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Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 4 Zanetti, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 42 Jonathan, 8 Thiago Motta, 19 Cambiasso, 20 Obi; 11 Alvarez, 22 Milito, 30 Castaignos.

Subs: 12 Castellazzi, 21 Orlandoni; 16 Caldirola, 23 Ranocchia, 37 Faraoni, 39 Santon; 48 Criseting; 7 Pazzini, 27 Pandev.

Coach: Gasperini.

Olympiacos P.: 17 Costanzo; 3 Modesto, 21 Papadopoulos, 4 Mellberg, 23 Marcano; 8 Feisa, 22 Hurtado; 19 Fuster, 33 Yeste, 18 Fetfatzidis; 14 Mirallas.

Coach: Ernesto Valverde.

Prediction: Who cares just sign Eto'o's replacement

FORZA INTER

Inter - Juve:

Inter: 12 Castellazzi; 23 Ranocchia, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 42 Jonathan, 8 Thiago Motta, 5 Stankovic, 20 Obi; 27 Pandev, 7 Pazzini, 10 Sneijder.

Subs: 21 Orlandoni, 31 Cincilla, 4 Zanetti, 6 Lucio, 11 Alvarez, 16 Caldirola, 19 Cambiasso, 22 Milito, 30 Castaignos, 37 Faraoni, 39 Santon, 44 Bianchetti, 48 Crisetig, 77 Muntari.

Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini

Juventus: 30 Storari; 26 Lichtsteiner, 15 Barzagli, 19 Bonucci, 29 De Ceglie; 36 Pasquato, 21 Pirlo; 8 Marchisio, 27 Krasic, 14 Vucinic, 10 Del Piero.

Subs: 1 Buffon, 13 Manninger, 2 Motta, 5 Pazienza, 16 Ziegler, 23 Vidal, 32 Matri, 33 Sorensen, 34 Marrone, 38 Ruggiero, 39 Libertazzi, 40 Spinazzola.

Coach: Antonio Conte

Prediction: Inter 1-1 Juve (4-2 on PKs)

Inter - Milan:

Inter: 12 Castellazzi; 6 Lucio, 23 Ranocchia, 4 Zanetti; 42 Jonathan, 8 Thiago Motta, 19 Cambiasso, 37 Faraoni; 11 Alvarez, 22 Milito, 30 Castaignos.

Subs: 21 Orlandoni, 31 Cincilla, 16 Caldirola, 25 Samuel, 39 Santon, 44 Bianchetti, 5 Stankovic, 10 Sneijder, 20 Obi, 48 Crisetig, 77 Muntari, 7 Pazzini, 27 Pandev.

Coach: Gasperini.

Milan: 1 Amelia; 20 Abate, 25 Bonera, 17 Oddo, 19 Zambrotta; 4 Van Bommel, 23 Ambrosini; 28 Emanuelson, 27 Boateng, 54 Fossati; 99 Cassano.

Subs: 30 Roma, 51 Piscitelli, 52 De Sciglio, 62 Sampirsi, 59 Ki Boateng, 13 Nesta, 53 Ely, 2 Taiwo, 8 Gattuso, 16 Flamini, 58 Comi, 77 Antonini, 61 Ganz.

Coach: Allegri.

Prediction: Inter 1-1 Milan (4-3 on PKs)

FORZA INTER

SCUDETTO TESTS (WITHOUT ETO'O)

The first real tests: tonight at Bari, the big three to confront each other.

The Cameroonian is not called up and just a step away from Anzhi.

Milan, Inter and Juve are all looking for answers.

Watch for Cassano, Sneijder's position and the new Vucinic.

INTER, JUVE AND MILAN AT CROSSROADS LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

The void left by Eto'o, new Vidal and Vucinic and the comeback of Cassano.

Ten days before the start of the league today Trofeo Tim is an important test for Inter, Juve and Milan all with important injuries, negotiations in progress and players still on holiday.  The idea is to open up these three teams.  But time is running out.  Allegri, Gasperini and Conte are asked to make first choices.  The night in Bari will tell if they are to defend or reject.

Eto'o has ended his adventure at Inter after the Super Cup in Beijing.  Who will replace him?

It is a good race between Pazzini and Milito.  The Prince can put on the scales the relationship with Gasperini at Genoa which he produced goals and results.  Pazzini, however, is in great comeback.  Indeed, in recent days he seems to be the favorite for the starting spot.  Trofeo Tim would give one of these players the final push.

How will the team cover the empty spot created by Maicon's injury?
The alternative could have been Nagatomo but the Japanese is out because of a shoulder problem.  Gasperini will try the newcomer Jonathan and the "old" Santon.  The solution of right-back problem will be important to define the tactical formation.  Inter coach, before betting on the 3-4-3, wants to have guarantees on the right.

"Sneijder will stay at Inter."  Words from Massimo Moratti but where will Wes play?

From all the positions in the midfield.  Gasperini wants him on the line of midfielders freely to follow his instincts.  An idea needs to be verified with curiosity.  If it works then the enthusiasm will return for Sneijder.

After the injury of Ibra, all eyes are on Casssano.

The Trofeo Tim will give us Antonio finally with the head in place and the right weight, a wonderful opportunity to climb up the chart of Allegri.  The idea of being the lone striker in the attack does not seem frighten him.  Indeed.  A leading Cassano to Bari will not risk Milan to have hasty recovery of Ibra, and the team doesn't have to recall Pato and Robinho from vacation.

Milan midfield after Pirlo?

Without trauma.  The post Pirlo has already started last season.  Bright points on the experience of Van Bommel and the soundness of Ambrosini and Gattuso.  Waiting for confirmation from these players at high level matches.

Who will play alongside Pirlo in the 4-2-4 of Conte?

It should be Vidal at Trofeo Tim.  The Chilean is late in terms of preparation but is not worried: for now the role of Pirlo's shoulder is covered optimally by Marchisio, one of the protagonists of Juve during the summer.  Marchisio could also become an uncomfortable rival of Vida.

What is going to happen to Krasic?

The Serbian is struggling to adapt to the football of Conte.  Sometimes he seems like an outsider.  The coach expects Krasic to step up from tactical point of view.

How is the inclusion of Vucinic going to be?

The former Roma player is trying to assimilate quickly the 4-2-4.  He has the right to show the fans that they can forget about Aguero and Rossi who used to have Juve interest.

FIRST GAME WITHOUT LION KING ETO'O

THERE'S ALVARE

A team of 25, practically with everybody except McDonald Mariga (sent to Real Sociedad) and Samuel Eto'o: it is the first without the Lion King.  Milito and Pazzini will have to do the tests without Samuel.  Gian PIero Gasperini must try many things to give continuity to his ideas starting with those that could be featured in the first game against Lecce.  The true test is tonight because will have more ways in approaching these games rather than the one in Beijing against Milan.  And then could you see Sneijder in front of the defense?  Probably yes certainly a part of one of the games.  He will play closer to the goal in the other game.  There will be space for Obi, Santon and the Brazilian Jonathan.  We will also see Lucio who has just extended his contract until 2014.  Cambiasso will also be there with Alvarez and Castaignos.

vs.

Nothing to say really other than we were out played in every aspect.  Let's regroup so we don't get embarrassed in China.  FORZA INTER!

STARTING LINEUPS:

DUBLIN – The countdown has started to the kick-off of the last match to decide the winner of the Dublin Super Cup 2011, which you can watch live on Sky Sport Italia and on inter.it: Gian Piero Gasperini's Inter take on Manchester City coached by Robero Mancini, both teams having won their first match in the tournament which is being played in Ireland. Inter and Manchester City have never played against each other in a competitive match. Their last meeting was on 1 August 2010, in Baltimore, USA during the Pirelli Cup, when the Nerazzurri won 3-0.

Here are the line-ups for Inter v Manchester City on inter.it:

Inter: Julio Cesar; Ranocchia, Chivu, Caldirola; Bianchetti, Stankovic, Sneijder, Crisetig; Alvarez, Eto'o, Pandev.

Substitutes: 12 Castellazzi, 21 Orlandoni, 25 Samuel, 37 Faraoni, 39 Santon, 57 Natalino, 17 Mariga, 77 Muntari, 7 Pazzini, 30 Castaignos.

Coach: Gasperini.

Manchester City: Hart; Richards, Lescott, Kompany, Kolarov; Y. Toure, De Jong; Minner, Silva, Balotelli; Dzeko.

Substitutes: 12 Taylor, 38 Boyata, 48 McGivern, 11 Johnson, 18 Barry, 8 Wright Phillips, 60 Guidetti, 36 Suarez, 64 Joan Roman, 77 Scapuzzi, 62 Razak, 78 Rekik.

Coach: R. Mancini.

Referee: Mc Keon (Ireland).

Prediction: City 1-1 Inter

FORZA INTER

FORMER INTERISTA MANCIO: "WINNING WITH CITY IS MORE DIFFICULT."

The coach that brought Inter back on top: "The duel with Milan will fought even more.  The Premier League is the best, I will go back to Italy when our football is healed.  Balotelli? Pure talent."

Dublin Sooner or later it has to happen: tomorrow it will be the first time that Balotelli and Mancini will play against Inter.  Balotelli, yesterday at lunch, had a long chat with his old teammates especially with the youngsters.  Mancini has never lost his personal contact with the organization which under his guidance on the bench, Inter came back to win after so many years with an empty belly.

Fond memories "I like to play Inter, even if it is a summer tournament.  In the Champions League, it certainly would have been different.  I spent many happy years at Inter and it was beautiful.  I keep to myself great memory of that experience.  With president Moratti, I have maintained a good relationship.  I worked with him four years and I think that is a record for Inter.  The conquest in the Champions League is a little bit on my part?  It was inevitable that Inter return to those levels because it is a big club.  I started to win, a little at a time, until the success in the Champions League.  Zanetti is still their protagonist?  I'm not surprised.  He is an extraterrestrial."

His Sneijder Inter could lose Sneijder.  Manchester United and Chelsea like him even City have thought about him a little.  Gasperini has pushed back the Dutch from a trequartista to central midfielder: "Sneijder is a great player and I think that at the end he will stay in Milan.  In my opinion, the most suitable position for him on the field is as an attacking midfielder but with his class and experience, he can play everywhere."

The Super Cup On August 6, there is the game with Milan in Beijing.  "Milan are back at a high level.  They have brought players with the likes of Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Cassano.  Inter of last season, lost ground in the beginning but this will the battle will be fought.  Ibrahimovic at City?  Last summer we thought about it but we had to think about building from the frame forward.  Winning with City is like at Inter? No, it is not the same.  The Premier League is very difficult.  It is not easy to take City to the top but we will try."

One day... Mancini said that he had no contact with Juve: "Never.  But it would have been a pleasurable thought.  Italy?  Italy is my country and I miss it but England is the top in football today.  I will be back in Italy when our football is healed.  A lot of work is needed to bring it back to high levels."

Balotelli Now it's the chapter of Balotelli.  His twirl against Los Angeles a week ago really infuriated Mancini.  "From Mario, we can expect everything but for me, he is a player with pure talent."  The game against Inter will be the last test before the English Super Cup for City which is on Sunday against Manchester United.  Surprisingly, we might see Aguero on the field who certainly will be on the bench in the game in London.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

INTER, FLASHES FROM A DERBY

Celtic liquidated.  K.O. for Nagatomo.  Zanetti returns against Milan

Goals by Castaignos and Pazzini but the Japanese is injured.

No Beijing so recalling the captain for the Super cup in August 6.

Dublin Another step forward.  Another injury - after Viviano's and the fear of Castellazzi - and therefore another South American, after Julio Cesar, is being recalled to play in the derby for the Italian Super Cup.  Out Nagatomo: no Beijing for one that has suffered a dislocated shoulder (tests taken in hospital, decision on operation will be decided on Monday).  And in Zanetti: it could have been Maicon but the Brazilian has another game immediately after Beijing (August 10 against Germany in Stuttgart).  Maicon is in Brazil but Zanetti - who is more willingly to come back from vacation - is in Greece and it is easier for him to reach the team.  He will fly to China by himself but the will will arrive at the same time from Dublin, via Paris.

The regrets of Gasp The collapse of Nagatomo's shoulder was unexpected as well as the red card for Thiago Motta.  Those two events disrupted a few plans of the coach: who wanted to be different and perhaps he could use Alvarez a little bit in the second half or to see Eto'o on the left with Pazzini in the center ( as a striker and not as a midfielder like the Cameroonian in a 3-4-2 which then became 4-4-1).  And the last regret was seeing a Sneijder who was a little bit squeezed in the midfield.

The fighting But there was one other thing: a good Inter that was tough and got easy goals which has comforted Gasperini with other positive notes.  First: if the match against Galatasaray was a real match, the the one yesterday was a very real match as well because of the fired of Celtic's Scottish.  The over the top furor of captain Brown was a good picture as the Biancoverdi (white and green)  were always pressing, running and also beating like hell but Inter held their head high from the point of view of character and even in ten.  It was definitely a good rest on course to Beijing, hoping that that Milan with less tough games will play with less football.

What goes and what not Inter won this game especially in the attack: the beautiful first goal (combination between Deki and Pandev who found Castaignos and he placed it in the right corner) was the summary of fluidity that almost brought the team two more goals between Pazzini doubled the score.  It is just a shame that Inter granted too many chances at the back and even more in ten.  Castellazzi was obviously the man of the match for Inter with at least 3 miraculous saves.  With that, it just means that defensively, Inter are still not even close to where Gasp wants the team to be.  Many chances were granted despite the fact that Nagatomo (and then Faraoni) and Santon were playing quite low.  Giving these chances to Pato, Ibrahimovic and company would not be a good idea.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

vs.

Why are these teams taking friendly matches so seriously?  I'm not asking their players to not give a shit but these tackles have got to stop.  Scott Brown literally threw Luc Castaignos on the ground minutes into the game and his reckless type of play continues throughout the game.

Anyway, enough about these asses, the three major performers are Luc, Castellazzi and Samuel.  Luc did a very good job on the left and everytime he started counterattacking plays, he did not screw it up.  That goal of his was just world class.

Castellazzi was nothing short of a spectacular show.  Totally unbeatable today.  Some goes with Samuel, I'm glad he is back and already in mid season form.

STARTING LINEUPS

DUBLIN - Here are the starting line-ups for the Dublin Super Cup match between Inter and Celtic, which kicks off at the Aviva Stadium at 16:30 local time (17:30 CET) this afternoon.

Inter: 12 Castellazzi; 23 Ranocchia, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 39 Santon, 5 Stankovic, 8 Motta, 55 Nagatomo; 27 Pandev, 7 Pazzini, 30 Castaignos.

Subs: 21 Orlandoni, Bianchetti, 16 Caldirola, 37 Faraoni, 57 Natalino, 48 Crisetig, 17 Mariga, 77 Muntari, 11 Alvarez, 10 Sneijder, 9 Eto'o.

Coach: Gasperini.

Celtic: 24 Zaluska; 11 Cha Du-ri, 22Loovens, 15 Wilson, 3 Izaguerie; 8 Brown, 33 Kayal, 16 Ledley, 21Nulgren; 9 Samaras, 13 Shaun Maloney.

Subs: 47 Dom Cervi, 2Matthews, 56 Twardsik, 5 Majstarovic, 88 Hooper, 10 Stokes, 20McCourt, 67 Wanyama, 27 Murphy.

Coach: Lennon.

Referee: Hancock (Ireland).

Prediction: Celtic 1-2 Inter

FORZA INTER

INTER, TESTING DERBY WITH MOTTA AND CESAR

In Dublin, Internationale matches in the view of Super Cup against Milan.

With Celtic and City, two key pieces return.  Gasperini: "I want good football."

Dublin (Ireland) - It will not be an Inter of Beijing but for two matches today against Celtic and tomorrow against Man City, Inter will try to have the mentality of Beijing.  These two matches will be the last tests before the Italian Super Cup and Gian Piero Gasperini, not only because in the stands there will also be president Moratti, knows that there is little time left: "We will have another five days to prepare for the derby with more specific work."

Earplugs A good derby also can polish a little tarnished the image of Italian football.  "It's up to me, Allegri and others to bring us back to our best level: playing good football is an objective."  Earplugs needed for the derby as Gasp said that "we can not talk about the transfer market.  There will be a lot of talk until August 31 and we must be aseptic, not distracted and only thinking about on the field."  A derby that you can start by winning here in Dublin: "It is important to see everyone and for them to improve the condition.  I can be really close to the field and it is ideal for experimenting, finding the right balance, ensure the work done so far."

Here's Thiago Motta So between now and tomorrow, he will be taking advantage of the six substitutions in the game with a defense of Ranocchia-Samuel-Chivu.  Pazzini will be a preference in the attack who might not be ready for all 90 minutes with Eto'o.  Speaking of the Cameroonian, he will be a pure striker tomorrow against City.  And for Thiago Motta, this will be the first game of the season after his injury late May and he will form a 4-man midfield with Sneijder.

Tomorrow Julio Cesar And finally, but only against City tomorrow to give him some time to adapt to the time zone, there is Julio Cesar who joined the team yesterday at lunchtime as he arrived in Dublin directly from Brazil.  "After Copa America, I lost like a kilogram during vacation and I will be available again in two days.  At Inter now I'm used to winning so let's start with the Italian Super Cup.  And then the league title, last year's slipped out of our hands and one is enough."

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

AND WE CALL THIS FRIENDLY...

Inter had courage.  The draw with Galatasaray in bedlam of the ultras.

The Nerazzurri played well and Eto'o hit the post.

200 Turkish fans at the hotel, game suspended.

Bochum (Germany) Did they need a real test to get closer to the competitive environment (never mind the weather yesterday: the game was played at 12 degrees) on August 6 in Beijing?  Yes, Inter did just that with interest.  Because playing with Galatasaray was a true, very true test and a man of confidence that Allegri sent in the stands in Bochum to study the opponent for the Italian Super Cup saw an Inter that haven't done anything yet to be scared.  Granted that this was Inter's first real test after two weeks of work.

Intrusion of Ultras In the stadium, there was very little friendly about this game.  The Ruhr is a Turkish estate and 20 thousand tickets sold just in a few days to the Galatasaray fans said a lot.  Not only that, 200 Turkish hooligans, yesterday shortly after lunch, tried to enter the hotel where Inter players were resting with drums and smoke signals.  There's more.  It is not hard to imagine that Galatasaray took the advantage to the fullest extent permitted by the referee. 

Dangers And at the end, Inter were the team with the greatest dangers from a free-kick by Sneijder to the occasion of the post by Eto'o and not to mention the save of Ercetin against Castaignos's header.  But also, especially, Gasperni was able to check the status of work in progress.  The defense held up well considering the vivacity of the Turks.  Because certain movements are becoming more natural and the conditions of each individual are rising (see Ranocchia, Samuel and also Chivu who seems to be ahead of others in terms of conditioning).

Samuel: 7

Delicate task: managing time and distance of the defensive line, especially when it was at 3.  More and more better in the legs as he's becoming more solid.

Sneijder: 6.5

This time, perhaps he played a few minutes ahead but still trying to make himself as a central midfielder.  And with that free-kick, it seems that he is returning.

Orlandoni: 6.5

Still cold when he entered the field but he heated up quickly and became a captain at the end.  At least one result-saving save and security was in order.

Caldirola: 6.5

How to get into the match and immediately gave the team guarantees: decisive, concentration and in the right place.  There was always time to to fix if he did something wrong.

Alvarez: 5.5

The switch was turned off as the football light was dimmed.  Almost did better in the midfield.

Nagatomo: 5

Ran little, very few insertions, afraid to scope out his flank.  Not a coincidence that the first and only time we saw time was that almost assist (to Castaignos).

Sneijder in the center And then there was Sneijder as a central midfielder which is no longer an experiment but it is a deliberate decision.  Even without the freedom of the other three friendly matches, Wes tried to give the necessary mobility and at the same time quality of play by running and fighting as if he was required to do.  However, not everything went well during the game because the two outside midfielders struggled to make possession on the wings.

Blocked wings On the right, Nagatomo couldn't guarantee the balance between the defense of 3 and midfield of 4.  On the other side, there was Obi who had legs and character but still adapting (albeit did good) to play off-center.  Castaignos and Alvarez also got some important experience and both looked to help out the team defensively especially the Dutch.  The movement was sometimes bogged down a bit: after all, Gasperini insisted Eto'o to be in the central position and kept Pazzini on the bench for over an hour.  In the second half, however, instead of making changes on the wings, Alvarez was moved back to the midfield alongside Stankovic.  That experiment lasted too little before the game got suspended.  But the Argentinian has confirmed that he does not mind playing in that position.  To be continued.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

BOCHUM - The starting twenty-two for Galatasaray v Inter, a friendly matchscheduled this afternoon at the "rewirpowerSTADION" in Bochum (at 18:00).

Galatasaray: 1 Aykut; 17 Ujfalusi, 5 Gokhan, 76 Servet, 22 Hakan; 55Sabri, 18 Ayhan, 8 Selcuk; 80 Colin, 9 Elmander, 10 Arda.

Substitutes: 86 Ufuk, 67 Eray, 3 Calgar, 4 Felipe Melo, 6 Ceyhun, 7 Aydin, 15Baros, 26 Semih, 27 Culio, 28 Stancu, 35 Yekta, 52 Emre, 66 Anil.

Coach: Faith Terim

Inter: 12 Castellazzi; 23 Ranocchia,25 Samuel, 26 Chivu; 55 Nagatomo, 10 Sneijder, 5 Stankovic, 20 Obi; 11 Alvarez,30 Castaignos, 9 Eto'o.

Substitutes: 21 Orlandoni, 92 Bardi, 16Caldirola, 37 Faraoni, 44 Bianchetti, 57 Natalino, 48 Crisetig, 77 Muntari, 7Pazzini, 27 Pandev, 81 Longo.

Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini

Prediction: Galatasaray 2-2 Inter

FORZA INTER

WITH GALATASARAY

CASTAIGNOS TO START

THERE'S MELO

First test at a high level: the Turks of Terim are ready to start the former Juventus player.

The fourth friendly and it starts to get serious: after Trentino Team, Mezzocorona and Cremonese, Gasperini is asking for an important response against Galatasaray to watch the progress of his Inter.  It will be a big test particularly for the defense which consists of Ranocchia, Chivu and Samuel.  Not only that, Castaignos will also have an iportant chance to play.  Meanwhile, Sneijder is expected to be used once again in the midfield.  It is no longer an experiment but it is a confirmation of a project.  Comparing to Wednesday, the coach will regain Samuel and Nagatomo but he prefers to postpone the return of Thiago Motta, who before yesterday has started training with the group but yesterday, he did his own specific work-out.  Santon is out because of precaution.  Jonathan is still a bit tired and it is still early for him to be available.  He has been working on the sands just like Cordoba

Gala The opponent, in addition to being a quality, will probably debut Felipe Melo, who arrived on loan from Juventus for a year, as a central midfielder.  Melo attended his first training session with the Giallorossi Friday afternoon and the Turkish media has already called him a "pitbull".  The thing is that for the Giallorossi, it is not over.  Adebayor remains the main objective but the Turkish media believes that Galatasaray will use this opportunity to get more information regarding Diego Milito from Inter.  Ambitious ideas for a team that in the past dreamed about Cambiasso after the disastrous last season (including three changes in the coaching position), they have also changed their president.  Adnan Polat is gone and its the multi-billionaire Unal Aysal, a Turkish resident in Belgium.

Probable lineups:

Inter (3-4-3): Castellazzi; Ranocchia, Samuel, Chivu; Nagatomo, Sneijder, Stankovic, Obi; Castaignos, Eto'o, Alvarez.

Galatasaray (4-4-2): Aykut; Sabri, Ujfalusi, Servet, Hakan Balta; Selcuk Inan, Felipe Melo, Ceyhun, Arda; Baros, Elmander.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

INTER EVALUATE ACTIONS IN THE NAME OF FACCHETTI

Massimo Moratti is "serene", but to defend the image and integrity of Giacinto, he would be willing to consider everything.

Milan - Who has heard from Massimo Moratti recently knows that he was calm as well as convinced that what would happen and then it happened.  After the decision of the Federal Council of not revoking the 2006 Scudetto, Inter have decided to be silent and the president has interpreted it as "good news" the other day.  The club has decided to not comment because it is convinced of a basic concept: the club has had everything completed with the filing on July 1st by Stefano Palazzi (July 1st was when Palazzi said that no wrongdoings on Inter part).  In the head of Inter, in fact, the story was technical finished with just that ruling by the federal prosecutor at the dawn of this month.

Birthday Yesterday, curiously, was the birthday of Giacinto Facchetti who was born on July 18, 1942 and it was not a coincidence that on Sunday the club entered on the field against Mezzocorona with the players wearing the jersey number 3 with two horizontal stripes.  The iconic Facchetti turned 69 years old yesterday and at the same time, the final words have been said.

Measures to protect? Indeed, because the story ends here for Inter, although the club's lawyers will always remain alert to understand and eventually to "respond" to any actions which involve the club in Corso Vittorio Emanuele.  If anything, just in the name of Giacinto Facchetti, the club is willing to consider the idea of strengthening even more his image which has been tarnished by several parties.  It is also conceivable that the club would also take action (legal?) or initiatives to protect the image of Facchetti which Inter believe that it's been vilified on several occasions.  The idea is not yet a certainty but a possibility which could become real.  Just to recall the words of Massimo Moratti on July 4 which were "serious, offensive and poor taste."

Fans Yesterday, Massimo Moratti was out of town but he received the news with a smile in his offices of Saras.  A group of Inter fans waited outside to see him on the day of confirmation of the Scudetto.  But for Inter, yesterday was a day of confirmation also, because they have always believed that the Federal Council has no authority to revoke any Scudetto.  And so it was.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

PINZOLO - Two out of two for Inter, who ended their second friendly of the summer 2011 pre-season with a score line of 6-1, winning against Mezzocorona. However, the fireworks started early this time.

Tomorrow he would have turned 69 years old. Today, once more, Inter remembered Giacinto Facchetti while coming onto the pitch before the starting whistle of the match. The players were wearing a special shirt, a historic one of the “Grande Inter”, with the number 3 on the back and a date that is legendary: 1965.

As a precautionary measure Yuto Nagatomo sat out this match because of a light strain to his left thigh. Pazzini and Samuel were also absent, while Obi, Ranocchia and Sneijder were recovering from their injuries sustained in the friendly against Trentino Team.

Pandev sparkles: two posts and two goals for the Macedonian who opened and closed the scoring in the first half. Eto'o, Sneijder and Alvarez also found the net. The Argentine scored a brace and has already hit his 3rd for Inter.

FIRST HALF – A higher level opponent for the Nerazzurri: after Trentino Team, Inter today faced today Mezzocorona, a team that competes in Serie D and one that, after just 1 minute of play, went looking for a goal on a cross from Pelizzari and a right-footer from Tomasi, saved by Castellazzi. However, it was the Nerazzurri that took the lead: set up by Eto'o, it was Pandev to beat Mair and make it 1-0. The Macedonian made his presence felt again by hitting the post twice (in minutes 4 and 6). Eto'o delivered the Nerazzurri’s second goal when Santon beat Pelizzari and crossed to the Cameroonian, who then put the ball through Mair’s legs to make it 2-0.

In the 25th minute there was another highlight in the Samuel Eto'o show; a deadly counter-attack by the Cameroonian took him past Chessa’s slide tackle and into the penalty box where he released a diagonal pass to Sneijder, whose decisive touch made it 3-0. In the 33rd minute Mair pulled off a miraculous save from Eto'o’s powerful right-footer from distance; the ensuing corner was taken by Sneijder and headed in by Alvarez to bring the score to 4-0. Four minutes later Obi released a long-distance missile following a corner, but Mier was up to the task and parried the ball away to safety. Pandev’s second arrived in the 41st minute: Sneijder slid to gather a ball and managed to pass it to Eto’o, who juggled and touched it to the Macedonian to tuck away and put Inter ahead 5-0.

SECOND HALF – The second half started for the Nerazzurri with the same eleven on the field (Gasperini made a change in the 52nd minute, also shifting to a 4-man defence) and with a great play from Alvarez that Mair pushed out for a corner (47). In the 54th minute the Argentine midfielder bagged his second on an assist from Pandev, beating the goalkeeper with a lovely left-footer in the top corner. In the 64th minute Mezzocorona’s goal arrived through Timpone, a right-footer from distance to make it 6-1. Mariga tried to add to the score with a spectacular bicycle kick three minutes later, and Alibec – after a touch from Bessa – tried the same with a diagonal left-footer just wide of the far post, but the match ended again today at 6-1.

Wednesday 20 July will be the third friendly for Inter: an appointment in Rovereto, where Inter will face Cremonese (at 17:00).

INTER 6-1 MEZZOCORONA

Scorers: 2 Pandev, 9 Eto'o, 25 Sneijder, 33 and 54 Alvarez, 41 Pandev, 64 Timpone.

Inter (first half): Castellazzi; Ranocchia, Caldirola, Chivu; Santon, Stankovic, Sneijder, Obi; Alvarez, Eto'o, Pandev.

On the pitch for second half: Viviano, Bianchetti,Natalino, Faraoni, Crisetig, Bessa, Longo, Mariga, Muntari, Castaignos, Alibec.

Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini

Mezzocorona: Mair; Allegretti, Felter, Chessa, Pelizzari; Pasquetti; Paracampo, Laforgia; Tomasi, Monti, Mele.

Also appeared: Tait, Franzoi, Timpone, Nervo.

Coach: Stefano De Agostini

Referee: Valente (Bolzano); assistants: Lenarduzzi/Gravina.

Attendance: Stadio Pineta sold out (over 6 thousand spectators).

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Alvarez has been very impressive and his left foot is second to none.  Fantastic.  I don't want to get carried away but so far so good.  Here is a great goal that he scored in practice with his left foot:

So classy!  I'm going to buy this and I don't buy away shirt that often.

Directly from Sky comes the enws that can shake the Inter fans.  During Argentina-Portugal, Esteban Cambiasso was subtited at the 79th minute because of a muscular discomfort.  We'll update you on the situation.  For the record, Argentina won 2-1 thanks to Messi's penalty.

Two good clues coming from Inter.it and Ole, Argentina's main sports site indicate that nothing is serious for Esteban Cambiasso.  Inter.it did not report any injuries regarding to the Inter players while for Ole, it was a normal subsitution for Cambiasso, without mention of injuries.  Nothing certain yet though...

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Why was he on the field for 79 minutes to begin with?  Hopefully nothing serious...

BARI - Inter saw off Juventus 1-0 and then beat AC Milan on penalties to win the pre-season TIM Trophy triangular.

The Nerazzurri lined up against Juventus in the opening match of the evening and outplayed their opponents with Eto'o, Obinna, Pandev, Maicon and Cambiasso all going close before Wesley Sneijder sealed victory on 25 minutes. The World Cup finalist shrugged off Sissoko outside the box before curling an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Diego cancelled out Ronaldinho's goal in the second encounter between Juve and AC Milan, but the Rossoneri won on penalties to set up a trophy-deciding game against their city rivals.

The Milan derby was a closer affair than the previous two 45-minute games. Inzaghi headed against the crossbar in the opening seconds and Castellazzi saved Pirlo's free kick as Allegri's men had the early chances. Abbiati was the busier keeper though, with saves to make from Milito, Mancini and Stankovic before the onset of penalties.

Milito and Coutinho converted their spot kicks, while Flamini, Mancini and Inzaghi missed theirs. Oddo and Huntelaar then netted for the Rossoneri and Stankovic missed his, but another miss by Ronaldinho saw Inter win 3-2 on penalties.

Inter 1-0 Juventus

Scorer: Sneijder 26.

Inter: 1 Julio Cesar, 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 23 Materazzi, 26 Chivu; 19 Cambiasso, 40 Nwanwko Obiora; 33 Obinna, 10 Sneijder, 27 Pandev; 9 Eto'o.

Subs: 12 Castellazzi, 21 Orlandoni, 2 Cordoba, 25 Samuel, 34 Biraghi, 35 Benedetti, 57 Natalino, 5 Stankovic, 20 Obi, 29 Coutinho, 30 Mancini, 22 Milito, 27 Pandev, 88 Biabiany.

Coach: Rafael Benitez.

Juventus: 13 Manninger; 21 Grygera (2 M.Motta 38 ), 19 Bonucci, 3 Chiellini, 29 De Ceglie; 23 Pepe, 4 Felipe Melo, 5 Sissoko, 20 Lanzafame; 10 Del Piero, 17 Trezeguet.

Subs: 31 Costantino, 32 Storari, 8 Marchisio, 11 Amauri, 25 Martinez, 28 Diego, 33 Legrottaglie, 34

Coach: Luigi Delneri.

Referee: Celi (Rome).

Inter 0-0 AC Milan (3-2 after pens)

Penalties: Milito (goal), Flamini (miss), Mancini (miss), Inzaghi (miss), Coutinho (goal), Oddo (goal), Obi (goal), Huntelaar (goal), Stankovic (miss), Ronaldinho (miss).

Inter: 12 Castellazzi; 13 Maicon (57 Natalino 17), 2 Cordoba, 23 Materazzi (35 Benedetti 17), 34 Biraghi; 5 Stankovic, 40 Nwankwo (20 Obi 35); 30 Mancini, 29 Coutinho, 88 Biabiany; 22 Milito.

Subs: 1 Julio Cesar, 21 Orlandoni, 6 Lucio, 13 Maicon, 25 Samuel, 26 Chivu, 34 Biraghi, 10 Sneijder, 19 Cambiasso, Eto'o, 22 Milito, 27 Pandev, 33 Obinna.

Coach: Rafael Benitez.

AC Milan: Abbiati; Oddo, Bonera (Papastathopoulos 30), Yepes, Zambrotta; Ambrosini (Strasser 26), Pirlo (Novinic 30), Flamini; Merkel (Ronaldinho 35); Inzaghi, Huntelaar.

Coach: Massimiliano Allegri.

Referee: Celi (Rome).

Booked: Flamini 18.

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That second game and the following PK shootout must be the worst things that I've seen in a very long time.  Isn't that what Primavera football like?

Anyway, the first game against Juve, the real game, we were great.  It was like men against boys out there.  We controlled the midfield and didn't allow those kids to have any space to do anything.

Sneijder was great.  His goal is truly class.  He is quickly becoming my favorite player and he seems very happy in our shirt. 

Keep this up and we will be set for the Scudetto 19 regarless how cursed this trophy is.

And yes, Mancini is still shit.

Forza Inter. 

SCUDETTO TESTS IN AUGUST

Inter, Juve and Milan will compete in the classic triangular tournament: the hunt against the champions of Benitez starts here.

Milan - There is Wesley Sneijder in the 24 player list for tonight TIM Cup. Besides Mariga, who will return only today after the friendly game for his country, the missing players are Balotelli (going to City) and injured players such as Zanetti, Motta, Muntari and Santon. Just precautionary measure, so that everyone is available for the Super Cup on the 21st at the San Siro against Roma. Benitez will aim to give minutes to all, without playing key players too much against Juventus and Milan now that the first trophy of the season is near. The real test is scheduled for Tuesday, August 17, when the team will play a friendly game (could be with Inter Primavera) at the San Siro. The team will leave early today and will return at night. Tomorrow training sessions are open to the public. Sunday is rest day. There is no denying it that this year is one of the most challenging season ever for Inter. After the treble, tonight will be the first real taste of the new season, the TIM Trophy.

History The traditional triangular tournament was founded in 2001 on the idea of TIM and Master Group Sport. It was organized in Trieste, Ancora, Torino, Milano, Pescara and this year is at the San Nicola of Bari. Inter have won 5 editions followed by Milan with 3 and Juventus at 1.

The matches The formula is 3-45 minute matches for the new coaches like Rafa Benitez, Gigi Del Neri e Massimiliano Allegri. There is great expectation and 36,000 tickes have been sold up to yesterday. There will be the mayor Michele Emiliano who will cheer peacefully one night for Juventus.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport

Giuseppe Sculli was left out of the last friendly for Genoa of Gasperini and he is only waiting for the call from Milan to bring him to the Pinetina.  The winger is going to sign with the Champions of Europe a three year contract between 1.2 - 1.5 million per season, a figure which is less than the 2 million predicted last week.  In the pocket of Preziosi, however will be 5 million euros for the card of the 29 year-old striker.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport - FC Inter 1908

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Relatively cheap purchase for us but I don't know where will he play? He is not better than Pandev that's for sure. 

vs.

Well, even thought we lost but I'm still pleased with some of our guys. 

First off, Maicon.  It would be a big mistake if we let him go.  He is priceless in my book.  He was THE game changer for the 15 minutes that he played, had one assist and could have two more.  Dude doesn't miss a beat.  He runs great, makes great crosses and is the best RB in the world.  Keep him, sell Balotelli and everything would be just fine.

Next up, the youngsters, more specifically Coutinho, Santon, Nwankwo, Mariga were all very good.  Santon after his serious knee injury made two great runs.  Mariga and Nwankwo are our future defensive midfielder when Cambiasso retires.  Coutinho's goal was a thing of beauty.  I think Coutinho and Nwankwo have a great chance to crack into the first team this season.

Zanetti got hurt.  How the fuck that happened?

INTER: 21 Orlandoni; 4 Zanetti, 2 Cordoba, 23 Materazzi, 26 Chivu; 33 Obinna, 17 Mariga, 19 Cambiasso, 20 Obi; 9 Eto'o, 27 Pandev.

Subs: 1 Julio Cesar, 12 Casetllazzi, 92 Gallinetta, 5 Stankovic, 6 Lucio, 11 Muntari, 13 Maicon, 22 Milito, 25 Samuel, 29 Coutinho, 30 Mancini, Alibec, 34 Biraghi, 40 Nwankwo, 50 Biabiany, 54 Dell'Agnello, 57 Natalino.

Coach: Benitez.

FORZA INTER

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I get to watch this game online with this crappy connection from my hotel.  YEAH!!!!!!!!