Tokyo but I never played because of a hernia.  I was depressed and I even thought about quitting football.  At the same time I started to lose playing Pachinko, a sort of roulette very popular in Japan.  Then I recovered and the coach gave me confidence.  So much so that in my fourth year at the University, I completed my studies but I left the team to become a professional at FC Tokyo."

You were on the launching pad but then came another blow at the Olympics.

"In 2008, we went to Beijing with big ambitions.  On the team there were also Honda, Kagawa and Uchida.  Instead we lost three games out of three and we came home, accused of being a generation of failure.  But from there, we sort of redeemed ourselves which then led us to play in major leagues in Europe."

You arrived in Italy because of Massimo Ficcadenti.

"The former coach of Cesena is an expert in Japanese football.  I love your country and I'm taking Italian lessons in order to understand it more.  I live alone in the center of the city and I really enjoy fashion, shopping and going out to eat."

Italian or Japanese?
"I like both cuisines, but I am crazy for Spaghetti with Bottarga."

Whom do you often spend your free time with?
"He is playing in Novara now.  I often go watch Japanese movies with Morimoto.  Then there's Sneijder who lives near me.  Wes is crazy.  People often think that I usually prank in the dressing room but I am usually one that on the other end.  The last prank on me was the filled napkin with grain so when I sat at the table and opened it, I spilled them over the cheese.  Another joke machine is always Viviano while I miss Materazzi very much.  We still hear from each other but less than before."

Your relationship with Zanetti?

"Fantastic.  Captain is great.  He is what we call 'Senpai' in Japan, a guide, a teacher.  Bowing down before him after a goal is just the least that I can do to pay homage to him.  We were also roommates during training camp and we often said hi to each other that way too.  When I joined Inter my point of reference in terms of my role was Maicon.  Without taking anything away from Maic, now I look at Zanetti and dream of becoming a serious athlete and professional like him."

But if had you not become a footballer, what would Nagatomo do in life?
"Probably I would do something in track cycling.  My grandfather, Yoshida Tatsuo, was a professional at this and he has given me this passion."

Otherwise?
"When I was a boy, I played the drums.  During my dark years at the University, I often guided the chants from the fans by playing the drums.  I had to be pretty good because a leader of 'In Fight', the ultras of Kashima Antlers proposed me to go on their side.  Fortunately, my injury was healed..."

INTER TO RESTART WITH 4

The return of Forlan, Poli, Sneijder and Maicon for a desperate comeback.

On Saturday against Fiorentina, these returns to get a call-up from Ranieri.

The "big" to ignite their game, the 22 year-old to return running.

Appiano Gentile - Four cards down on the table for a great comeback.  Four aces must be confirmed in order to raise Inter on its knees.  Diego Forlan, Sisenando Maicon, Andrea Poli and Wesley Sneijder, in alphabetical order, are the men that can raise Claudio Ranieri's Inter.   Fresh and fundamental players to close the year with 12 points against Fiorentina, Genoa, Cesena and Lecce.  It would not only be decisive for the standings but also for the winter transfer market.

More weapons Even when Inter were running and hungry, Maicon and Sneijder, in the last two years, have been the main sources of their game.  The advances as well as crosses from the Brazilian have opened a lot of matches (just ask the orphan Pazzini) while Sneijder's vertical movements are much needed in a team that imagination is not abundant.  There is also Forlan who is very familiar to the trequartista role as he has had experience with the national team.  The Uruguayan is the most flexible striker that Ranieri has.

Two closer Yesterday was the recovery day after the defeat against Udinese on Saturday with Lucio and Jonathan continued working by themselves while Maicon and Forlan were training with group.  The Brazilian has been out for a few weeks now after suffering a second degree hamstring on October 29 against Juventus.  If he continues giving positive signs then the Brazilian could already return on Saturday against Fiorentina.  For Forlan, his return date is also on track.  He suffered the same type of injury on October 11 but did train very well last week.  Between him and his return on field, there is the inevitable caution that the team wants to take in order to avoid even more serious injury such as a third degree strain.  So everything will depend on how he feels in the next couple of days and many consultations will be made between the medical and technical staff.  If it is not on Saturday against the Viola, the former Atletico player should be back next Tuesday against Genoa.

Wes on leave Wesley Sneijder could also return on the same day.  Yesterday the Dutchman was on leave but he has put behind the strain in his right leg and could return to the group today.  Prerequisite to persuade Ranieri to focus on him for the last three games of 2011.  Same precautions will be applied here for the Dutchman as you can recall that he got hurt again during the warm up before the Cagliari game on November 19.  Lastly we have Andrea Poli.  He arrived in Milan with a strain and has had a couple of setbacks on his return.  He was once brilliant in the shirt of Sampdoria and the U-21 national team so we expect the jump in quality after many difficult months.  If he is good enough then he could the the man for the Inter midfield as soon as Saturday due to Zanetti's suspension.

Source: Gazzeta dello Sport

CASTAIGNOS IN ORBIT

"I'm on the moon.  Inter, I will not leave here."

The Dutch is on seventh heaven after Siena: "It is impossible to leave in January.  I'm like Trezequet? I will prove Ranieri right."

Appiano Gentile - The Facciotti.  The Facciotti is a cross between Lupin III and Justin Timberlake.  "I do not know about the cartoon character and I will look for it.  While there's a bit of me in the singer since I was so small so everybody tells me how much I look like him.  His music is also good among other things..."

Castaignos, you also have your own beautiful music (in Siena).

"I have read that Moratti was like hugging the TV when I scored the goal.  That scene must have been wonderful and funny.  If that goal has changed my life? No, it can change this season for Inter: three points and gave us a lot of confidence again."

At Siena you said that "I will call my mom immediately."  But what did your mom Sivestra say?

"She was almost weeping with joy.  She was more excited than me, much more than me.  Then I remembered something very simple: 'Luc, you now have to continue like this.  You have to keep committing as you have been done to date.'  I also got so many nice text messages about that goal.  But the most beautiful was hearing my mother's voice on the phone, it was unmatched."

You are fast, know how to score and can play wide but you are primarily a central striker.  Ranieri said that you have some resemblance to Trezequet...

(Blushes) "I thank him in the meantime and then I hope to prove him right by scoring a lot of goals just like David did.  And winning as much as him here."

Did you know that in January you could go on loan to another Serie A team or abroad?

"Impossible. Absolutely impossible.  I feel great here and I came to Italy to play in the strongest team in the world so I'm not going to leave.  Besides, I don't even know these teams.  Here a youngster can learn everything by playing because only by playing will give you experience and I am also training with great champions that are also my friends."

Translation: being at Inter is like being on the moon.

"Precisely.  It's like having your feet on the moon and I don't want to leave the moon."

So on this galaxy what are your hobbies?  Music, books, movies, girls...?

"My favorite number is 30, color is orange, movie is Scarface, music is R&B and rap.  I really love the ravioli.  Am I engaged? No.  I'm crazy about football."

Who are the teachers among your teammates?
"I've learned a lot from Sneijder and Milito.  Wes gave me a lot of advice and the first was to understand the difference between Dutch and Italian football.  Milito taught me how to move across the front of the attack and good timing according to the development of the action.  I also learned much from Pazzini and Zarate as they both have experience."

You speak English, French, a little bit of German and of course Dutch.  How are you doing with Italian?
"I have a grammar book at home.  I study and repeat the words with my neighbor.  I speak English with Obi.  Coutinho? It's Italian with him.  There it is, my true teacher is Coutinho." (Laughs)

Who's your craziest teammate?

"Viviano, he's a prank and joke machine, he does one every 5 minutes."

After that goal in Siena, Castaignos is not feeling like a star right?
"No.  I am a young player who knows he can do well but must be patient.  Everybody wants to play always but for those that are 19 years old, waiting is normal and they must always be ready."

On PlayStation, what team do you choose?
"Above all, Inter."

And do you start yourself?
"Of course, I always play there." (Laughs)

In Siena, after the goal, you pointed the arms and looked to the sky.

"I'm very religious and I was thanking God.  Before every game I do the sign of the cross, never miss mass and pray often."

No blasphemy: do you pray for the Scudetto?
"It's right to say that starting with Udinese, every match will be like a final.  Reaching the top is not unattainable but we must do two things: continue to believe and win."

A beautiful dream.

"Mine is one and that is having the Scudeto shield on our shirt next year."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

TERRIBLE BANNER AGAINST FACCHETTI

Shameful writing exposed at the San Paolo in the stands of Juve fans.

Milan - An abominable banner in black and blue was seen Tuesday night at the San Paolo during Napoli-Juventus: "Facchetti 48" was written and the number 48 here means "talking dead."

Bad taste A writing of bad taste from some of the Juventus fans aimed at the former Inter great and president Giancinto Facchetti.  Writing a phrase like that is repugnant and is also a symptom of deep ignorance.  There have been sentences after Calciopoli and those calls have been heard and examined.  They were also confirmed by former Federal Prosecutor Giuseppe Narducci that they (Facchetti's calls) have no significance criminally and have nothing to do with the structure that once ruled Italian football.

The public It was an unfortunate and forgetful event.  The stadium at evening was wonderful in terms of fans.  Juventus fans were truly its 12th man on the field.  It was a fantastic setting.  But such a vulgar banner, photographed by Franco Romano and ended up on Facebook, can not be part of the world of true fans.  We think that the true Juve fans should distance themselves from such despicable behavior.  It has nothing to do with the Old Lady.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

ORIALI VENTS: "INTER, WHY AM I OUT? NOW I SEE SO MUCH CHAOS."

"Branca and others convinced Moratti to continue without me.  Even Barca would be in confusion with four different coaches."

Milan - At Inter for 30 years and the team is obviously in his heart even if he is out of the team and suffering in silence.  But since it is impossible to remain silent forever, Lele Oriali has finally came out and spoken about it.  He had never done anything like this since he left the club.  He talks about Moratti and Branca, Benitez and Gasperini, Mancini and Ranieri.  "I would like to take this opportunity to thank, through the Gazzetta, the fans who showed me great affection by displaying that banner at the San Siro.  And I am determined to talk to them and all other messages that they have sent me wondering why I am no longer at Inter."

You have never explained this...

"Because I don't know the real reasons because after 30 years at Inter where I thought I had earned more respect and credibility.  Instead I was ousted and I don't know why.  All I know is those that ousted me at Inter."

Who wanted you to leave?

"After the departure of Mourinho, the president was persuaded by Branca and other directors who wanted a new project without me."

Benitez brought with him to the bench Carboni: so it also depended on him as well?
"My place in the management team was not taken by Carboni.  If someone thinks that I was angry with him, they are wrong."

You didn't ask Moratti for clarification?

"I spoke with Moratti before and after.  Even a few days ago he said some nice things about me on TV.  Perhaps he has understood more now in time but he couldn't go back to the past."

You used to work with Branca, so can you continue working together?
"Given the results of these last 16 months, I am happy not to have been part of this project."

Gabriele Oriali was born in Como on November 25, 1952.  The former player (played for Inter and Fiorentina), was the sporting director at Bologna, Parma and Inter.

1982 - With the shirt of Italy, he won the World Cup in Spain.

1994 - After leaving football, he became the sporting director of Bologna and in 1997 bought Baggio from Milan.

1999 - After a year at Parma, he returned as Inter director where he remained for 11 good years.  Left in 2010 after the arrival of Benitez.

So what are the mistakes?
"The mistakes are in the inexperience and overconfidence in the planning stage of the process.  Directing at Inter is not easy and nobody can think that they understand everything if they don't have the experience."

But what was the biggest mistake?
"Benitez was a new coach and supported by those who know the environment at the club very well.  And then you can not change four coaches in less than two season.  I have nothing against Gasperini but everyone knows how his clubs play.  So instead of hiring Ranieri who was available in June, time was wasted.  These changes create so much confusion not only in terms of tactics but the players would lose points of reference in their head.  Even the champions at Barcelona would be confused if they worked with four different coaches in such a short time."

If Moratti calls you, would you return?
"Inter are always in my heart and perhaps one day.  But now the conditions are not there and I am not the type that provides ultimatum.  I am not even going to the stadium although Moratti kindly gave me the card just to avoid creating problems with my presence.  And since I am always a big fan of Inter, I hope my break can help the team to find itself again."

What could the target for this year?
"We must be realistic.  In the Champions League, the level is higher.  In the league the minimum target would be finishing third.  But for now we must forget about it because the standings are worrying and it is better to score points as quickly as possible in order to leave the bottom zone."

Who will win the title?

"To Milan or Juventus.  I also like Napoli very much but there's Champions League for them.  Then watch out for Lazio and Udinese, really wonderful clubs that should not be overlooked."

And what do you do in the meantime?
"I have three, four offers.  But last year, from January to June, I preferred to go to Manchester with Mancini and take the opportunity to take a course in English.  Mancini has been very good at changing the mentality and the way of coaching the English players.  And the idea of returning working with him, I would not mind."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

Here is what Giandomenico Lepore, chielf prosecutor, and his collaborators said about the calls from Inter.

"The documents relating to the evidence already obtained did not reveal any other data. And we could not do further investigation because it would produce other results." Especially on those calls involving Inter: "My collaborators have always told me that the wiretaps related to Inter had no meaning and significance and could not be taken into consideration." Narducci, another prosecutor in the case, is back on the issue of contacts from Inter with the referee designators: "Other directors had discussions with the referee designators and were not treated equally? Those calls were not on the same level probatively (meaning cannot be used as proof or evidence) in comparison to those that focused on the defendants and the sentence has shown that we were right about this." Stefano Capuano, another prosecutor, is also satisfied with the sentence given out yesterday: "The trial showed that the defendants did indeed have a criminal association which was the hypothesis of the prosecutors in Naples."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

YOU ARE GUILTY: FIVE YEARS AND FOUR MONTHS TO MOGGI

Calciopoli - Naples: criminal association with Bergamo and Mazzini.

Sixteen have been sentenced by the criminal trial.  Eight are acquitted. 

Three years and eight months to Bergamo, two years and two months to Mazzini, a year and 11 months to Pairetto.

One year and three months for both Della Valle and Lotito.  Now on to the appeals.

CALCIOPOLI GUILTY!

Sixteen sentenced.  Five years and four months to Moggi.

Also a DASPO ((Divieto di Accedere alle manifestazioni SPOrtive or forbidden from being involved in sporting activities) for three years for the former Juventus general dicrector, promoter of the conspiracy: three years and eight months to Bergamo and a year and 11 months to Pairetto and De Santis.

Naples - There was once a dome that ruled Italian football.  It was a little smaller thatn first imagined by the prosecutors but it was there.  It's the convictions given out by the three judges yesterday at 20:01, just 12 minutes the announcement of resignation of Berlusconi, Luciano Moggi is sentenced to five years and four months, a sentence that almost matches the demands from the federal prosecutors.  Moggi to these prosecutors is the "promoter" in this whole criminal association.  So Calciopoli had a leader, only one.  According to the sentencing done by judges, in the midst of a deathly silence, the participants of this criminal association were also Paolo Bergamo (three years and eight months), Innocenzo Mazzini (two years and two months), Piero Luigi Pairetto (a year and 11 months, a much discounted sentence that initially suggested by the prosecution which was four years and six months) and Massimo De Santis (a year and 11 months).

Also a DASP Serious also were the ancillary penalties that will be executive only when the sentence has become final: for Moggi the sentence is disqualification for perpetuity (5 years for Bergamo, instead) from holding office.  But there is also a sort of a DASP which is the obligation not to be in the stadiums and not involved in sporting events, supplemented by "disqualification from the sporting offices" for three years: here is the suspension of the sentence after the appeal of the sentence; other than Moggi and Bergamo these prohibitions will be valid for all offenders.

Della Valle and Lotito While snipping a good half the size of the punishment demanded by prosecutors, from 50 years and two months to 29 years passed yesterday evening, the court agreed with most of indictment of the system.  Also sentenced are Menucci, Andrea and Diego Della Valle, Lotito for their "rescue operation" for Fiorentina and Lazio in Chievo 1-2 Fiorentina, Chievo 0-1 Lazio, Lazio 2-0 Parma and the famous Lecce 3-3 Parma but also Foti and former referee clerk Meani for Milan 1-0 Chievo.  But there were notable exceptions: Mariano Fabiani and Maria Grazia Fazi were acquitted, both were seen by prosecutors as an integral part of association Moggi.  While the demands of damages for FIGC and Juventus were rejected which therefore were not considered responsible for its members.

"Fraudulent designations" Not only the judges bought the prosecution's argument on the front of the Swiss cards but also in terms of "fraudulent designations" or the grid, or the drawing referees for matches.  Moreover, despite the forcing from the defense on this point, "system that pro Juve", many Juve games were discussed which did a great job at helping to introduce some irregularities in the precincts of guilt.  For Moggi, for example, along with Juve 2-1 Lazio, Roma 1-2 Juve, Juve 2-1 Udinese, Juve 0-0 Milan e Bologna 0-1 Juve, there are also Udinese 1-2 Brescia and Fiorentina 1-0 Bologna.  The judges also did not give much weight on the "newly discovered" of those "forgotten" phone calls from Inter and other teams that are not involved in the trial.  The "so did everyone" (Moggi said: "everybody did what I did, not just me") did not convince the judges.  "Calciopoli was not a farce," assured at the end by prosecutor Stefano Capuano.  Judges are those who also have the same view as him.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

ETO'O: "INTER? I AM HAVING FUN AT ANZHI."

The Cameroonian closes the doors to Moratti.  "It was a splendid moment in my life."

And remains faithful to the Russians: "In Moscow, the quality of life is high just like in Milan.  And the football has made great strides."

THE CAMEROONIAN CHAMPION DISCUSSES THAT MORATTI WANTS HIM ON LOAN IN JANUARY.

"Inter was a splendid stage in my career."

"Russian football is making great strides and the quality of life in Moscow is as high as one in Milan."

Russia didn't freeze his sense of humor.  Samuel Eto'o ran into Asamoah Gyan, the Ghanian striker and former Udinese player, now playing for Al-Ain.  He missed a penalty during the semifinals of the World Cup in South Africa, at the 120th minute against Uruguay, destroying the dream of a first African team to reach the final of the World Cup.  Eto'o says: "Did you learn how to shoot yet?" to which Gyan replies: "Have you retired already?"  Eto'o smiles yet once again.  Still doing the same rituals: salutes, shaking thousands of hands and runs and runs on the day when Puma presents the new shirts of Cameroon, South Africa and eight other national teams on the continent.  Five of these will be worn in the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in January.

Samuel, the return on loan at Inter is just a suggestion of the transfer market or is there any real possibility?

"I will answer like I did before: I am having fun at Anzhi Makhachkala.  I am living a much more fascinating life than you might believe.  I am exploring a new frontier."

What is life like in Russia?

"Russia is neither Italy, nor Spain.  It is a country that, for example, is not facing economy crisis like the one currently in Europe.  It offers a player of my level a great level of comfort.  I cannot complain.  And then I spend five days of a week in Moscow, a great capital, where you can have fun and be happy just like in Barcelona or Milan.  The quality of life is very high."

Although the salary that you are making is a good way to console.  A gross salary of between 20-25 million a season makes it livable in most desolate lands on earth.

"In all the interviews that I have done, I am always reminded of how much I am making but I always said to the reporters that I did not go here for the money.  At Inter, I also made good money and certainly could not complain about the salaries at Barcelona.  This new phase of my career is definitely a great business but it is also a thrilling challenge.  I like the idea of being one of the men that can make this important project take off."

What is the challenge of Anzhi Makhachkala?

"Try to participate in European Cups.  It would be the first for most of us.  Fans, especially kids, they stop me on the street and say: 'Samuel, help us to play in Europe.'  The children are the same in all places in the world and the Russians in some way remind me, in terms of enthusiasm, of those in Africa."

From the tactical point of view, however, is different.

"There are teams like Zenit St. Petersburg of Luciano Spalletti and CSKA Moscow who practice modern football. There are teams to look out for.  Russia is making great strides.  Hosting World Cup 2018 is a powerful stimulus as well.  From the infrastructure point of view, things are gearing up.  They have the resources to host an event as big as a World Cup or the Winter Olympics in 2014.  And you will also see a leap in quality even in football.  From the physical point of view there is little to teach to the Russians.  The problems are seasonality, the fixture list is on the daylight saving time, which as a matter of fact has been reformed: because when the UEFA competitions enter their crucial phase, here the league is about to end or the new one is about to start.  On equal conditions, I think Russian clubs could have more important results."

What remains of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa?

"Organizing such an important tournament is hard.  In Africa we have always had an inferiority complex towards others because we feel poor and incapable.  South Africa has shown that our continent can do the job well.  Too bad that Ghana failed to reach the semifinals.  It would have been the success of an entire continent, not only of a country.  All Africans were cheering for Ghana."

Eto'o, you are the symbol of Africa.  How proud are you of this connection?
"I am glad because of where I started and I have come a long way to I am today.  Football has given me a chance and I try to take advantage of it not only for my career or my bank account, but also to contribute to my country.  In Cameroon, my football academies are an important reality that gives hope and dream to hundreds of kids."

From Cameroon to Dagestan: what is your next step?

"I don't know.  Now I am living this experience.  There will come a day when I will close the curtains but for now I still want to have fun.  When you are on the field, you don't think about money or other things.  There is always an opponent to dribble the pass against and put in a goal.  A goal is good at all latitudes."

Nostalgia for Inter?
"It was a splendid moment in my life and I have many friends in Milan where I can return to my home whenever I can just like last Sunday.  Inter will remain in my heart and there is no doubt about it."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

100 AND PRAISES

The consciousness of Thiago Motta: "Inter, it is all our fault."

"We need to play well and not chasing the games.  But Europe can relaunch us again in Italy."

Appiano Gentile - Inter have six points and are first in the Champions League group stage.  But also: Inter have eight points and in the 17th place in the league.  It's all very bad and strangely, it's all true.

"Yes it is ugly but true unfortunately: Inter in the league only have eight points.  I know it is hard to say but it is not right to deceive Inter fans and that's perhaps was what we did at the start of the season.  We are not doing well and it's not about the referees or whatever.  We must tell the whole truth."

And?

"For what we have done so far, we do not deserve more.  Theoretically, in terms of quality, perhaps we are worth much more but what do you see from someplace else?  You can see that Juve, Milan, Napoli, Udinese, Lazio and perhaps others are worth more than Inter at the moment."

Temporary or permanent?
"In such a delicate moment, it is difficult to predict what level we can reach further although obviously I hope that we can be there fighting for the Scudetto with these teams at the end of the season.  The difference is not huge.  There are many good teams but there aren't great teams that flying towards the title.  But for now, we are behind, far behind because we are not demonstrating what others are doing on the field."

Missing Eto'o?
"No disrespect to anyone but he made the difference.  Much of a difference."

You have played with Milito for four years: why is it that Diego is not able to do it anymore?

"I see that he is very down in morale.  A striker like him needs to score goals.  It is not a matter of returning to the Milito of two years ago but it's about returning to who he is.  He needs the confidence and support from everybody: teammates, management, fans, everyone.  He deserves it for what he has done for Inter."

Let's go back to Inter: disorientation due to the change of coaches?

"When there is a change on the bench, it means that something is wrong.  But it would only be an excuse as it is better if everybody looks at what is wrong."

Gasperini?

"Gasperini is part of the past and I prefer not to add anything except that he is a great coach and that was more our fault than his.  Coaches are important but at the end of the day what counts is the players and what we do on the field."

Or do not do.  Is it a question of what is in the head?

"When I hear talks about attitude and concentration, they make me laugh a little bit.  It's either you're at the right levels or you're not.  It is useless to make a lot of speeches.  And today, even if we did not become poor overnight, we are not those of two years ago when we won everything."

Matter of the legs, abnormal training methods?  It's an tired and old Inter?

"Perhaps to those that played in Copa America but everything else is the same because on the field you don't see much difference between us and others in terms of condition."

Ranieri?
"He is a calm man and knows how to convey his calmness: at difficult times, this can be very important but I don't think this is a problem."

Then what?

"To win is to play well and playing well means knowing when to shoot and when to hold on to the ball.  We also need to play with the ball better, keeping it and not giving it away as gifts because it is very tough for our strength because you cannot always chase the ball for all 90 minutes.  Much better to do like two years ago when others were chasing us."

One once said that: "Concentration is hard but I prefer to consume the brain rather than the legs so it is easy to see where to go for the ball first."

"In football today, no one can afford not to run but everyone has to do with his speed.  I am not as fast as Eto'o or Messi but I can help a teammate to think and to take the ball a second longer."

Easier to do it in front of the defense?
"I have done it all: midfielder, left-back or even center back.  So I know what I may need a partner who plays where I've played.  That said, I'm not very fast especially one on one: I need a player in front of me, I can not stand back to the opponent.  The ideal is when there's two of us in front of the defense in a diamond midfield: I am better at the center.  In a midfield of three with three strikers, I am better as inside midfielder."

The schedule now says Lille and then your former team Genoa: do well to finally turn things around?

"Doing well against Lille would first give continuity to do what we have done at least in the Champions League because that's where we are doing well.  And then, it could also give us a little push to restart in the league.  Because winning and then continue winning will give us confidence and make us say 'we can do much better.'  Even it it's better that I don't think about how important these two matches are."

Why?

"Because on the field I am exact opposite of what I am off of it.  I want to control myself on the field."

It's hard to control yourself when in eight matches, there have been five penalties against you and only one of them can be considered just?

"Abnormal but I do not want to explain it otherwise I get thoughts that lead nowhere better to think that this is just a coincidence and that this is over."

You know that your last five league goals were at the San Siro and the last Champions League goal was in Germany last April?
"Oh yeah? It is because at the San Siro I feel at home.  But this is what I am facing: a goal at home against Lille in the Champions League and a league goal away from home at Genoa..."

Lille will be your 100th match with Italian clubs?
"Oh really? I never these kinds of accounts, I don't care."

But what was your most beautiful moment of the 99 matches?
"The 4-0 against Milan two years ago."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

THE UNTOUCHABLES AND TRANSFER MARKET FLOPS: NIGHTMARE INTER

The veterans are those that always play, the new players are unprepared: Serie B is a point away while January is still far away.

Milan - The transfer market will be hear and we'll talk about this later on.  But now, it's time to focus on what is going on because from now until Christmas, Inter will have to remove itself from the shark tank with the current players it has here.

No pre-filtering October is closing and this is the result: the standings are terrifying, the usual always play and the new have a medium rating that is directly proportional to the points in the standings.  Problematic.  The San Siro has become accessible to all, the attack scores little but the defense that can't stop anybody but, especially, the little prefiltration in front.  It is precisely here, in the midfield, that needs pace, rhythm, strength and proximity to the third line: and instead everything from the midfield has been on and off, exposing the defensive system.

THE CONTRAST: "The old" are always on the field (permitted by injuries), the youngsters are struggling and with insufficient average ratings.

Always present In the area that matters, the fact is Zanetti and Cambiasso have always played there.  The Inter captain has played 13 out of 13 games (starting in Beijing) and all for 90 minutes.  For Cuchu, it's 12 out of 13 as a starter.  In short, they are the untouchables.  Perhaps the big mistake is here: never considered resting the two players, among other things, also played in the Coppa America.  It is also true there have been injuries and the fact is that we have yet to see Poli.  So many true things but this is not how the pre-filtering area should look like.

Absent rotations With the two Argentinians, there is also Lucio (12 out of 13 games), then Samuel and Maicon, other than the missed games due to injuries, have played almost all the games.  Maicon is the only one that has been averaging the rating of 6 while others are all rejected.  Injuries and relapses have complicated the rotation, rotation that is supposed to go along with the summer transfer market: in the attack at least Zarate and Forlan (before getting hurt) are playing, not in the midfield.  For Zarate, he started six games, played in 11, scored a great goal in Moscow, and has two assists.  Then there's Forlan, five games as starter, then in Bologna, he suffered the major injury.  And what about the youngsters? Castaignos was swallowed up by the emotion and the missed goal against Chievo.  For Alvarez, played a good game in Moscow and then sent to the stands to look for a change of speed mentally as suggested by Ranieri.  What about Jonathan? Meh.  Moral: transfer market moves are still in the dark.

Brazil and two midfielders Well, with this, Inter will have to leave the shark thank but it is clear that the team is already working for January: in the agenda there are many transfer market meetings and then a trip to Brazil to "bring closer" Juan Jesus (left back or defensive midfielder of Internacional of Porto Alegre).  Then? Isla (Udinese) is a candidate and Kucka is rumored to come at the dawn of 2012 to play immediately.  Other names? Do not underestimate the Dutch of PSV Strootman, who has recently renewed but he also has the approval from Sneijder to Branca.  Players are needed here especially in the midfield (plus Poli who will return sooner or later).  Those that can run, attack, and not allow their opponents to break into the box of Inter.  The area that has been mauled by many.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

WARRIOR SNEIJDER

The playmaker of Inter, at Gazzetta headquarter, talks about the Scudetto as a leader.

Eto'o: here for two months? No, it would not be right.

Ranieri: now we are in the right place just like with Mou.

Ibra: I like him.  He is like a street fighter.

• "I am happy that I stay at Inter.  I never thought of going away."
• "Gasperini said that I enjoyed playing as a director?  It is not true and I told him right away."
• "The biggest rival in the race for the Scudetto? Napoli, an organized team."
• "I played with Ibra at Ajax.  He is like me, a street fighter."

WESPLOSIVE

ALL SNEIJDER: "GASPERINI AND RANIERI, HERE'S THE TRUTH.  WE ARE STILL FOR THE SCUDETTO."

"Now we are in the right place just like with Mou.  But we must not stop at 1-0."

Sneijder, things have changed in two months and to think that you could leave Inter...

"I never thought about leaving and others did not know about this.  In fact, I knew when I left for vacation, in my head was an idea of coming back.  Then while I was on holiday my agent called me and said: 'We must speak with Inter.'  Inter had to tell me that, if there was a possibility, I could be sold.  It was not a technical problem, I really don't believe so.  But it was a question of money.  In short, something had changed and I changed my way of thinking too."

And then what?

"Then I arrived in Pinzolo and I found more or less the same team.  I spoke with Moratti, who for me is a great person, Branca, Ausilio and they told me that I am very important to this club."

Sure but until Eto'o was sold, there were no uncertainties.

"One of us had to go and the day of Eto'o's farewell, I realized that I would be the one that is staying.  And I am very happy to do so."

Meanwhile, you were placed as a midfielder.

"With Gasperini, we talked with each other little but about my role, we talked about it a lot.  I told him once that: 'I do not playing in the midfield.'  Because I am an attacker now a midfielder.'

But Gasperini said that you enjoyed playing there?

"He said that I would always have the ball in that position but I like to be more advanced forward and closer to the goal."

So other than as a trequartista, maybe as a second striker?

"Yes I also want to do that provided that I have the freedom to get and as well pass the ball.  I did in Beijing and honesty I must say that we saw the best Inter of this year in that first half, too bad there was the second half."

So?

"So it is better for me to be a second striker than a midfielder.  But I prefer to be behind the two strikers by far."

So where are you today?

"I am being used in the right place by Ranieri who is very good and has figured out how to play this team: each in its place and that is the key.  Now I am in my place, my role.  When he arrived, Ranieri and I talked because he talks a lot with this players that's how I like it."

So it is easier to score or make an assist?

"If I must choose between a goal and an assist, I prefer a beautiful assist without a doubt."

One thing that Ranieri said to you that you like more than others?

"That he wants me here and in my position and that is extremely important for the team.  This charges me up and gives me great confidence.  Another man who knows how to talk to me like Ranieri was Mourinho.  Even though..."

Even though?

"Even though it goes without saying that we continue to look in these coaches a little bit of Mourinho whose presence I can still feel around here.  There is no one like him, no one knows how to treat each individual player like him.  Coming after for Mourinho would have been difficult for everyone, not just Benitez."

Who is after Mourinho in your personal table of those that have coached you?

"Van Basten and then Hank Ten Cate."

The league table is bad huh?

"Yet I say that we can still win the league even if today we have more points in the Champions League.  Because with many matches to be played, you can still recover those eight points difference.  Because after the victory in Lille, we can only look forward even though I never been afraid of having to look back.  Because pretty much all the injured players are coming back: Maicon, Thiago Motta, myself...  Because the hunger for victories never goes away: if you won, you want to win more."

"ETO'O HERE FOR TWO MONTHS? NO IT WOULD NOT BE RIGHT."

"If he comes and who is playing and who is going to the bench? I would like to team up with Messi but at Inter."

And what about the opponents of Inter in the table this year?
"I would say that Napoli are in front of everybody.  Not the one that I saw at the San Siro: we did well in the first half and then they got a penalty and it was 11 against 10.  For them it was all easy.  I say the Napoli that are well organized and playing as a team.  I really like him."

And Juve?  They don't have to spend their mental and physical effort on the Champions League?

"If you win, the Champions League doesn't have any weigh at all and we know it well."

Weigh on your shoulders as one of the leaders?

"In the contrary, it helps me as well as my national team.  As I said earlier on Monday in Lille, under pressure, I have played the best games of my career."

Three examples?

"The first derby that I played after arriving in Milan for one day.  A home game with the Netherlands because when you play in the national team, you are always under review.  Against Chelsea in London in the year of the treble."

The ability of playing under pressure is born or made?

"I don't know.  I know that I have always been the same.  Yeah I grew up in a tough neighborhood and I was not even the tallest player so I had to always fight with the bigger players than me.  And then there was the Ajax school where they teach you to have a little bit of arrogance to say that: 'This is easy to win.'  A mixture of these two things have helped me a lot as a player."

Ibrahimovic also attended Ajax school.

"We played together.  I like his character and occasionally I see him in Milan.  I am a bit like him, a street fighter."

But he fights too much no?
"I have also lost my head in so many games in 12 years and once I got a four-match ban.  I do not regret it: sometimes it's nice to argue.  It's good for you."

What now at Inter?

"First, win against Chievo, Atalanta.  Then win against Juve and it will be a turning point."

Well, that true turning point could very well be Inter-Juve.

"It is also true to a certain extent the possible wins against Chievo and Atalanta, which can also give us confidence to beat Juve.  Because if you lose or draw one of these games, then it is likely that you do not win even against Juventus."

And the second thing?
"Learning to play close games.  If we have the 1-0 lead, we must try to make it 2-0.  So far, what we are doing is this when we have the 1-0 lead: 'Ok, we scored a goal, let's all back to defend now.'  At Lille I was afraid, at some point I started to shout: 'Come on, let's go.'  I discussed about this to Ranieri, my teammates.  It is very important."

Have you shouted to Lucio to not leave the defense?

"I always say to him that 'do not go forward, stay there.'"

And Zarate?

"He understands everything without me saying anything.  It's easy to play with him."

And Forlan?
"Just always attacking and you will see.  The beginning he was on the wing and could not do well there."

And Alvarez?
"Ricky is young and always does great things in training.  Then when he plays as if he is afraid or something.  Or as if he wants to do too many things all at once.  Just play simple and easy."

It's so hard to win the Golden Ball?

"At this point to do that I think I have to win something with Holland: the World Cup or maybe even Europe.  But those who believed that not winning it last year was the biggest disappointment of my career do not understand anything because it was something I did not really care about.  Because to win the Champions League, you have to do it on the field which we did but to win the Golden Ball, someone has to decide that for you.  There is a difference."

But what was the biggest disappointment in your career?

"That I did not win the World Cup.  I would still be crying if I think about it so that means that it still hurts me."

So we try again at European tournament?
"Holland is among the favorites with Spain and Germany.  Italy? I don't have you in the top three, I'm sorry."

How do you beat Spain?
"If perhaps Van Bommel can give me an assist like the one he gave the other night to Brassen of Bate Borisov..."

Easier K.O. to deal with?  Spain with Holland or Barcellona with Inter?
"Between Real and Barcelona, I would still root for Real but when we talk about Barca, we talk of another world.  Playing against them is very difficult.  The only way to beat them is to play a game like Inter did at the San Siro when we won 3-1."

That day Eto'o did not score but are you missing him?

"We lost a great player.  A player who helped the team a lot."

And if he returns in January?
"I read and heard about this.  But I also heard that it is impossible.  I don't think that it will happen.  It would not be good or right if it happens."

Why?
"Samuel is a great friend but it would mean that coming back here for two months and then leave again?  Today there is this Inter and we must play with this team.  Otherwise, what would happen?  Who is playing today if Eto'o comes and who is going to the bench for two months?"

Milan did it with Beckham.

"That's a whole other thing.  How many shirts did Milan sell with Beckham? With Eto'o, it would not be about merchandising.  Maybe at Anzhi, but not at Inter."

A player that you would like to have as a teammate?

"Messi, but he must come here to Inter."

That is too easy.

"Rodney also, my brother."

But he said that in Italy, football stinks.

"No, the Dutch media got it wrong or someone misinterpreted it badly... However, to avoid any doubt: I like the Italian league, I like the pressure here.  In Spain, you could win almost all matches, even away from home.  In Italy, you can lose in Novara and Catania.  So it's more fun."

More fun to play for Manchester United or City?

"I will tell you this Sunday.  Who is playing at home?  United? Then City win."

How much do you miss your wife Yolanthe?
"Very but rightly so.  She is in Los Angeles with CAA (Creative Artist Agency) and working for major contracts.  We have not seen each other for three weeks but I am happy for her."

I CAN'T TAKE THIS!

"The team is now scared by the standings (second to last).  Three out of four penalties were not there and I hope anti-Inter bonuses which are the refereeing mistakes against Inter is over."

MORATTI SAYS ENOUGH

"Mistakes and penalties.  Referees, is the anti-Inter over?"

"The standings scare the players, but I believe in Ranieri and the shock (for new life) that will be Sneijder."

President Moratti, if you look at the standings and see Inter in the second to last place, what do you think?  A nightmare?

"I can only think about the bad.  It occurs to me that we had four penalties against us and three of them were invented (alluding to Bologna, Napoli and Catania) and two out of those three were decisive.  It is not a nice thing and at this point, we hope, there is the consciousness to understand that so far decisions against Inter are hardly an exaggeration."

And if you don't just look at the negative stuff?

"I try to think that everyone is going so slow that being one from bottom or 7th is almost the same. But..."

But?

"But it is true that the standings is very bad.  So bad that I think it has a negative influence on the players.  To them, this is a new situation and I think they are a bit scared."

So when Zanetti said that the mentality should changed he meant that that fear has to go away?

"In Catania, the team played wisely in the first half with common sense.  Then, when Catania scored, it was as if we were scared.  The psychological and even physical limitations started to emerge."

These days, which one is more?  Physical or psychological?

"I think the two are quite related.  Even against Napoli, and then also in Catania, in the second half there was a decline, but the impact also deepened with the penalty kicks that were not there.  When you win you feel that you have stronger legs, right?"

Other Inter in... fear:

1. Gigi Radice led Inter's 1983-84 group. That side holds the black and blue record for the... poorest start in the first six games.

2. Osvaldo Bagnoli was during training camp in 1993-94.  Inter, passed to Marini, was salved on the second last matchday but won the UEFA Cup.

But Ranieri admitted: "This team needs to good on condition."  Wouldn't it be wrong to underestimate certain limits, athletically, at the moment?
"Of course it would be wrong.  But I also think that it is not an insurmountable problem with a range of 20-25 players."

When was this team not decimated by injuries?

"The national teams, more than once, did not give us a hand.  For the rest, we are not a young team on average and we have changed the coach, no, coaches.  When Ranieri has his hands on this team solely and conclusively, the situation will stabilize."

In the meantime, have you heard from Ranieri?

"He's well because he knows how to defuse and deal with any situation with calmness but at the same time carefully and without fear.  Also, he has a good understanding with the group and will continue to believe that this is a strong team.  Now that he knows each player better he will make choices based on his experience."

With him, the team won two games in a row but then it is jammed?
"Beyond the fact that against Napoli and Catania, the games were distorted, I think Ranieri only has had time to do only the first step, which is allowing the players to be recognized for what they do on the field.  Now he must help them regain a certain "rhythm", which is not only about our plays."

Agree if we say that today the only player that Inter cannot afford to give up is Sneijder?
"Oh yes, Sneijder is indispensable because he makes us go to another game speed, gives us a special rhythm, brings liveliness, and I miss him the most.  In football, what matters most is not running fast but letting the ball go fast and Sneijder knows how to make it go faster."

Alvarez, a little less?
"But vs Catania I thought he wasn't bad at all. You must remember that he still has - how can I put this - a different pace, and he often comes on at difficult times.  And let's not forget that we didn't signed him to be a regular first team player: he's a young kid to invest in, hoping that he'll become the real deal."

Champions League is already tomorrow: one more pain in the ass or a game that can restart?

"For me, doing well in the Champions League is an obligation.  I consider it as one more chance which can help us restart."

In such a delicate moment, what can a president say to his players?  Or better: what will Moratti say?
"Now, the team, firstly, must be encouraged: empowering the most experienced players, asking youngsters to give all of their freshness, trying to convey optimism."

But you, nevertheless, still manage to be optimistic like when you chose Ranieri?

"I have never managed to be optimistic at all costs even when we won everything.  Let's say that I am confident because I trust the coach, the players and also in the fact that the referees have a fair share of mistakes against us."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport