Inter Per Sempre

Julio Cesar: 7.5

Must make a single save but it was something miraculous. Nene's shot was three steps from him but he opposes with a swift reaction.

Maicon: 7.5

Generous, lucid, tireless. He put the balls in the center and inviting his teammates to come down. He is in brilliant condition.

Cordoba: 6

Risking a yellow at the very first moment of the game. Then, he stood at the usual levels of care and efficiency. Didn't suffer.

Samuel: 7

He scores from a header as if he was a true center forward. Seriousness and dedication.

Santon: 6

Confirming the progress of care with some appropriate defensive movements like the closing in on Lazzari.

Zanetti: 7

The percussion with the first goal should be shown to football schools. It was a mix of power and lucidity.

Cambiasso: 6.5

Directed the orders, attentive and content. With those three, he was inspired to go forward without doing certain damages.

Motta: 6.5

Streamlines the maneuver with touches in the first half. Triangulations in the class and the emerging vision of the game.

Milito: 7.5

He, too, was inspired. Shows the pleasure and the fun of playing with his friends.

Balotelli: N/A

Eto'o: 6.5

It was the return for him and he moves with ease and desire. Kicks off the action leading to the third goal.

Muntari: 6

Joins in the game when it was virtually over. Was playing the playmaking role, then he was punished by a kick and remained dazed.

Mariga: 6

Little less than 20 minutes was enough to show a beautiful personality. Will certainly be very useful.

Pandev: 8

Playing like Bobby Charlton: central forward who helps the midfield and then provided a surprise. Applause.

Mourinho: 7

With Pandev as central forward, he surprised Allegri. And then he had an assist and one of the most brilliant performance of the season for this team.

Overall: 7.5

Immediately takes possession of the match and they make sure it is a spectacle.

Cagliari were overwhelmed (3-0): Mortgage-Scudetto?

Wednesday, the game in hand with Parma can extend the lead.  Pand and Milito score for the third time in three games.

It's Pandev - Milito show.

Bye bye to those who are chasing.

Cagliari were swept away, and never in the game.  Samuel also scores.  9 consecutive championship and cup wins at home.  Wednesday, a game with Parma.

Milan - The ninth game was perfectly a success.  They are among the league and the cup, the consecutive victory of Inter at the San Siro.  Yes the trident of Mourinho has given him an great afternoon and also to Mr. Sandri, the father of the poor Gabriele, who was a guest yesterday of the Nord.  A demonstration of safely, of conviction and of excessive power.  This Inter, increasingly, resemble the heroes on the big screen: Rambo, Terminator and Highlander.  Unassailable, unstoppable.  And, in all probability, impregnable: winning at Parma (+11 on Roma) then half of the shield may as well be sewn on the shirt.

The move Having to do without Sneijder and Stankovic, the Portuguese coach, as a admire of English football, must be thinking about Bobby Charlton, Manchester United's legendary center forward and England at World Cup '66.  Pandev was exactly in that position that made the fortune of Bobby: a striker from behind, rather than a player at the top of the diamond.  Goran Pandev provides an interpretation of the role superbly.  He was the crowbar that openo the cheerful defense of Allegri early on: wonderful percussion by Zanetti, shot by Eto'o which was deflected off of Dessena and Canini, arriving Pandev and he bagged home the goal.

• 6th MINUTE FIRST HALF: Pandev scores the opener.  Zanetti was going with raid to the penalty area which was supported by Eto'o, an opponent deviates, and Pandev slots it pass Agazzi.

• 20th MINUTE FIRST HALF: After 13 minutes, Inter double their lead.  Corner for Inter;  Maicon's cross was at the center of the area, Samuel jumps above all and heads it in.

• 2nd MINUTE SECOND HALF: At the beginning of the 2nd half, the usual Milito closes the game.  The 3-0 comes from a raid from Pandev.  The Argentine started to go into the area and took a diagonal precise shot.
  

"We were in total control against a team who played their game.  Pandev was spectacular today."

MILAN - Inter's victory over Cagliari was their ninth home win in a row and José Mourinho says the recent run of successes has done wonders for team morale. "It was an important victory after a January which has given this Inter lots of confidence. We have won many games in a row, also in the Coppa Italia," he said. "The team has lots of confidence. You could see it today from the way we went on the pitch, and as a coach I felt this feeling too. Cagliari aren't an easy opponent and they created difficulties even when they were two- or three-nil down, but my team was compact and confident throughout. These three points today are very important considering Milan's draw at Bologna.

"Our opponent played their game and did well, but we had total control. Cagliari are very strong in attack, but we did well. Pandev played a spectacular game. Behind him there was a very well organised structure and in front of him there were Eto'o and Milito who are two very difficult players for opponents. It was an indisputable victory and Cagliari's heaviest defeat, and this is significant."

With Sneidjder out suspended, Pandev was deployed in a slightly deeper role than usual, a position usually filled by the Dutchman. "Sneijder is an attacking midfielder while Pandev is a striker who can also be a bit defensive," said Mourinho. "Today we knew that Conti is a good organiser of play and someone we couldn't leave free, so I asked Goran to play offensively but also to get back a bit defensively. And Eto'o and Milito did the same."



Inter are scoring a lot and the goals are coming from all over. Mourinho explained the secret: "This is our game. We attack down the wings when we have the chance, and we also play more centrally with players who can do it. This creates difficulties for our opponents because we can change the way we obtain depth each time and it's not easy for them to close down our movements."

With four strikers to choose from, Mourinho was asked how he will rotate Eto'o, Pandev, Milito, Balotelli in the coming months. "It depends on the opponent, on the match and on the available players, but having the possibility of choosing between them is only a beautiful problem," he replied. "We have many matches ahead of us. Today, for example, Pandev was a bit stronger than Milito and this is because Diego played ninety minutes against Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia last Wednesday. Also, I can play with three strikers because I have players who 'frighten' opponents. If I were an opponent, I would be really frightened of the Nerazzurri attack."

vs.

MILAN - Cagliari brought some Sardinian sunshine to Milan but Inter provided the style as José Mourinho's men outclassed the Rossoblu at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

The comfortable 3-0 victory sees the Nerazzurri open up a double-figure lead at the top of the table as second-placed AC Milan were held to a 0-0 draw in Bologna.

Goran Pandev and Walter Samuel gave Inter a dream start to leave Cagliari with an uphill task after just 20 minutes. Diego Milito made the result safe just after the restart to make it nine home wins on the trot for the defending champions.

True to his admission in the pre-match press conference José Mourinho renounced playing a diamond and fielded three strikers with Eto'o returning to the starting lineup for the first time since his return from Africa Cup of Nations duty.

With Sneijder out suspended and Stankovic still not fit, the Portuguese went for a midfield line of Zanetti, Cambiasso and Thiago Motta. Cordoba and Samuel were recalled in defence with Lucio sitting out the Week 23 clash through suspension.

Mourinho's tactics were bang on and Pandev celebrated an extraordinary start to the game in the sixth minute with his second home goal for Inter after his derby winner a fortnight ago.

Zanetti went on a marauding run down the right and cut inside before pulling back to Eto'o, who saw his shot rebound off Canini after Dessena's block. Pandev leapt onto the loose ball and slotted past Agazzi from close range.

Cagliari went close to a quick reply when Jeda forced a one-handed tipped save from Julio Cesar, but Inter were soon two goals up when Samuel rose on the edge of the six-yard box to catch Canini by surprise and head Maicon's right-wing corner past the despairing dive of Agazzi.

The visitors thought they were back in the game when Matri fired home after a pass from Lazzari, only for the offside flag to go up. Minutes later Nenè was left scratching his head wondering how Julio Cesar managed to keep out his terrific volley on the turn.

Our three musketeers combined to devastating effect right after half time to kill off the game. Pandev combined with Eto'o and rolled the return pass into the path of Milito who took two quick touches before slotting past Agazzi for his 16th goal of the campaign and 13th in Serie A.

With the points in the bag Mourinho brought on Muntari for Eto'o and went from 4-3-3- to 4-4-2. Mariga replaced Thiago Motta for his Serie A debut in black and blue with fifteen minutes remaining, while Balotelli came on in the closing stages for Milito who strolled off to a deserved standing ovation.

Inter 3-0 Cagliari (HT: 2-0)

Scorers: Pandev 6, Samuel 20, Milito 47.

Inter: 12 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 2 Cordoba, 25 Samuel, 39 Santon; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 8 Thiago Motta (17 Mariga 75); 27 Pandev, 22 Milito (45 Balotelli 84), 9 Eto'o (11 Muntari 60).


Subs not used: 1 Toldo, 7 Quaresma, 15 Krhin, 23 Materazzi. 


Coach: José Mourinho.

Cagliari: 25 Agazzi; 4 Dessena, 13 Astori, 21 Canini, 31 Agostini; 8 Biondini (20 Barone 56), 5 Conti, 10 Lazzari; 27 Jeda; 32 Matri, 9 Nenè (23 Larrivey 60).

Subs not used: 12 Vigorito, 3 Ariaudo, 15 Marzoratti, 18 Parola, 28 Nainggolan.

Coach: Massimiliano Allegri.

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni (Mantua).

Booked: Thiago Motta 64, Milito 81.

Att.: 57,079.

==========

I certainly didn't expect this big win against Cagliari.  They've always been tough to beat. 

We play great.  Milito and Pandev are improving the understanding of each other and they're right now our best possible attacking duo up front.  Eto'o was average.  He might not be fit since the ankle could still be bothering him.

Santon was once again immense.  This is what his fourth game since his comeback and he's been great.  Right now he is the best possible solution for Lippi at LB.

I'm also very impressed by Mariga. 

FORZA  INTER

MILAN - Starting XIs for this afternoon's Serie A Week 23 clash at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (kick-off 15:00):

Inter: 12 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 2 Cordoba, 25 Samuel, 39 Santon; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 8 Thiago Motta; 27 Pandev, 22 Milito, 9 Eto'o.

Subs: 1 Toldo, 7 Quaresma, 11 Muntari, 15 Krhin, 17 Mariga, 23 Materazzi, 45 Balotelli.

Coach: José Mourinho.

Cagliari: 25 Agazzi; 4 Dessena, 13 Astori, 21 Canini, 31 Agostini; 8 Biondini, 5 Conti, 10 Lazzari; 27 Jeda; 32 Matri, 9 Nenè.

Subs: 12 Vigorito, 3 Ariaudo, 15 Marzoratti, 18 Parola, 20 Barone, 23 Larrivey, 28 Nainggolan.

Coach: Massimiliano Allegri.

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni (Mantua).

Prediction: Inter 2-1 Cagliari

FORZA INTER

One month after the tragic accident, the Nerazzurro says: "After the operation I wanted to see the clash on T.V.  My wife was bleaching the scar on my head.  The return: at the end of March on the field for the Scudetto and the Champions League."

"Inter, I'm back.  I have time to win also."

"With the OK from the doctors next week I will go back to running and at the end of March I will be on the field: for the Scudetto and the Champions League."

Milan - Cristian Chivu has been worn out by measuring the time that has passed slowly, and what again is taking his second life, courage, and different days, discovered in spite of himself walking in the snow in Bucharest with his wife Adelina and his daughter Natalia, fleeing from the paparazzi parked out side of his house for days, just trying to photograph the scar that covers half of the skull.  It was a mark of a circle.  A MMS from his teammates with a picture of a chicken breast with melted cheese, as he always eats it, with the text: "It's for you, it is waiting for you here at Pinetina."  Maybe he will eat it tonight, exactly one month after the terrible head to head collision with Pellisiere.  When Chivu is back to Milan the first thing he wants to do is having dinner with his team on the training ground in Appiano Gentile.

The last time you were in Verona, you were in an ambulance, leaving the stadium to an operating room: the moment in a flash?

"Not a splitting noise in my head, that I didn't hear.  The feeling of fear was there immediately.  I understood immediately what had happened to me, because I felt a hole in my head.  I knew right away that I needed an operation and Dr. Combi was great to find the right way to confirm it, as he led me to the hospital."

What did you think in the moment like that?

"I was thinking of the worst, what else? 'Christian, now we will open your head and if something goes wrong?  Natalia, Adelina and my life will never be the same? Will football still be in my life?

Had you ever lost consciousness?

"Maybe for a second, at most two.  I remember the header but not the fall.  When I awake I was on the ground.  When I saw the accident I went down very softly."

So you saw it?

"Yes, I wanted to see everything on TV, when I was still in the hospital and then on the Internet.  I wanted to understand and I realized that it was a "fault" of mine because I think that I could stop then.  Pellissier - I told him when he came visit me in the hospital - told me that he only saw the shadow when he was jumping, and it was too late."

If you were asked before January 6th, what is it that you're afraid the most in life?

"I would say something happens to my daughter.  And on January 6th, I was afraid that I can't fear for my daughter anymore."

Chivu has thought for about an hour and a half, since the clash.  "I don't know how many things have crossed my mind in those moments, but there are a lot of things.  But I think I was a good patient because I managed to stay calm and I tried to calm my wife.  I called her and told her: 'Still, I just have a little blood under the skin, now they will take it off and I will get home tonight.' I knew it was a lie.  When the operation is finished, I was so elated that I began to call everyone, texting messages in bursts.  When the doctors saw me, they removed my phone for two days.  The first night in intensive care was a nightmare, people coming in every hour to wake me up and they expected to see my eyes wide open.  What is your name? Cristian Chivu.  Where are you? In Verona.  What do you call this hospital? How should I know?  What was the score? One to zero..."

What were your motivations at those certain moments?

"The desires to live a normal life as before.  To realized that in misfortune, I still have a chance to play again.  Seeing people around me who were in much worse condition than me.  In Verona, in the department that I was in, I was the only one awake all the others were in a coma.  And then I received so much affection.  Many fans wrote me and called me, even the opponents I have encountered and from the coaches I've ever had."

What do you miss the most?

"Waking up with the thought of training and preparing for a game, feeling the adrenaline flowing before going on the field.  The things in everyday life, at home, at Pinetina and at the stadium.

Did you ask the doctors when you can start playing again?

"I asked him right before the surgery, but will I live?  They said yes, I will play again, but I must have patience, to understand when I will return to train I will need to wait for the next inspection.  So, next week, I hope I can get back to work, run and get ready to return."

What are you thinking now?

"At first I thought it would be nice to be back playing at Inter - Chievo, a round after the accident.  In February, I will train without hitting my head.  In March, I will be able to heading the ball and late March is the return.  But these are my calculations, then we must see the calculations from the doctors."

Do you fear getting back on the field?

"I think with a desire to return, not with fear, my mind is clean.  I tell myself that I've overcame so many things and this too shall pass.  I will not have fear, I'll play and I will be calm."

A helmet could help?

"I'm told that it will not, but maybe I wil put it on, why not?  If I have permission to do so.  I think it is less convenient than a mask but I don't think I need it."

You see your name is one the Champions League list?

"It was a surprise, a good one.  Because every time I thought about it I don't expect to make it.  It means that Mou has been assured and it means that it will be a great motivation to have to come back as soon as possible."

On time for...

"For another Scudetto and maybe for the Champions League.  I was sweating watching the derby in front of the TV, here in Bucharest, and the two games against Chelsea I will be at the stadium."

On his head, Cristian Chivu is now with a very short hair and it continues to grow back.  "Short like my first year at Roma."  He didn't need to hide the scar from the hair, but it will cover only the memory of a discovery.  "Not that I'm stronger or weaker than I thought, but that the most important thing in my life is not me, but the people I'm living for.  And if so, you now will appreciate life even more."

"I am here to learn from a great coach like Mourinho and from all of my new team-mates."

APPIANO GENTILE - He came on for his debut in stoppage time of the Tim Cup victory over Fiorentina, and today he was presented to the media in a press conference at the training ground. MacDonald Mariga Wanyama was flanked by José Mourinho and Gabriele Oriali in the press room as he spoke about his arrival at Inter.

"I'm very happy to be here," said the Kenyan midfielder, who joins Inter after spells in Sweden and with Parma in Italy. "I am here to learn and I know I can do it with a great coach like Mourinho and with a very strong team like Inter. This is a very important experience for me and I'm happy. I'm also happy with my debut, even though I was very excited. I am here to learn from my team-mates, who are all champions. They can teach me a lot. As for my position, I will play wherever the coach wants me to."

Added Mourinho: "I'm satisfied that he's with us. I like him as a player, he can't play in every midfield position like Stankovic, but he can play in three. He can't play behind the strikers but he can play everywhere else in midfield. He's young, intelligent, humble and it will be a pleasure for me to help him grow. I like the way he works. Receiving a player from a good coach like Francesco Guidolin and having the chance to finish off such a promising product is a pleasure for me."

Mariga has been compared to John Obi Mikel, a former pupil of Mourinho. "He's faster than Mikel but less cerebral," explained the Inter coach. "We can't compare him to Patrick Vieira because Vieira was very experienced. He's a bit like Sissoko but has an even greater margin of improvement. In any case, he's a player I like athletically and psychologically. Me and his new team-mates will help him grow."

Mariga joined Inter on a co-ownership deal before transfer deadline day on Monday. Oriali explained: "There was the possibility to open negotiations on the last day of the transfer market, because there were some problems with another team that was interested in the player. We heard about it and we moved quickly to close this deal. We all rate Mariga highly. It's a pleasure to have him here."

THE CASE: AFTER SPARKS FLY AGAINST FIORENTINA

Inter are with the technician: fine to the boy who is ready to apologize.

The poll by Gazzetta.it is ample reason to the coach.

FINE

Inter are with the technician.

Balotelli is punished: 20,000 euros.

But he is repented.

Mario is ready to apologize for insulting the coach after the change with Fiorentina: He was worried because of a cut under his eye.

Milan - On the day of fines, Mourinho has beaten Balotelli 33,000 to 20,000 (euros).  The coach is charged with the offenses in Bergamo to the journalist Ramazzotti but he also collects a new certificate of approval by Moratti, who is leading the battle to educate Super Mario.  At the end of February, he will find his salary reduced by one fifth (earning 100,000 euros per month) for the conduct of the match in Italian Cup against Fiorentina where he disrespected the coaches and his teammates.

Reaction For those who didn't see the match, here is a summary of what happened the other night at the San Siro.  Mario was left behind with both of his hands over his face.  The game then kept on going until the Viola won a corner kick.  Mou waved his arms and yelled for his striker to return and defend, but Mou received a reaction of blatant intolerance.  One minute after the appearance of the stretcher: Balotelli out, Motta in.  The boy, threw down his gloves, came out and kept muttering words on the bench.  Someone can interpret his lip on TV: "what the fuck you want from me?"

The lens The episode is so striking that Mourinho in the locker room was not exempt to the explanation: "Mario had lost his contact lens, but I demand from my players to put the needs of the team ahead of everything.  At that moment, we were at risk and Balotelli had a duty to return immediately to give a hand to his teammates."  Mou is so inflexible so much so that yesterday he brought up the idea of a fine to the player and it was instantly accepted by the club.  Just like the removal of one third of the salary of Sneijder for the ejection in the derby.  Under the rules this money will end up in a piggy bank and at the end of the season will go to charity.

Repentance Balotelli is repentant of the action and ready to apologize, said that in contrast to the contact lens was not separated but he was scared a lot for the blood flow: it seemed that the boy came out of the game with a cut under his eye.  The base of his disciplinary thouble there is often the contrast between the tonnage of armor and the soul as a teenager: a giant as he may be and he is afraid of a little blood?  Well, he was scared.  Meanwhile Marco Materazzi said: "Mario is a kid who always wants to play.  So I say this every time: watch me who never play often so you understand that you can not complain."

They are aiming at Toni Kroos, the 20 year-old attacking midfielder.

The excellent relationship with Bayern Munich could facilitate the negotiations between the two clubs.  The Nerazzurri club would indeed test the ground for Toni Kroos, the 20 year-old attacking midfielder who is doing very well with of his team (8 assists in Bundesliga) and the U21 national team.  Kroos' future is, however, tied to what will happen to Ribery.  If the French leaves in June then Bayern will hold on closely to its jewel.  Inter are in pole position, and they are ready to invest in young talents.

Amantino Mancini is now a Rossonero and for him, his experience at the Nerazzurri is something that he doesn't want to repeat.  His words on the day of press presentation in Milanello, have called into question Mou, who was responsible for keeping him in the summer for another 6 months.  The Special One was asked about the transfer of Mancini to Milan and he came out with so much irony: "I am very, very, very happy that he went to Milan", he said with a smile.  That is one way to not respond to the words of the Brazilian...

COPPA ITALIA: Semi-final first leg.  Return is April 14th

Decided as usual by Milito.  Beat Fiorentina (1-0).

Mourinho - Balotelli: "He didn't do his duty".

Inter: Goal and Fight

Balotelli inspired the 1-0 and then angered Mourinho.

The Nerazzurri are playing with confident, while Fiorentina are prudent.  The return leg is open.

Milan - Inter can definitely complain about the size of victory against Fiorentina.  The team of Mou would love to score more to reassure the return in April.  But the 1-0 is not as skimpy as it seems nor does it contradict the recent success against AC Milan and Juventus.  Indeed, it was extended.  Even yesterday they felt a new serenity, a sign of security and personality uprights.  The Nerazzurri had taken control of the game, driving safely with the elbow out the window, certainly that their superiority would transformed into goals.  In this scenario of serenity we see the new episode of problematic coexistence between Balotelli and Mourinho.  In the middle of second half, Mario lost his contact lens in the attack.  The Special One waves his arms, inviting him to come back to defense where the team is suffering.  Balotelli was replaced shortly after and this time he waves his arms as he was leaving.  Even though that Mou saw him assisting MIlito for the goal, also to Maicon and Pandev, Pasqual had to save the goal on the line.

• The special fan: Eto'o returned to Coppa Italia with a troubled foot, attended Inter - Fiorentina a little bit on the bench and a little bit in the tunnel.  And applauded.

• Anger of Mou: On a corner kick for Fiorentina, Mourinho talks to Balotelli because he was distracted and not defending.  The player responded and said that he was hurt.

• The gloves of Balotelli: And a few minutes later, at the 23rd minute in the second half when Mou replaces him.  Balotelli throws the gloves down and leave the field muttering.  The coach ignores him.

• The debut of Mariga: At the 46th minute in the second half, Mariga, the latest coup of the market in January, made his debut in the Nerazzurri shirt and Mou gives him the first indications.

Inter forward Seeing the sign of caution for Fiorentina, Mourinho then goes to find the 2-0.  Muntari left for the dressing room for Pandev, together to form the 4-2-3-1.  It is also thanks to these messages of courage that Inter are growing in esteem and personality.  12th minute in the second half, Frey had to perform a miracle to stop Pandev's shot.  Infected by the spriiet of the collegue, at last, Prandelli then brings in Jovetic to be like Inter tactically: 4-2-3-1, he continued with Marchionni and ended with Ljajic.  The lift offensively by the Viola can make them proud, it also facilitated the replacement of Balotelli.  Fiorentina take home a defeat that leaves minimal expectations.  But i

Milito scores his 15th goal in 25 games as the Nerazzurri gain an upper hand in the first leg of this semi-final tie.

MILAN - Diego Milito's 15th goal in 27 games proved the difference as Inter defeated Fiorentina 1-0 in the first leg of their Tim Cup semi-final to make it eight home wins in a row.

José Mourinho brought in Muntari for Thiago Motta on the left side of midfield and Milito for Pandev in attack to face the Viola. Otherwise, the Nerazzurri were unchanged from the side that ousted Juventus in the quarter-finals last week.

After a slow start at the Giuseppe Meazza it was the visitors who had the first real chance when Montolivo latched on to Santana's pass and fired wide.

But Inter gradually slipped into gear and Maicon combined beautifully with Balotelli to rip open the Fiorentina defence before forcing a punched block from Frey with a first-time shot.

The goal came eleven minutes before the break when Santon played down the left to Balotelli who left Natali for dead and played low into the six-yard box where Milito was on hand to slot home.

Suddenly, Fiorentina had a game on their hands and Vargas sent his low drive wide after an inch-perfect pass from Gilardino.

More danger followed when Vargas' right-wing free kick dipped on target, but Toldo  was alert to the threat and the veteran keeper tipped over.

Inter came back at the visitors and Balotelli was unlucky not to double his team's lead on the stroke of half time, his powerful header cleared off the line by Pasqual.

Fiorentina made their intentions clear at the start of the second half when Santana saw his shot saved by Toldo, but Inter matched their opponents blow for blow and had a goal ruled out on 57 minutes. Pandev saw his shot blocked by Frey and Milito pounced on the rebound and fired home, only for the flag to go up for offside.

Stevan Jovetic had plenty of chances for Prandelli's side after coming on as a substitute, but failed to deliver as the visitors produced a flurry of chances and Toldo made a series of saves.

Inter soaked up the pressure and went close with a trademark curling free kick that flew inches wide of Frey's right-hand post.

Latest signing MacDonald Mariga stepped out for his first few minutes in an Inter shirt in stoppage time, coming on for Sneijder who left the pitch to applause after another polished performance.

The show wasn't over as Pandev and Milito twice combined to devastating effect in the closing seconds, but a useful second goal didn't come.

The return leg at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence will take place on Wednesday 14 April.

Inter 1-0 Fiorentina (HT: 1-0)

Scorer: Milito 34.

Inter: 1 Toldo; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 23 Materazzi, 39 Santon; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 11 Muntari (27 Pandev 46); 10 Sneijder (17 Mariga 90+2); 22 Milito, 45 Balotelli (8 Thiago Motta 68).


Subs not used: 21 Orlandoni, 2 Cordoba, 7 Quaresma, 15 Krhin.

Coach: José Mourinho.

Fiorentina: 1 Frey; 25 Comotto, 5 Gamberini, 14 Natali, 23 Pasqual (22 Ljajic 83); 24 Santana (32 Marchionni 75), 18 Montolivo, 28 Bolatti, 19 Gobbi (8 Jovetic 58); 6 Vargas; 11 Gilardino.

Subs not used: 35 Avramov, 16 Felipe, 21 Babacar, 29 De Silvestri.

Coach: Cesare Prandelli.

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento (Terni).

Booked: Pasqual 68, Gamberini 69, Lucio 82.

==========

Not a very exicting game to watch.  Balotelli was great in the first half but then he continues to act like a little baby when he was subbed out by Mourinho.  Where is that Balotelli + 20-25 million for Fabregas when you need it?

Milito scores another goal? Who would've thought?!

MILAN - Starting lineups for tonight's Tim Cup semi-final first leg at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (kick-off 20:45):

Inter: 1 Toldo; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 23 Materazzi, 39 Santon; 4 Zanetti, 19 Cambiasso, 11 Muntari; 10 Sneijder; 22 Milito, 45 Balotelli.

Subs: 21 Orlandoni, 2 Cordoba, 7 Quaresma, 8 Thiago Motta, 15 Krhin, 17 Mariga, 27 Pandev.

Coach: José Mourinho.

Fiorentina: 1 Frey; 25 Comotto, 5 Gamberini, 14 Natali, 23 Pasqual; 24 Santana, 18 Montolivo, 28 Bolatti, 19 Gobbi; 6 Vargas; 11 Gilardino.

Subs: 35 Avramov, 8 Jovetic, 16 Felipe 21 Babacar, 22 Ljajic, 29 De Silvestri, 32 Marchionni.

Coach: Cesare Prandelli.

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento (Terni).

Prediction: Inter 2-0 Fiorentina

FORZA INTER

==========

I just want to see Mariga at some point in the 2nd half.

The former coach of the Kenyan: "He clearly still needs to improve a lot, especially from the tactical point of view and Mourinho is an ideal coach to make him grow."

Francesco Guidolin can only sing the praises for the player: "In two and a half years, we have managed to increase his value, it was a great success for the team, although we regret to give him up because he is very strong.  Unfortunately, nowadays, it is difficult to retain young players chased by big clubs.  He is now happy and we give him compliments.  We must understand that a few years ago he was playing in Sweden and had hoped in the Premier League, and Inter just can't deny him."

Guidolin then discusses the characteristics of Mariga.  "He has ideal characteristics for the modern game.  He is powerful, exuberant, with physical strength, quality and dynamic.  He copes well both offensively and defensively.  He can steal balls and immediately can start the action.  Obviously he still needs to improve a lot, especially form the tactical point of view, and Mourinho is an ideal coach for him to grow.  I know that many people have drawn comparisons to Essien and Obi Mikel and he certainly has the characteristics of the two Chelsea players.  But to me he looks more like a midfielder who militates in our league, namely Juventus' Sissoko...  He can play in a midfield of three like at Inter either on the sides or in the middle but if he wants to play there he must grow."

APPIANO GENTILE - José Mourinho wants his team to go one better than last year's Coppa Italia run. "If you get to the semi-final it's normal to want to reach the final," he told journalists in the pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday's first leg against Fiorentina. "But it won't be easy against Fiorentina and the return leg is in April. I don't like it, but this is how it is. We don't know how we will be then, whether both teams are still in the Champions League or just one, whether there are injuries or tiredness and so on. We don't know how it will be for either team.

"It will be a bit strange to play the first leg now and the second two months later. It's like playing the first half of a match now, going home, and then coming back to play the second half two months later. But we obviously want to win tomorrow and we want a result that will give us a good chance of qualifying in April.

"All of my players are available. I will obviously take into consideration that we have played three matches in eight days, so I will rotate a few players. I will try to field a strong team that can get us a good result, but we know there are zones on the pitch where we can't rotate. My team? Lucio and Sneijder will play, and so will Milito. Toldo will play too, but that mistake last week wasn't Toldo's. It was Silvino's..."

Mourinho then welcomed MacDonald Mariga to Inter: "I'm satisfied with his arrival. He's an extra option in midfield. We have Krhin back in midfield too and we have regained this balance that we lost with the departure of Patrick and the injuries. Mariga trained with us for the first time today, we know he is back from an injury but he seems fit to play. He's not a finished product and I like him for this because he's young, he has to grow. He's for today, but also for the future. He has to work a lot to get to the top but I like him. He will help us restore balance. Simplicio and Ledesma? I hope they're happy."

February is a busy time for the Nerazzurri, with seven matches from now to the end of the month. "There are a lot of matches to play in all three competitions in this hard month of February," said the Inter boss. "There are weeks with three league matches, which means nine points. These are decisive weeks."

Inter are an improved team compared to last year, says Mourinho. "The team that loses one of the best players in the world is obviously a team that generates lots of question marks. This is what happened when we sold Ibrahimovic. But we know what we have done since. Everyone can see what us coaches and those at the club have done. And what the players have done. We haven't won anything yet, but the reality is that the team is playing better football now than last year, and it's not a coincidence."

"Very pleased to see Balotelli's human qualities taken into consideration as wll as his talent."

MILAN - Massimo Moratti gave an exclusive interview to Inter's editorial director Susanna Wermelinger on the sidelines of last night's Lombard Group of Sports Journalists New Year's event that saw Mario Balotelli win the award for Best Emerging Player.

This is what the Inter president had to say:

President, the winter transfer market has just ended. Inter have done some intelligent deals to give greater balance to the team.

"Yes, it was conducted very very well by our transfer chief Marco Branca, because we had many opportunities and with a person like me who changes his mind every so often it's not easy to follow the transfer market well. But we managed to seize the best opportunities while at the same time respecting the relationships we have with the other clubs, who weren't ready to welcome our offers, but I repeat, it was a transfer market conducted perfectly from an economic and sporting point of view. We will see how things go from here."



A very intense period awaits Inter and Mourinho will have to calibrate his strengths...

"Now it is important for Mourinho, who has also followed carefully every move of the transfer market, to be in a position give the team a new equilibrium and face the upcoming matches with serenity, by taking account of the players who have left and those who have arrived. It's important to recover those two or three players who have a few problems, and get Chivu back as soon as possible so the team can be at full strength to go forward in the Champions League as well."

Now you'll be playing a match every three days, or perhaps even less.


"It's like this now. We could have done without that snowfall in Parma, but we know it can happen and we accept the decisions."

At least you don't run the risk of missing Inter...

"I have to admit I'm sometimes amazed that there's a match to play every two days, but it's always a beautiful emotion and we always watch Inter willingly."



Out of curiosity, what did president Massimo Moratti do when the match in Parma was called off because of the snow.

"It really does change things... I was forced to watch another match and I was without a certain kind of emotion. A break now and then isn't bad for the players, and it's not bad for us, either."



Looking at the table, we heard it said for a while that Milan had played a match less than the others. But so have Inter now...

"I think it was a favourable Sunday for us because only Roma took advantage of the chance to catch up with the leaders. It was a very good Sunday."

We are at the Circolo della Stampa. José Mourinho has revolutionised slightly the traditional rapport with the media that follow Inter. He's a strong man who is never scared of saying what he thinks...

"For me there is great loyalty in Mourinho's speeches, loyalty that comes from his professionalism and from the fact that he finds it too hard to tell lies. He speaks his mind to the press and sometimes he constructs situations that I see as very amusing. It's with this professional loyalty that he explains football to those who are listening to him."

Mario Balotelli was awarded Best Emerging Player. Perhaps he has already emerged...

"Yes, Balotelli has already emerged. We coud say that above the waist he's already out of the water... I thank everybody, especially because this recognition has a thousand meanings in a region like Lombardy. I think there's also great esteem for Balotelli as a talented footballer, but not only. I was very pleased to see his sensibility and human qualities taken into consideration as well."

==========

Branca and his staff did a magnificent job.  Last year was a disaster, but this time around, it was out of this world.

MARKET CLOSED: THE LAST ACQUISITIONS AND THE BUDGETS

Mancini to Milan

Mariga to Inter

92 total changes

THE CLOSING OF THE MARKET

From Mariga to Mancini

Inter - Milan with a bang

The last day of negotiations with two signings

No to Ledesma and to Simplicio.  Blitz by Moratti and all surprised

The Premier League rejected the Kenyan who was promised to City and Inter spent 5 million.  Lotito...wanted 10

Milan - Ledesma and Simplicio for Mourinho? No, it's McDonald Mariga.  Inter manage to veer between the shifting sands of negotiations with Lazio and Palermo.  All it takes was how the Premier League shut the door to his face after he flew there yesterday morning.  Just last week, Roberto Mancini had secured the Kenyan midfielder, but he and Manchester City knew that they had to deal with the strict rules on immigration for foreigners.  In particular, the Football Association grants permission to stay only for those who played with the national teams that fall between the early seventies from the Fifa ranking and Kenya, unfortunately, is over 90th.  So, Mariga had to relive the ghosts of three years ago when Portsmouth were unable to sign him for the same reason and Parma were the one that take the advantage to assure him for just 1.7 million euros.  Yesterday, President Ghirardi and athletic director, Leonardi, closed the deal with Inter for 5 million (co-ownership).  The Gialloblu will be cashing in 2.5 million in cash, plus 2.5 from the redemption of a share in Biabiany.  Therefore, the technical director of Inter,  Marco Branca has hit  considerable savings comparing to the requests of Lotito for Ledesma.

Farewell Ledesma And now we return to look back at what were characterized during the last weeks.  Inter, until Sunday, had confirmed an offer of 8.5 million for the Argentine midfielder.  But the President insisted to the end and asked Moratti for 10.  Just yesterday, during lunchtime, he decided to allow the discount, but because of pride he didn't call Inter to the despair of Ledesma and his agent, Vincenzo D'Ippolo.  Then, at 16 he changes his mind but it was too late.  Inter now have to settle elsewhere.

Simplicio There were no arguments with Palermo for Simplicio.  The Nerazzurri were ready to take the Brazilian on loan, but Sabatini asked to be allowed to exploit the two Inter player: Krhin the Slovenian and the Primevera player Fossati.  For different reasons the two young men didn't accept the proposal.  The two clubs will discuss again in July in Branca's office for Pastore, a talented player that everyone at Inter likes.

Inter: 7.5

• Arrivals: Pandev (Lazio, 0), Nwankwo (Eco F.C. Lagos, 0.8), Mariga (Parma, 5)
• Departures: Suazo (Genoa, loan), Vieira (Manchester City, 0), Mancini (Milan, loan)
• Difference in summer: +37.3 million
• Difference in winter: -5.8 million
• Total: +31.5 million
  

Catania: 7

• Arrivals: Maxi Lopez (Gremio, 3.5 mln), Pavone (Betis, 3 mln), Russo (Gela, released), Toppan (released)
  
• Departures: Pesce (Ascoli, 0 mln)
  
• Diff. in summer: -10.5 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: -6.5 mln
  
• Total: -17 mln
  

Fiorentina: 7

• Arrivals: Felipe (Udinese, 9 mln), Ljajic (P. Belgrado, 6.8 mln), Bolatti (Huracan, 4 mln co-ownership), Seferovic (Grasshopper, 0.9 mln), Keirrison (Benfica, loan).
• Departures: Savio (Bologna, loan), Dainelli (Genoa, 2.5 mln), Castillo (Bari, 0.3 mln loan), Hable (Ascoli, loan), Jorgensen (Agf Aarhus, 0)
  
• Diff. in summer: +27.8 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: -17.9 mln
  
• Total: +9,9 mln
  

 Bologna: 6.5

• Arrivals: Appiah (Fenerbahce, 0), Busce (Reggina, exchange with Tedesco), Savio (Fiorentina, loan), Modesto (Genoa, 0.5 mln), Succi (Palermo, 0.4 mln loan), Pisanu (Parma, exchange with half of Valiani + 0.3 mln to Bologna).
• Departures: Tedesco (Reggina, 0), Vigiani (Reggina, 0), Valiani (Parma, co-ownership), Pasi (Parma), Osvaldo (Espanyol, 0.2 mln loan), Bombardini (AlbinoLeffe, 0)
  
• Diff. in summer: -10.95 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: - 1
  
• Total: -11.95 mln

Cagliari: 6.5

• Arrivals: Ariaudo (Juventus, 0.3 mln loan), Nainggolan (Piacenza, 1.8 mln), Agazzi (Triestina, loan).
  
• Departures: Sivakov (Piacenza, loan), Acosta (Diagoras, loan), E. Cozza (Alghero, loan)
  
• Diff. in summer: -13 mln
• Diff. in winter: -2.1 mln
  
• Total: -15.1 mln
  

Genoa: 6.5

• Arrivals: Suazo (Inter, loan), Dainelli (Fiorentina, 2.5 mln), Aleksic (Vojvodina, 2.5 mln), Acquafresca (Atalanta, loan ended), Frison (Vicenza, loan), Gucher (Frosinone, 0.4 mln loan).
• Departures: Floccari (Lazio, 0.5 loan), Modesto (Bologna, 0.5 loan), A. Esposito (Livorno, loan), Figueroa (Rosario, 0), Crespo (Parma, 0), Raggio Garibaldi (Sorrento, loan), Russo (Vicenza, loan), Biava (Lazio, 0.5 mln).
  
• Diff. in summer: +34.8 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: -3.9 mln
  
• Total: +30.9 mln
  

Juventus: 6.5

• Arrivals: M. Fischnaller (Alto Adige, 0.3 mln), Paolucci (Siena, 0.5 mln loan), Candreva (Livorno, 0.5 mln loan), Yago (Bari, 0)
• Departures: Ariaudo (Cagliari, 0.3 mln loan), Molinaro (Stuttgart, 0.5 mln loan), Tiago (Atletico Madrid, 0.3 mln)
  
• Diff. in summer: -37.3 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: -0.2 mln
  
• Total: -37.5 mln
  

Livorno: 6.5

• Arrivals: A. Esposito (Genoa, 0), Bernardini (Varesse, 0.4 mln), Bellucci (Sampdoria, 0), Prutsch (Rheindorf, 0.7 mln), Rubinho (Palermo, 0.4 mln).
  
• Departures: Dionisi (Salernitana, 0), Cellerino (C.Vigo, 0 mln), Cellerino (C. Vigo, 0), Candreva (Juventus, 0.5 mln loan), Benussi (Palermo, 0)
  
• Diff. in summer: +2.95 mln
  
• Diff. in winter:  -1mln
  
• Total: +1.95
  

Milan: 6.5

• Arrivals: Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy, 0), Adiyiah (Fredrikstad, 1.5 mln), Calvano (Atalanta, 0.3 euro), Mancini (Inter, loan).
  
• Departures: Storari (Sampdoria, 0), Di Gennaro (Livorno, 0)
  
• Diff. in summer: +55 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: -1.8 mln
  
• Total: +53.2 mln
  

Parma: 6.5

• Arrivals: Baccolo (Padova, co-ownership), Feltscher (Grasshopper, 0), Jimenez (West Ham, loan), Valiani (Bologna, 0.5 mln co-ownership), Crespo ( Genoa, 0), Pasi (Bologna).
  
• Departures: Budel (Brescia, loan), Cordova (Brescia, loan), Manzoni (Brescia, loan), Fontanello (Tigre, loan), Mariga (Inter, 5 mln for half), Amoruso (Atalanta, 1.2 mln), Pisanu (Bologna, exchange with half of Valiani + 0.3 mln).
  
• Diff. in summer: +0.85 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: +5.4 mln
  
• Total: +6.25 mln
  

Roma: 6.5

• Arrivals: Toni (Bayern Munich, loan), Panushanth Kulenthiran (Bellinzona, loan)
  
• Departures: Antunes (Leixoes, loan), Bertolacci (Lecce, loan), Greco (Piacenza, loan), Guberti (Sampdoria, 0.25 mln loan), Della Penna (Gallipoli, loan), M. Esposito (Grosseto, loan), Okaka (Fulham, 0.175 mln loan), Cristofari (Palermo, 0), Pit (Triestina, loan), Frasca (Arezzo, loan), Doni (Igea, loan).
  
• Diff. in summer: +17.7 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: +0.675 mln
  
• Total: +18.3 mln
  

Sampdoria: 6.5

• Arrivals: Guberti (Roma, 0.25 mln loan), M. Cassano (Reggina, loan), Storari (Milan, loan), Scepovic (Belgrado, loan), Elsneg (Frosinone, loan), Kiilerich (Midtjylland, 0.25 mln).
  
• Departures: Stankevicius (Sivilla, loan), Fiorillo (Reggina, 0), Bellucci (Livorno, 0), Foti (Piancenza, loan).
  
• Diff. in summer: +3.55 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: -0.5 mln
  
• Total: +3.05 mln

Atalanta: 6

• Arrivals: Capelli (Reggina, loan), P. Zanetti (Torino, loan), Chevanton (Sivilla, loan), Amoruso (Parma, 1.2 million), Volpi (Reggina, loan), Toivomaki (Lahti, loan).
  
• Departures: Calvano (Milan, 0.3 million), Acquafresca (Genoa, loan ended), Layun (America, loan), Madonna (Vicenza, loan).
  
• Diff. in summer: +5.2 million
  
• Diff. in winter: -0.9 million
  
• Total: +4.3 million
  

Bari: 6

• Arrivals: Castillo (Fiorentina, 0.3 mln loan), Pisano (Torino exchange in loans with Antonelli), Caracciolo (Pavia, loan), Gosztonyj (Mtk Budapest, 0.1 mln loan), Sestu (Vicenza, loan).
  
• Departures: Spadavecchia (Andria, loan), Antonelli (Torino, loan), e Paro (Piacenza, loan), Yago (Juventus, loan ended).
  
• Diff. in summer: -7.22 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: -0.4 mln
  
• Total: -7.62 mln
  

Napoli: 6

• Arrivals: Dossena (Liverpool, 3.8 mln).
  
• Departures: Pia (Torino, 0.2 mln loan), Datolo (Olympiacos, 0.8 mln loan), Contini (Saragozza, 0.5 mln loan), Amodio (Piacenza, 0).
  
• Diff. in summer: -48 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: -2.3 mln
  
• Total: -50.3 mln

Udinese: 6

• Arrivals: Mensah (Free State, 0.5 mln), Badu (Kotoko, 0.5 mln), Landgren (Helsingborg, 0), Geijo (Racing Santander, 2.5 mln).
  
• Departures: Felipe (Fiorentina, 9 mln), Kitoko (Granada, loan).
  
• Diff. in summer: +27.62 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: +5.5 mln
  
• Total: +33.1 mln
  

Chievo: 5.5

• Arrivals: Miranda (Dravinja Kostroj, loan), Jokic (Sochaux, loan), T. Bianchi (Piacenza, loan).
  
• Departures: Gasparetto (Padova, loan), Malago (Siena, loan), Radu (Palermo, 0)
  
• Diff. in summer: -2.3 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: 0 mln
  
• Total: -2.3 mln
  

 Lazio: 5.5

• Arrivals: G. Barreto (Danubio, 3 mln), Floccari (Genoa, 0.5 mln), Golasa (Maccabi, 0), Hitzlsperger (Stuttgart, 0.5 mln), Dias (San Paolo, 2.5 mln), Biava (Genoa, 0.5 mln).
  
• Departures: Pandev (Inter, 0), Eliseu (Saragozza, 0.4 mln), Cribari (Siena, 0.3 mln), Perpetuini (Crotone, 0.2 mln), Artipoli (Foggia, 0.1 mln).
  
• Diff. in summer: -15.8 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: -6 mln
  
• Total: -21.8 mln
  

Palermo: 5.5

• Arrivals: Calderoni (Piacenza, 0.2 mln loan), Benussi (Livorno, 0), Cristofari (Roma, 0), Caroppo (Brescia, loan), Celustka (Slavia Praga, 0.4 mln loan), Radu (Chievo, 0), Accquah (DC United, 0), Conti (Arezzo, loan).
  
• Departures: Succi (Bologna, 0.2 mln loan), Rubinho (Livorno, 0.4 mln loan), Melinte (Piacenza, loan).
  
• Diff. in summer: -8.8 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: 0
  
• Total: -8.8 mln
  

Siena: 5.5

• Arrivals: Cribari (Lazio, 0.3 mln loan), Malago (Chievo, loan), Tziolis (Panathinaikos, 1.3 mln), Odibe (Saint Gilloise, loan), Pratali (Torino, loan).
  
• Departures: Guadalupi (Viareggio, loan), Paolucci (Juventus, loan ended), Garofalo (Torino, loan), Genevier (Torino, loan).
  
• Diff. in summer: +4.7 mln
  
• Diff. in winter: -1.1 mln
  
• Total: +3.6 mln
  

Moratti: "Mariga is the best thing that could happen.  Ledesma? I'm sorry for him.  Mancini? Jankulovski said no."

Massimo Moratti commented on the last, frenetic market day of Inter:

President, Mariga is a big surprise?
"Yes, and he seems to be an interesting player.  He is a young player with excellent potentials and I think that the best thing that can happen to us."

Amantino Mancini to Milan, is this a sign of peace after the recent rifts before and after the derby with the Rossoneri?

"There have never been rifts.  I must say that the disagreement does not exist and this operation demonstrates how, precisely, the two clubs get along."

With an exchange Inter could get Marek Jankulovski?

"Yes, he was an exchange.  He is an intelligent player but he has said no to us.  We respect this decision and that's the fact why the deal could not be concluded."

Regarding Ledesma, perhaps the two clubs couldn't reach an agreement?

"I think the deadline has passed now, so yes, the agreement was not reached."

You also could get Simplicio on loan, what happened?
"It is a pity, but in the meantime, we have initiated a conversation with Mariga.  And the transaction made with Parma satisfy me."

Parma's sporting director, Pietro Leonardi discusses the deal for Mariga, who was signed today by Inter.

Director, many operations between Parma and Inter

"We did what we could: Mariga to Inter while Biabiany is now with us in joint-ownership.  Furthermore, we also borrowed Jimenez."

When did the idea of selling Mariga come?

"It's hard to explain some of the events of the market."

Is it true that you also talk about Paolo Castellini to Inter?

"No, because there were so many other players on the ball which is hard to add more."

But Inter wanted a left-back?
"Yes, I know, but we didn't talk about Castellini."

This confirms the good relationship between Inter and Parma?

"On this issue, we have never had doubts."

The debut of the new Inter midfielder could be on Wednesday at the Meazza, when Inter take the field against Fiorentina in the first leg of Coppa Italia.  With the absence of Stankovic and non-optimal conditions of Cambiasso, the young man could very well be the starter.