It has been a thrill to watch Inter's disastrous fall from grace this season. The team I had originally touted as the strongest in Europe with Champions League title well within their grasps, they have spectacularly self-combusted after the January break.
Failure against Liverpool, Roberto Mancini's mind games with the club, fans, and players, injury after injury, and above all else, an obvious drop in form and determination from it's players. This was all highlighted last week when Inter were awarded a penalty within the late stages of the match. Cruz was the designated kick taker, but Marco Materazzi emerged from the back and hell followed with him. He wanted the spot kick. He wanted to score the goal that would hand Inter the title. (What is really important to note, is that Materazzi also scored a penalty in the same fixture last season to award Inter the title; he had ALREADY received the glory!) But that wasn't enough to 'The Matrix'. He wanted to do it...twice. This could be a testament to how little the players actually thought of winning the scudetto with a point docked Milan and a Juve-less Serie A. Moreover, how arrogant that gesture was and how perfectly it fit in with Inter's collapse.
Of course, Materazzi's penalty was saved. With teammates furious, the coach furious, and the owner furious, how many friends does Materazzi have left? If Inter lose the scudetto on the final day of the campaign I feel Materazzi will have to move on. He will probably have to leave the country to avoid the harsh ridicule and criticism which will likely follow him to his grave. That is only supposing Inter fail to clinch the championship. If they do win this Sunday, most Inter fans (like usual) will try and block out the bad moments of the season and relish the fact that they are champions.
Yet, I will always look back on the the second meeting between Roma and Inter when Roma were up by a goal, only to see Mexes controversially sent off and Inter to equalize through Captain Amazing, Javier Zanetti. With Inter only ahead by one point, those moments become season deciding moments.
My biggest dilemma is deciding which game to watch on Sunday...
Showing posts with label Inter Milan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inter Milan. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Juventus at Inter Milan, Saturday, March 22, 2008
The first half had a good highlight reel, despite the lack of goals. By my count, the Serie A TV commentators used the phrase “being played at a high tempo” 256 times. At one point, Pavel Nedved yelled at Giorgio Chiellini. At another, Pavel Nedved had a bleeding nose. Lots of killer saves, too, but we’ll get to those in a bit.
The second half was set to start. Inter were on the field. So was Gianluigi Buffon, jumping, stretching, sporting that outstanding black wool thing he keeps around his head to keep warm. His teammates were still in the dressing room. I only caught one shot of the Inter players on TV. Marco Materazzi was talking to a teammate. I don’t remember who. (One of of Inter’s biggest problems right now: the players are faceless). He looked nervous, scared even. Yes, I am judging him with hindsight: Materazzi went on to play what was probably the worst second half of his professional soccer career.
Eventually, Juve arrived. They looked pumped. Did Juve gain a psychological edge by delaying the game? I’ll leave that for the pundits. All I know is this: Juventus destroyed Inter in the second half.
First goal, less than five minutes in: Juve takes a quick free kick from the halfway line, out right to Camoranesi on the wing. His stupid and amazing ponytail flies in the air as he sprints toward the goal. The Inter defenders stand like their feet have been nailed to the cross. Then Julio Cesar makes a really stupid mistake: As he comes out to play Camoranesi, he raises his hand. He even turns his head to the left to see if the hand had any effect. The linesman keeps his flag down. No offside, according to him. Camoranesi slots the ball between Cesar’s falling legs. Goal.
Note to Julio Cesar: You’re a great keeper. You single-handedly kept the score respectable today. I even like when you grow that perverted mustache. But here’s the thing: YOU’RE NOT THE FUCKING LINESMAN. Play the ball, not the call. (And yes, I know Camoranesi was offside. Doesn’t matter.)
See Buffon would never have done that. In the first half, Chivu took a great free kick, but Buffon stretched left and knocked it out for a corner, one of those Buffon stops that no one else makes. He also made some excellent saves after the whistle had gone. On several occasions, he did that amazing thing where he’s holding the ball between his bicep and his armpit and presses down on the air, the universal sign for “calm the fuck down.” I love Gigi Buffon.
Del Piero spun around Materazzi, like what, four, five times? One of the Serie A TV commentators suggested this was the best game Del Piero had played in years. (When the game was over, the commentator called it “another great advert for the Serie A.” He says that pretty much every week. If there’s any truth what he’s saying, then when I’m watching Serie A TV, I’m watching advertising for 90 minutes straight.)
Del Piero created a lot of excitement, for sure. But his free kicks were awful (which, to be fair, the commentators did point out). And he missed two easy ones. I mean, all credit to him for getting into those positions. But if you don’t score, it counts for nothing. Nothing. Got that?
Del Piero’s assist on Trezeguet’s second goal, that counted for something. Edge of the Inter box, he plays a lovely backheel past Burdisso’s useless head. A charging Trezeguet bombs it past Cesar with his left. Then he jogs the long way around the Inter net toward the Bianconeri supporters with a giant, golden smile on his face. Del Piero leaps onto the Frenchman’s back with the joy of an eight-year-old and eventually the whole team is doing the Huddle-and-Pat.
Inter got a late one from Maniche, who also rung one off the post. Don’t be fooled, though: Maniche still sucks very much.
So what’s wrong with Inter? Poor managing (why play Burdisso in central defense and Chivu in midfield)? A little bit of of bad luck. Morale. And of, course, injuries.
Which injuries are hurting them most? Easy: Samuel and Cordoba. When Cordoba went down, Inter began to unravel. The World Cup fire has go
ne out in Materazzi. Burdisso is NOT a central defender. Maxwell and Maicon play well on the flanks in attack, but they need strong, solid men in the middle to back them up.
See, Ibra, Cruz and Suazo are not injured. Sure, Cambiasso was out today and yes, Inter missed him dearly. But Cambiasso played against Liverpool. He played against Genoa. He played against Roma. Samuel and Cordoba did not. No Viera, no Figo, no Crespo; no matter. Inter’s problem is in the middle of the back.
Your thoughts?
Match highlights (Italian commentary):
The second half was set to start. Inter were on the field. So was Gianluigi Buffon, jumping, stretching, sporting that outstanding black wool thing he keeps around his head to keep warm. His teammates were still in the dressing room. I only caught one shot of the Inter players on TV. Marco Materazzi was talking to a teammate. I don’t remember who. (One of of Inter’s biggest problems right now: the players are faceless). He looked nervous, scared even. Yes, I am judging him with hindsight: Materazzi went on to play what was probably the worst second half of his professional soccer career.
Eventually, Juve arrived. They looked pumped. Did Juve gain a psychological edge by delaying the game? I’ll leave that for the pundits. All I know is this: Juventus destroyed Inter in the second half.
First goal, less than five minutes in: Juve takes a quick free kick from the halfway line, out right to Camoranesi on the wing. His stupid and amazing ponytail flies in the air as he sprints toward the goal. The Inter defenders stand like their feet have been nailed to the cross. Then Julio Cesar makes a really stupid mistake: As he comes out to play Camoranesi, he raises his hand. He even turns his head to the left to see if the hand had any effect. The linesman keeps his flag down. No offside, according to him. Camoranesi slots the ball between Cesar’s falling legs. Goal.
Note to Julio Cesar: You’re a great keeper. You single-handedly kept the score respectable today. I even like when you grow that perverted mustache. But here’s the thing: YOU’RE NOT THE FUCKING LINESMAN. Play the ball, not the call. (And yes, I know Camoranesi was offside. Doesn’t matter.)
See Buffon would never have done that. In the first half, Chivu took a great free kick, but Buffon stretched left and knocked it out for a corner, one of those Buffon stops that no one else makes. He also made some excellent saves after the whistle had gone. On several occasions, he did that amazing thing where he’s holding the ball between his bicep and his armpit and presses down on the air, the universal sign for “calm the fuck down.” I love Gigi Buffon.
Del Piero spun around Materazzi, like what, four, five times? One of the Serie A TV commentators suggested this was the best game Del Piero had played in years. (When the game was over, the commentator called it “another great advert for the Serie A.” He says that pretty much every week. If there’s any truth what he’s saying, then when I’m watching Serie A TV, I’m watching advertising for 90 minutes straight.)
Del Piero created a lot of excitement, for sure. But his free kicks were awful (which, to be fair, the commentators did point out). And he missed two easy ones. I mean, all credit to him for getting into those positions. But if you don’t score, it counts for nothing. Nothing. Got that?
Del Piero’s assist on Trezeguet’s second goal, that counted for something. Edge of the Inter box, he plays a lovely backheel past Burdisso’s useless head. A charging Trezeguet bombs it past Cesar with his left. Then he jogs the long way around the Inter net toward the Bianconeri supporters with a giant, golden smile on his face. Del Piero leaps onto the Frenchman’s back with the joy of an eight-year-old and eventually the whole team is doing the Huddle-and-Pat.
Inter got a late one from Maniche, who also rung one off the post. Don’t be fooled, though: Maniche still sucks very much.
So what’s wrong with Inter? Poor managing (why play Burdisso in central defense and Chivu in midfield)? A little bit of of bad luck. Morale. And of, course, injuries.
Which injuries are hurting them most? Easy: Samuel and Cordoba. When Cordoba went down, Inter began to unravel. The World Cup fire has go
ne out in Materazzi. Burdisso is NOT a central defender. Maxwell and Maicon play well on the flanks in attack, but they need strong, solid men in the middle to back them up.See, Ibra, Cruz and Suazo are not injured. Sure, Cambiasso was out today and yes, Inter missed him dearly. But Cambiasso played against Liverpool. He played against Genoa. He played against Roma. Samuel and Cordoba did not. No Viera, no Figo, no Crespo; no matter. Inter’s problem is in the middle of the back.
Your thoughts?
Match highlights (Italian commentary):
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Mancini's Feint
After Inter was knocked out of the Champions League in the first knock-out round—again—coach Roberto Mancini announced this would be his final season with the Milan club. The club and players were confused, especially since, earlier this season, Mancini signed a four year contract extension.Within 24 hours of Mancini's declaration, he reneged. He claimed his earlier comments were the result of being too upset and emotional from being dumped out of the prestigious competition yet again. He would not be leaving. But this raises the question: is it his decision anymore?
Inter and its fans have been anxiously awaiting European victory since 1965. President Massimo Morratti has been trying to assemble a world class team to repeat the feat of 1965.
In the wake of Calpocioli scandal, Inter have become Serie A's giants. They were awarded the 2005/06 Scudetto when Juventus were found guilty of match-fixing shenanigans. They captured the 06/07 Scudetto in a Juventus-less Serie A and with an A.C. Milan suffering from a points penalty. This season, they are in first place, a slim six points ahead of A.S. Roma. But despite their success in Italy, they do not seem to have the right frame of mind for UEFA's top club tournament. Strong on paper, this team has consistently failed to come through in big games
With regards to the latest tie with Liverpool, I felt the two red cards, in each leg respectively, were unfair. I would have perferred an 11 v 11 battle in both legs. But I have no say on the matter (unfortunately). I do feel for Inter. but I can't help but view their accomplishments over the last three years as circumstantial. Their repeated exit from the Champions League may prove that they are not as strong many of us had believed.
Mancini's recent actions have no doubt affected the Inter locker room, where mutiny has already been brewing. Lucky for Mancini, captain Javier Zannetti backs his coach unconditionally. He has presumably kept the locker room in check. But even a great guy like Zannetti was no doubt shaken up by the fact his coach was ready to jump ship so quickly.
If he didn't want to quit Inter, he might have inadvertently gotten himself fired.
Monday, February 25, 2008
David Suazo – La Pantera
The 28 year old Honduran striker was one of Inter’s many purchases before the end of the August transfer period for 2007. And by all accounts, he has proved to be one of the better investments by Inter president Massimo Morratti.
The genuine motive behind Inter’s surprise move for a fifth high ranking striker is a bit blurred. No one is doubting Suazo’s impact in Serie A, yet the controversy surrounding his signing plays well into the mindgames and politics between the Inter and Milan clubs. There was a tug-of-war going on for Suazo between the two Milan clubs. Inter being the first to claim his services, then Milan, and eventually Suazo was unveiled in the Inter jersey after heavy media coverage. With the departure of Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea and Alberto Gilardino not being able to deliver on a consistent basis, Milan’s only established goal scorer was in the form of Pippo Inzaghi. But at 34 years of age, Inzaghi cannot be charged with a full campaign consisting of Serie A, Champions League, Coppa Italia, and the Club World Cup. Using Kaka as an out and out striker did have some success, but few people will disagree that Kaka is best utilized running at defenders from a deeper position. Milan needed David Suazo much more than Inter did. And with a minimal 10 million Euro price tag, Suazo’s transfer can easily be seen as the most important internal transfer in Serie A.
In Cagliari, Suazo had two seasons in Serie B due to relegation but continued to produce the goals. Promotion back to Serie A also saw the arrival of Gianfranco Zola. Truly a great player with a world class reputation. Make no mistake about it; having a great player such as Zola within your team ranks can greatly improve player development. Zola himself was privileged enough to play alongside Diego Maradonna at Napoli when he first began his career in Serie A and to this very day admits he learned everything from the Argentine. The learning circle continues as Suazo scored 43 goals in Cagliari within Serie A, with a large chunk of goals coming from the creative genius of Zola. Suazo is not only a certified finisher of exceptional quality but he has also been educated in Italian soccer with a prestigious teacher in Zola.
Currently, the 2007/2008 season has seen Inter score 48 goals. Unfortunately for Suazo, the combination of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Julio Cruz have accounted for 24 of the 48 (Ibrahimovic claiming 14 and Cruz with 10) and has limited his playing time. Suazo has still made the most of his opportunities in both Serie A and the Champions league, netting goals in both competitions. On Saturday, Suazo scored a brace to beat Livorno 2-0 as Crespo and himself partnered up to rest Ibrahimovic and Cruz ahead of the Champions League tie against Liverpool. Inter’s ability to field two proven and effective pairs of strikers are the reason they are in first place in Serie A with 59 points (9 ahead of second place Roma, and 21 points ahead of fourth place Milan) and why they are favoured to take this year’s Champions League title. The arsenal of offence available for Coach Roberto Mancini is allowing him to keep his strikers rested, healthy, and hungry. With a world class midfield, strong and fearless defenders, and the goaltender that is Julio Cesar, Inter are finally becoming the team they’ve always wanted to be.
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