Inter Per Sempre

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

Source: Calcio News 24 - FC Inter 1908

"With the purchase of Mascherano, the Nerazzurri will be even more reinforced," says the former Inter coach.

The coach of Manchester City in Philadelphia, having crowned his next purchase Balotelli as "King of England", he continues to look back at the past with Inter, a past that will come back this Saturday when they face Inter in a friendly game in Baltimore.  "It will be nice to find all my old friends, but this is just going to be another friendly.  All will be there, because there is nothing at stake.  It will be nice to see those I worked for four years, such as the players and beyond."  Mancini has never thought about another adventure at Inter.  "No, Inter are now part of the past.  Now I think of doing well in England."  The most beautiful image of Inter.  "The fact that we have a winning team, after a few years.  It only brings back good memories."  And the bad ones. "No, I don't regret anything that I've done for Inter."  There is a good relationship with Moratti: "It is clear that we both feel the same.  We have an excellent relationship.  We started to win together, and this is important."

On Benitez: "He is a great coach and a good person.  The right man to take Inter to the top."  However, the Spanish brings back a sad elimination from the Champions League: "Those games were rigged.  After 20 minutes, we were playing with 10.  Rafa is good in the Champions League."  Inter are ready to take Mascherano who can do well in Italy: "Champions are always good everywhere and  Mascherano is one of them.  Inter are the strongest.  And others should be afraid.  In my opinion, they are well behind, but Milan maybe the antagonist.  Also watch out for Roma."  And Juve: "They've made some good purchases and more to come but it takes time to win."

Source: Corriere dello Sport - FC Inter News

"My dreams are to become a champion with Inter and then play for Brazil in 2014 with Pato and Neymar."

Milan - "Philippe Coutinho has a very quick head," Benitez told us when he visited Gazzetta.  "He is Brazilian but has a head very European.  He is humble, attentive and eager to learn."  The technical director Branca said that "you will have fun, I guarantee it" regarding the Brazilian.  Born in Rio de Janeiro, Mangueira district, Philippe is the "coconut" (the youngest?) of his family, as the two elder brothers are 38 (Cristiano) and 32 years old (Leandro).  The oldest was with him in these early days in Italy, and dad Jose Carlos and mom Esmeraldina will have to give him up the moment Inter return from the United States.  For now, they are living in a hotel, same as Benitez.

Coutinho, will you choose Milan or a home near Lake Como?

"Milan, I'll live in Milan."

To have the clubs near your hands?

"No, no (he laughs).  Clubs are not for me, I've already said it.  I am a quite boy, I love working and I will not be so foolish to waste this important opportunity.  I grew up in a poor area and I know the true values, my family is an example of this."

Do you have many friends in Mangueira?

"I have friends and I met my girlfriend Aine there also.  We lived near each other and we met for the first time during a party."

Is there another Coutinho in Mangueira?

"For now no but my friends are delighted about my new adventure.  I am at Inter, a team quite popular in Rio de Janeiro, thanks to Ronaldo and Adriano."

And at Inter you feel a bit like home.

"Julio Cesar and Maicon met me a few years ago when I was in Italy.  For Lucio, I will be seeing him for the first time.  It is crazy.  These people I was rooting for in front of the television and now they are my teammates."

The first impact with Inter?

"Great, here I breath special air.  I am at a big club.  The facilities are extraordinary and they are made in four to make me feel good."

Just like captain Zanetti?

"Yes, he follows me giving me advices.  He is an example, a great player.  He won everything in his career and yet remains simple."

Balotelli is leaving Inter.  Inter have stated that they are not in a hurry on the market because they are betting on Coutinho.  How do you feel?

"It's beautiful and inspiring.  I feel ready for great football.  I am here to learn, and I have a lot to learn but the coach can count on me immediately."

What type of player are you?

"I love to move behind the strikers, and in a 4-2-3-1, I can play as Sneijder or even from the left.  Yes, I love playing fron the wings."

Like Ronaldinho?

"Yes, exactly."

Where do you think that you need to improve the most?

"I need to put on some muscle.  In Italy we play very physical, though in Brazil, we have big defenders."

Careca compared you to Zico?

"Calm down with the comparisons, it's early."

Tell us about Pato?
"A phenomenon, even at 17 years old he was an ace in Brazil, won a lot.  He is very impressive and continues to grow.  He has adapted nicely and immediately to Italy, things that can only be achieved by great players.  For me, he is a model."

What is Coutinho's dream?

"Win and become great with Inter, then I will aim for Brazil 2014."

And the attack for that Brazil?

"I will keep on dreaming and say Coutinho behind Pato and Neymar."

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport

Massimo Moratt, awarded today for his work at Inter Campus, spoke briefly about last season and the transfer market.  "Last season was fantastic and I realize it as the days passing by and thanks for the affection of the fans, the happiness of our people.  For this reason, we are preparing our goal is to repeat with a coach who will give us new ideas, even if this group is already strong.  The market? I don't even know who'll leave or come.  I read the papers just like you..."

Source: Inter.it - FC Inter 1908

Here comes a referral for Francesco Totti and for AS Roma after the words from the number 10 on Inter that Inter are more protected by the referees and many other disrespectful phrases.

"The Giallorossi player, at the press conference on July 20 2010, expressed, according to the valuation by the Federal Prosecutor as "reviews and surveys damaging the prestige, reputation and credibility of the referees, federal institutions in their entirety and a club who is operating under the FIGC.  Referred for violation of Articles 4, paragraphs 2 and 5, paragraph 2 of the Code of Sports Justice.  Also responsible is AS ROMA SpA 'for acts alleged to be affiliated to his' based on the proceedings of Rome club."

Source: FIGC - FC Inter News

The Colombian defender: "A 9 rating for the starting defense, an 8 for those who were ready to enter the game."

Francesco Totti's words are getting on the minds of Inter players.  "They are more protected" were the words from Totti referring to the Nerazzurri.  The replay came directly from Marco Branca, who called Totti "exaggerated and disrespectful."  But that is not all.  Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, one of the veterans of this group doesn't want to pull back and he has replied to the Giallorrossi captain.  "Maybe he should be careful about what he said.  I knew he said that we are more protected but he must explain.  Be careful because we are calm and we have shown our strength and character even through difficult times." 

Ivan Cordoba also gave his own ratings for the team.  "To those who played more last year, I would give them a 9.  I'm talking about Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Samuel and Zanetti.  But also Chivu, when he played he deserves this rating.  Others were ready to play and we all made our own contributions.  I would give an 8 because we were always ready even if it was not easy to play to the level of the starters."  Cordoba also talks about the beautiful night in Madrid: "What a night... The best moment was when we lifted the trophy in Madrid, I was next to Zanetti."

Source: FC Inter News

==========

In case you're wondering what Branca said: "I realize that Francesco is a symbol of Rome, but he can not express this way.  It would be disrespectful for a team that dominated for years in Italy, the European Champions, and most importantly a team that was able to keep four places for Italy in the Champions League.  That said, I would give him a hug." 

Branca not only a great negotiator, dude is a great shit talker too.  HAHA.  All hail Marco Branca.

"SYMPATHY, RISPETTO AND BEAUTIFUL FOOTBALL, WE'LL WIN LIKE THIS..."

"My Inter can play with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.  I can see a Cambiasso a little bit more in front.  In any case, we need to improve ball possession.  Eto'o has told me that he is ready to do whatever it takes for the team."

BENITEZ: MY INTER WILL BE LIKE SO

"The team will be higher, ball possession and a new Cambiasso."  Rafa's commandments: "Beautiful football, sympathy and respect.  With Moratti, I could stay for a long time."

Milan - Beautiful football, sympathy, respect.  These are the commandments of Rafa Benitez.  No need for "holy war", no noise of enemies to hear.  Only football triumphs on the words.  Benitez in a two-hour visit at Gazzetta drew out what kind of Inter he would like to see.  Specific ideas, no certainties, but the conviction that "playing the best you can win even more."

Benitez, what is the first challenge to overcome?

"To see if this team can to learn quickly.  We are not complete yet, but there are players who have shown the right attitudes and preparations to do what I've asked them to."

So what will be your Inter like?

"I will try to play better, with a team that plays higher and has more ball possession.  This is what I want.  It won't be a simple task however.  I've studied and seen that Inter won but without having much possession of the ball."

What formation are you considering?

"We can play with a 4-3-3 or with a 4-2-3-1.  I would like to bring Cambiasso more forward because playing with two defensive midfielders the distance between the units on the field can be far and that won't be successful.  Cambiasso, however, seems very good at passing and starting plays.  He reminds me as a player, he likes to talk (smile), and is basically a coach on the field."

But does Eto'o still want to sacrifice like last season?

"I already talked to Samuel, a great professional, and he said that he will do whatever it takes for the team.  In any case, he will play very high up front and he will cover the field defensively very little."

How do you like to handle the dressing room, with words or with the whip?

"I like to teach football and I talk a lot.  I want the players to understand what to do."

There are cases that need to be solved: Maicon and Balotelli...

"I always remember what Luis Molowny, a former manager of Real Madrid, said.  We need to wait and see what will happen, no act of instinct, with haste.  The transfer market will be decided by the management and I will do the adjusting."

You're not afraid to be recalled in a few years as a coach who let Balotelli go?

"I repeat.  I don't have control of the transfer market.  A player doesn't make a team and Inter have many strong players."

The comparison with Mourinho will be inevitable and constant.

"I know, but I think something better can be done, like I've said before, at the level of play.  What I do - and with a president like Moratti everything is possible - is to build something real and leave a solid foundation for the future."

Tell the truth: you can not wait to face Mourinho in the Champions League.

"I want to win, against whom I don't really care.  I respect those who came before me, it makes no sense to throw out the work done by others.  Mourinho at Inter found what Mancini had done before him and same thing at Chelsea with Ranieri."

Mourinho had never sworn eternal fidelity to Inter, he seemed always about to leave.  The feeling is that you never hear words of intolerance against Italy.  Wrong?

"A president who wants to build the future can remains for a long time, and in this context I think I could stay here for many years.  Just like at Liverpool."

What is the difference between Inter and Liverpool?

These are two similar teams, even the fans.  We are used to fight against all, and this has ended up strengthening the mentality of these two teams and has made us stronger.  At Liverpool I had never pulled back.  I went to wars together with the fans, and if necessary I would do the same at Inter."

But?

"But my approach will always based on respecting the opponents.  Especially for the coaches, because I know how difficult coaching is, especially when guiding a team in front.  Winning and respecting the opponents, this is the way I see football."

When did you realize that you would become a coach?

"At 13 I was ready.  I played with my notebook on which I noted the teams, results and statistics.  At 16 I was playing with my friends and training them at the same time.  When I was in C, as a central midfielder who always talked on the field, gave orders to my teammates.  And my father told me: 'Talk less and score.'"

Who were your references?

"In terms of football legend it was Beckenbauer, and when I became a coach I studied Italian football a lot since I was often in Coverciano.  Sacchi also inspired me with his Milan, but I really like Capello and Ranieri.  I remember Claudio at Fiorentina, i like this work a lot."

What role do youngsters have at Inter?
"Our goal is to introduce them of course.  In fact everyone speaks about the importance of the youngsters, but then they want to win win win and nobody has the courage to wait."

In Spain, you can succeed at both things.

"There, it is easier because the quality of the younger players is very high.  But at Barcelona, you will have to wait, and at Madrid it is even harder.  In England, however, there is more patience.  I would say that if you can a player with heart, you must fish from the nursery and wait for him to grow.  But a Raul, a Rooney and a Gerrard, you will one player like this every ten years."

In England, you have a reputation of a coach that couldn't win the Premier League.

"On my first full season with Liverpool, we had 82 points, a record for the Reds.  Three seasons later I scored 86, another record, but Manchester United, unfortunately, got 90.  Between Manchester United and Liverpool there was a difference of 100 million to spend every year, and there was a certain Abrahimovic at Chelsea.  And with these differences, what do you want from me?"

Who do you fear the most in Italy?
"I won't mention names.  My model abroad is Barcelona.  In Italy? It must be Inter."

Who is the Inter player that you have always wanted to coach?

"I love Milito even when he played at Zaragoza.  My assistant Pellegrino and I always spoke about him."

Roy Hodgson, the new Liverpool coach, wants to shed light on the history of the famous mobile text message to Mascherano, but from which reply did not arrive.  An act that many interpreted as a willingness to break with the Reds by the Argentinian midfielder.  In fact, Hodgson said through the official site of his club to explain how it really happened.  "Mascherano doesn't have to contact me, I've tried to tell him that I hope to see him as soon as possible at the training group after the holiday.  I wanted him to know that I'm thinking of him but I never asked him to call me back.  I don't have much to say other than 'welcome back'."  A diplomatic statement or the truth? Whatever the answer is, Mascherano wants Inter and when he returns he will talk to the management of Liverpool as well as Roy Hodgson himself. 

Source: FC Inter News

Mario's departure could give more space to Philipe Coutinho, also could be useful on the left wing.

For days now, Mario Balotelli has been in the spotlight.  Super Mario, in fact, could be sacrificed by Massimo Moratti to get prepared and be in good standing with the new rules of FIFA and UEFA, such as the Financial Fair Play regulations, which requires revenue and expenditure must be the same.  Next week could be decisive regarding the striker from Brescia.  The figure of around 40 million euros established by Moratti may get Balotelli away from Inter.  President Massimo Moratti and technical director of Inter will then decide what to do.  Should Mario says goodbye to the Nerazzurri, the solution may not be on the transfer market.  In recent weeks, the hottest names have been Edison Cavani and Dirk Kuyt.  The first is now a player of Napoli, after some hesitation on image rights, many people thought that Inter were behind this but it was quickly contradicted by Marco Branca.  The Dutch however could agree to stay at Liverpool under Roy Hodgson to win with in the shirt of the Reds.  Furthermore, at the age of 30 years old and with the high cost could be big problems for Inter even though Rafa Benitez would love to have him.

And what if Inter don't do anything on the market in case of a farewell of Mario?  This idea is viable and the solution may be in the house.  A few days ago, landed in Milan was Philippe Coutinho, a 18 year-old footballer from Vasco da Gama who has been great in training and under the protection of his fellow countryman Thiago Motta.  The Brazilian, born in 1992, is regarded naturally as a substitute for Wesley Sneijder, but despite similar role, Coutinho is quite different from the Dutch.  If Wesley is characterized with assists and a perfect link between the midfield and the attack, Coutinho is similar to one of his idols Kaka.  In fact the young talented Brazilian has impressive acceleration.  Coutinho, a typical playmaker, would give more liveliness and unpredictability for the Inter attack with his great running skills and tremendous acceleration.  A fascinating solution for Rafa Benitez, who will have one less Balotelli but one more Coutinho.  After all, at 18 years of age, the player always has time to adapt to any alternative solutions in the attack.

Source: FC Inter News

Wesley Sneijder has said yes.  The Inter player and his bride Yolanthe Cabau van Kesergen are married in the church of Saints Giusto and Clemente, in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena and it was an "Italian" style wedding.  The ceremony was attended by 260 guests including Christian Chivu, Sulley Muntari and Ivan Cordoba, Inter technical director Marco Branca and his Dutch teammate, Van der Vaart was also there.  In Piazza Matteotti, near the church, was crowded with thousands of people, many of whom wear the colors of Inter.  There is also a strong representation of the Dutch fans.  Unable to attend was Inter president Massimo Moratti who was held in Milan from other commitments.  On behalf of the club, besides Branca, there is vice general director Stefano Filucchi.  Jose Mourinho was also missing.  After the ceremony, the couple kissed and released the doves into the sky.  Everything was spectacular.

Source: FC Inter News - Sport Mediaset

"I played 500 games for Inter and if you ask me if I can coach Inter I would say why not? But now now.  There is time for everything.  I am a professional and now I have a contract with my team."  Walter Zenga at the end of the friendly with Juve talks about his experience.  "We're experiencing strong teams in Italy to acquire a strong mindset.  Now we need to improve and acquire a different mentality."

Source: Ansa - FC Inter 1908

Capitano.... OUCH!!!

Source: Inter.it

"Vasco da Gama have asked us, but we want to keep him," said Marco Branca.

Early afternoon yesterday, a few hours before scheduled, was the arrival of the talented Brazilian Philippe Coutinho from Vasco da Gama and now he will be available for Benitez.  The Brazilian in an interview with Inter Channel said: "I am very pleased to come to Inter, a great team.  In Brazil, I watched all the games and now it is a dream to play in the Nerazzurri shirt."  Marco Branca, also has a few important words to say about Coutinho.  "Vasco da Gama wanted to him back.  In fact they asked for a loan but we didn't accept.  He is a good player but must have time to grow," concluded the Inter technical director.

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport - FC Inter News

The debut is against Manchester City of Roberto Mancini.

The new season for Inter has started and next up will be a series of friendly matches for the European Champions.  The team will leave for the US on July 24 with the first part consisting of a short retreat in New York.

The first friendly match is scheduled late July:

• July 31 in Baltimore: Inter - Manchester City
• August 3 in Toronto: Inter - Panathinaikos
• August 5 in Dallas: Inter - FC Dallas
• August 7 in Chicago: Inter - Olympiacos

Following these matches is the traditional TIM trophy with the two Italian rivals and on August 21, the official debut in the Italian Super Cup.

• August 13: Bari TIM Trophy with Juve and Milan
• August 21: Italian Super Cup Inter - Roma

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport - FC Inter News

MILAN - The Nike concept store in Corso Vittorio Emanuele 24, Milan will be painted black and blue tomorrow evening for the official presentation of Inter's home shirt for the 2010/11 season. For the occasion, all three floors of the store will be given over to the Italian and European champions.

On the ground floor, fans can buy and personalize the new shirts, while on floor one there will be a NIKEiD Studio where supporters will be able to customize their own football shoes with the Inter logo, choosing from the Tiempo Rival, CTR 360 and Mercurial designs. Each pair of shoes purchased comes with a free Treble poster.

And chances are it will look something like this:

Source: Inter.it

APPIANO GENTILE - Rafael Benitez introduced Luca Castellazzi to the press as "an experienced player who has distinguished himself over the years thanks to his work. I think that Inter needed a quality professional in this role too. I'm expecting him to give his all to earn a place in the team."

Castellazzi, who was understudy to Inter legend Zenga at Padova back in 1996, said: "I arrive here at the age of 35 after a long career with two excellent memories of my times at Brescia and Sampdoria. I was really excited when I started my adventure at Inter yesterday, I didn't think I would be so excited at my age... I am very proud to have been chosen among so many players to be part of a group of great champions."

Julio Cesar was the first person at Inter to speak highly of the ex-Samp custodian who will now become his understudy. "It's inevitable that the situation will change a bit," admitted Castellazzi. "As a second goalkeeper you know that your chances of playing every Sunday are fewer than normal, but you still have to work hard during the week to be ready when you're needed."



Castellazzi paid homage to the man he replaces in the Inter squad: Francesco Toldo. "We should honour a great player who has left an indelible mark on Inter and Italian football," he said. "My shirt number? The number 1 shirt if it's still available. The number 12 one is very lucky for Julio Cesar..."

APPIANO GENTILE - Inter's new signings Jonathan Ludovic Biabiany and Luca Castellazzi were presented to the press after today's training session at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti.

First up was French striker Biabiany, who returns to Inter after loan spells with Chievo, Modena and Parma.

"It's important to have fast players with an attacking mentality," explained Rafael Benitez. "I think Biabiany is this kind of player. We can work together and I am convinced that he will make a difference in many matches. Welcome Jonathan."

Biabiany wasted no time in expressing his delight at returning to Inter after two seasons with the Primavera team and an appearance for the first team in a Coppa Italia match against Empoli.

He said: "I am very pleased to be back home and to be able to work with all the champions in this team, learn from them and improve. I thank Parma for what they did for me and I'm a bit sad when I think about my old team-mates, but I'm only happy now to know that an important team like Inter decided to take a gamble on me.

"I have more experience now, both physically and tactically, but I have just arrived here and I still have to show what I can do. My goal is the same as my team-mates: to win everything and play as many games as possible, thanks to the teachings of my team-mates."

Biabiany, whose role models are Thierry Henry and Ronaldo, added: "I always try to do my work and improve in everything."

Source: Inter.it

About a thousand fans watched the first Inter training session of the season directed by Rafa Benitez how presented himself in shorts, T-shirt and cap on his head.  In addition to 14 of the Inter first team players and the 6 Primavera players is Javier Zanetti, who returned yesterday after the experience as a television commentator for a Mexican television at the World Cup.  Nerazzurrri fans sat on the stands applauding a bit for everyone including Mario Balotelli.  The strike, in respect to yesterday (he was late to training), was presented on time and ready to sweat on the field with his teammates.

Source: FC Inter News

"THE BALLON D'OR? IT WILL COME WITH RESULTS AND I WON'T STOP HERE"

Johannesburg - His long face when he left the stadium was still there when he arrived in Amsterdam yesterday afternoon.  It was a reception for king (and today will meet Queen Beatrix) for the Orange returning from South Africa.  There were a lot of people with orange flowers ready to applaud and wait for the team of Van Marwijk, but Wesley Sneijder failed to dispose anger even when he saw the Dutch party.  Waiting to be married and maybe his agent Soren Lerby will see the leaders of Inter in the coming days to discuss a contract extension.  But that is not enough for Wesley to burn the disappointment of the night at Soccer City.

Pride "I am very happy with what we did.  We didn't reach this level of play two years ago when we got knocked out of the Euro 2008 in the quarterfinals, but this time we got to the final.  We faced Spain, the strongest team and we lost in extra time and we are proud of our fans because we have the support and they deserved this final after so many years.  But I can not be satisfied.  We had a chance to win and if we scored a goal we would have won.  No I can't be happy.  I didn't like the referee because I think the goal was offside and I thought Iniesta deserved to be sent off when he reacted to a foul by Van Bommel.  The ball was far away and these things usually deserve a red card.  I'm tired, sad and angry.  This can not pass so quickly."

Marriage But now Sneijder will be on a different course now that the World Cup is over, and between the marriage (on the 17th, 18th and 19th big party near Siena) and the honeymoon, being with Yolanthe he will have time to calm the anxieties.  But for now there can be no peace and he swears that the Ballon d'Or has nothing to do with hit.  "I never thought about it in all these weeks.  Wining awards is in relation to what the team wins and I think about the team first.  The rest will come, and if it came, it's because I won again."  All three titles won with Inter and this season will begin with a possibility to win another three more before the end of calender year (Italian and European Super Cup, Club World Cup) may not be sufficient to get the prize this time will be assigned by a large number of journalists, coaches and captains of national teams around the world.  After Iniesta's goal in the final, he is the favorite but for Sneijder it is not over.  "Now I will rest, restart with Inter and then return with national team.  Because I won't give up and what we have done so far is not enough.  And to the fans I promise to grow and win the title in four years."

San Siro is complicating things.  The Milan City Council on Thursday night has blocked the project for the construction to build a stadium for Inter.  During the meeting, the opposition succeeded in passing an amendment that makes building a stadium would be much more complicated and expensive for the team of Massimo Moratti. 

Source: Calciomercato - FC Inter 1908