Adriano in car crash scare
Monday 31 December, 2007

Adriano's 2007 ended with a dawn car cash in the streets of Rio de Janeiro as the ex-Inter star's troubles continue.

L'Imperatore was driving his Audi TT at dawn when he lost control, crashed against a barrier and went on to hit another three cars, according to Rete Globo and Globoesporte.

The Brazilian and the other people involved were not injured, but it is another bad news story for the hard-partying striker.

On loan with Sao Paolo until June 2008, Adriano was hoping to revitalise his career and calm down his private life with this spell in his homeland.

Instead he has been pictured at several parties and this car crash at the break of dawn would suggest he was again out on the town.

The Sao Paolo directors noted this week his nightly excursions were tolerated "because the player is on holiday," but that things will change as soon as the season kicks off.

Figo seeing stars and stripes?
Monday 31 December, 2007

Despite pledging to hang up his boots after this season with Inter, it's claimed Luis Figo will play in the American MLS next term.

The Portuguese legend had already been tempted by a switch to the USA or Saudi Arabia last summer, but after weeks of soul-searching decided to play his final year with the Nerazzurri.

According to today's 'Correio da Manha' newspaper, Figo has changed his mind again and will terminate his career across the Atlantic.

The reports claim he has signed a contract with the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) worth $7m for two seasons.

It is unclear at this stage which club he will be playing for, as AEG own three MLS sides - Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo and LA Galaxy.

If this development is true, then it remains to be seen whether Figo will take up the backroom staff job prepared for him at Inter as an 'international ambassador.'

The midfielder is currently out of action after suffering a fractured right fibula in a clash with Juventus' Pavel Nedved in early November.

Mancio reveals Tourè regret
Monday 31 December, 2007

Roberto Mancini reveals Inter regret passing up on Marek Hamsik, Yaya Tourè and Alexandre Pato.

"Hamsik, Yaya Tourè and Pato could have been in our squad. Tourè in particular was within our grasp before he signed for Barcelona," admitted Mancio in newspaper 'Il Giornale.'

Yaya Tourè is the younger brother of Arsenal's Kolo Tourè and had already impressed with Olympiacos and Monaco before last summer's switch to Barcelona for £6.7m.

Curiously, he scored his first goal for Barca against Inter in the Gamper Trophy, a crushing 5-0 summer friendly.

"He is an exceptional player, so strong and scores goals too. But we cannot get everyone. Looking at our current situation, he would have been very useful at the moment."

The Nerazzurri have seen their midfield stripped of injured stars Patrick Vieira, Luis Figo, Dejan Stankovic, Olivier Dacourt and Luis Jimenez.

A January signing is expected for this area and for defence following news that Walter Samuel will be out for the rest of the season with a knee ligament problem.

It has been reported Inter are preparing a swoop for Manchester City hero Elano and the tactician seems to be hinting at the Brazilian.

"We will sign a versatile midfielder who can have a great future at Inter, both for this and next season."

The other regrets for the Nerazzurri are Hamsik, who moved from Brescia to Napoli in the summer and has been crucial in their ascent up the table, while Brazilian sensation Pato was snapped up by rivals Milan.

Despite it all, they are still seven points clear at the top of the Serie A table and will play Liverpool in the Champions League in February.

"Being able to win over the past few months even without having the entire squad at my disposal is something to be proud of," continued Mancini.

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic has astonishing physical presence, technique and agility. Esteban Cambiasso is very important and in defence we have Douglas Maicon, who is the best full-back in the world.

"Julio Cruz has always been one of my favourites and I wanted him when I was in charge of Lazio. He is one of those players who may not get that much time on the field, but nobody wants to be without him, as he is incredibly efficient."

Photos: 2007, a year of great goals
Monday, 31 December 2007 09:56:02

MILAN - Inter's players scored some memorable goals in the past twelve months. Here's the second part of our look back on the Nerazzurri's fantastic 2007:

Photos: 2007, a year of great goals
Monday, 31 December 2007 09:56:02

Photos: black and blue celebrations in 2007
Monday, 31 December 2007 13:56:01

MILAN - Photos of the Nerazzurri celebrating on the pitch in 2007:

Photos: black and blue celebrations in 2007
Monday, 31 December 2007 13:56:01

MILAN - Photos of the Nerazzurri celebrating on the pitch in 2007:

Moratti targets Champions present
Wednesday 2 January, 2008

Internazionale owner Massimo Moratti is hoping that his side can celebrate their centenary in 2008 by winning the Champions League.

"We'll be 100-years-old on 9 March and we'll organise a great party," Moratti told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"However, I hope that the present arrives at the end of May when the Champions League Final is played in Moscow..."

The Nerazzurri - who will face Liverpool in Europe next - have been gunning for the top European prize for some time, but have disappointed in recent years after unexpected losses to Villarreal and Valencia.

However, Moratti is confident that boss Roberto Mancini finally has the side needed to go all the way to European Cup glory.

"Julio Cesar has made some evident progression in goal," commented the Inter owner. "We are all relaxed with him and he's giving us more than we expected. He's worth a Gigi Buffon."

The San Siro chief also spoke highly of defenders Marco Materazzi and attacking full-back Douglas Maicon.

"Materazzi is a champion and a flag-bearer for Inter," he added. "As for Maicon, he's the best full-back in the world."

Turning to the club's vast attacking options, Moratti hoped that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would soon get the recognition he deserves and he also paid tribute to Julio Cruz.

"I hope that Zlatan becomes the next Golden Ball winner and he is in a side which can help him do that," he noted.

"When it comes to Cruz, he's just super useful for us. I consider him a man who I can confide in. In fact he's more than that, he's like a family member."

Moratti added that he expects Adriano to return from Sao Paulo at the end of the season and that he could get his own chequebook out in January.

"There is a possibility that we could buy this month, but we are not obliged to," he continued. "We'll only make a move if a player worthy of Inter is available."

Manchester City midfielder Elano and Maniche of Atletico Madrid have been linked with Stadio Meazza moves.

"Elano? I don't know him that well and it doesn't seem as if that transfer would be cheap," Moratti stated. "I'm waiting to understand more.

"Other names? It's useless to name anybody. We'll just have to sit down and examine the situation."

Inter off to Dubai for New Year tournament
Wednesday, 02 January 2008 11:19:56
[FOTO Wednesday, 02 January 2008 11:19:56]

MILAN - Inter's 2008 will begin in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. After the Milan derby win and the Christmas holidays, Roberto Mancini and the Nerazzurri will arrive in the Persian Gulf later today following a flight from Milan's Malpensa airport.

Inter Primavera defender Ivan Fatic, midfielders Francesco Bolzoni, Daniele Pedrelli and Luca Siligardi and striker Mario Balotelli will travel with the first team to Dubai, while another group of players will arrive directly in the Emirates.

Inter will train on their arrival, with another training session scheduled for Thursday at the Al-Wasl Stadium ahead of the Dubai Cup, a four-team tournament involving Ajax, Stuttgart and Porto Alegre. The Nerazzurri will face Ajax in the semi-final on Saturday, with the winners to take on either Stuttgart or Porto Alegre in next Monday's final.

Olivier Dacourt, Walter Samuel, Francesco Toldo and Patrick Vieira will continue their injury rehabilitation programmes with daily sessions at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti, under the supervision of fitness coach Gian Nicola Bisciotti

Crespo: "Starting with enthusiasm"
Wednesday, 02 January 2008 11:56:02
[FOTO Wednesday, 02 January 2008 11:56:02]

MALPENSA (VARESE) - Hernan Crespo answered questions from journalists at Milan's Malpensa airport before leaving for Inter's winter training camp in Dubai.

He said: "We restart with enthusiasm and the desire to work hard so we can begin the new year like we finished 2007."

On his chances of more playing time in 2008, the Argentine explained: "I always give my best, but it's the coach who decides. I will certainly do my best to make it hard for the coach to choose."

Asked if Inter will bring in new players during the transfer window, Crespo replied: "These aren't things you should ask me. We have returned from our holidays to start working again. These are questions for the club.

"We are working to win every competition. We would obviously like to win the Champions League, but I wouldn't mind winning the championship again... Liverpool? We respect them, just like they will respect us. It will be a great clash."

Figo: No US news
Thursday 3 January, 2008

Inter veteran Luis Figo has played down rumours that he will move to the USA in the summer.

The Portuguese midfield ace is in his final season with the Nerazzurri and reports suggest that he has signed a two-year deal with the Anschutz Entertainment Group.

This group owns three MLS sides - Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo and LA Galaxy and whispers state that Figo could end up playing for any one of them.

"I have also read the reports in the newspapers and there's a lot of talk about it in the USA," the former Real Madrid man explained.

"There's a chance that I could go to the States to finish my career, but this isn't the time.

"For now, I'm just thinking about the present and securing the Champions League and Serie A.

"I can't wait to get back to work with my teammates. My fibula isn't hurting me any more - it's just a niggle. I'm still undergoing physiotherapy, but I want to be back in action soon."

Figo concluded his interview by commenting on Inter's link with Atletico Madrid star Maniche.

"I don't know what stage the transfer is at," he stated. "All I can say is that he is an excellent player. He would give a crucial boost to our midfield."

Updated: Jan. 3, 2008
Figo yet to commit to MLS for next season

Inter Milan midfielder Luis Figo says he has yet to commit to joining Major League Soccer next season.

Media reports in his native Portugal had said the 35-year-old was close to following Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham by signing for a US team when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

'I don't like talking about suppositions. I'm not considering the possibility at the moment because I have other things on my mind,' Figo told a news conference in Dubai where Serie A leaders Inter are holding a mid-season training camp.

Figo broke his leg in November and wants to concentrate on getting fully fit.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=495337&cc=4716

yes for sure,
PM the moderator to close this thread,
and then u can start a new thread for inter milan discussion.


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Cambiasso plays down Pool
Friday 4 January, 2008

Argentine midfield ace Esteban Cambiasso maintains that Inter aren't thinking about their Champions League clash with Liverpool yet.

The Serie A leaders have restarted training in Dubai at the start of a crucial year for the club as they look to add Europe's biggest trophy to their cabinet.

The Nerazzurri's game against Liverpool on February 19 is a mouth-watering prospect, but Cambiasso is taking one step at a time.

"We aren't thinking about Liverpool at all," the former Real Madrid man stated dismissively.

"There are still 50 days until that game and our first priority is to work every day and take each match as it comes.

"We want to work hard here in Dubai to get ready for the game against Siena - our first official game in January.

"Here we have the perfect environment to get on with our important task and we are putting some fuel in the tank that will help us when it comes to the end of the season.

"Now we have two big international friendlies and we want to pick up where we left off before Christmas. We will think about Liverpool when the time comes."

Cambiasso finished by thinking back to his winner in the 2-1 derby win over Milan before the winter break.

"Obviously I was happy to score, but the important thing was the way that the team as a unit approached the game.

"Everyone in this squad is a leader as every player is so great at lifting the team. I can only give my best and play my part."

inter defeat Ajax in Dubai
Saturday 5 January, 2008

Inter needed penalties to see off Ajax after a 2-2 draw and reach the Final of the Dubai Cup against Internacional.

Roberto Mancini fielded a reshuffled line-up for this semi-final, including two youth team players.

Jan Huntelaar had several early chances for the Dutch outfit, but it was the Nerazzurri who took the lead with Julio Cruz chesting forward a David Suazo assist and sliding in with his left foot.

It lasted just 120 seconds before Perez was able to equalise, dribbling past Pele and Nicolas Burdisso to strike from the edge of the box.

Ajax turned it around completely after the break, as fourth choice goalkeeper Enrico Alfonso brought down Suarez for a penalty converted by Heitinga.

The youngster made up for his error by parrying a fierce Rommedahl effort soon after and Cruz was on target again to draw level with a glancing header.

Promising Inter youth product Mario Balotelli almost won it as his shot cannoned off the crossbar.

It was 2-2 at the final whistle, so the tie went to penalties. Although Cristian Chivu's spot-kick was saved, Van Der Heijden and Heitinga both struck the woodwork, so Inter won 5-4.

The Nerazzurri will face Internacional in the Dubai Cup Final on Monday, as the Brazilians defeated Stuttgart 1-0 thanks to a goal from Alex.

Inter 2-2 Ajax (5-4 pens)
Scorers: Cruz 16, 67 (I), Perez 18 (A), Heitinga pen 63 (A)
Inter: Alfonso; Rivas, Burdisso, Chivu, Maxwell; Pelè, Cambiasso, Solari; Siligardi (Balotelli 65); Suazo (Pedrelli 75), Cruz
Ajax: Stekelenburg; Ogararu, Heitinga, Maduro, Vertonghen (Schilder 46) (Van der Heijden 51); Donald (Rommedahl 46), Perez (De Jong 46), Davids (Emanuelson 33); Kennedy, Huntelaar (Leonardo 46), Suarez
Ref: Ali Hamad

Mancini: "Good test against Ajax"[[/B]
Saturday, 05 January 2008 22:33:03


DUBAI - Roberto Mancini is pleased with his team's performance in their penalties victory over Ajax.

"It was a good test, the boys did well despite the workload of the last few days," said the Inter coach after Saturday's Dubai Cup clash at the Al-Wasl Stadium.

"They all worked hard and I'm very pleased. The only thing I'm sorry about is the injury to Suazo. I still don't know what kind injury it is, but I hope it's nothing serious."

Looking ahead to Monday's final against Brazilian outfit Internacional Porto Alegre, Mancini said: "It will be another good test that will help us put energy in the legs of those who didn't play today."

Photos: A winning start to 2008
Saturday, 05 January 2008 21:56:12

DUBAI - Photos of the Nerazzurri in action during their Dubai Cup victory over Ajax:

Photos: A winning start to 2008
Saturday, 05 January 2008 21:56:12

DUBAI - Photos of the Nerazzurri in action during their Dubai Cup victory over Ajax:

Photos: A winning start to 2008
Saturday, 05 January 2008 21:56:12

DUBAI - Photos of the Nerazzurri in action during their Dubai Cup victory over Ajax:

Inter join Sissoko race
Sunday 6 January, 2008

After Juventus lined up a bid for the unsettled Liverpool star, now Inter plan to intercept with their own offer for Mohamed Sissoko.

The midfielder has hinted he would favour a January move away from the Premier League club after a falling out with Rafa Benitez and had already been in talks with Juve over the summer.

It is widely reported that Claudio Ranieri would like Sissoko to reinforce his squad as soon as possible and could include Jonathan Zebina as part of an exchange deal.

However, this morning the 'Corriere dello Sport' suggests that Inter are joining the race to sign the 22-year-old.

With Olivier Dacourt and Walter Samuel out for the rest of the season and Patrick Vieira, Luis Figo and Dejan Stankovic dealing with long-term injuries, new faces are needed in the middle of the park.

The Italian newspapers maintain Sissoko could be available for as little as £5m and, at that price, Fiorentina are also showing an interest.

"We have not decided anything yet, but it is likely we will sign someone over the January transfer window," commented Inter boss Roberto Mancini.

"Before we make any moves, we have to evaluate the condition of the injured players and see how long it will take them to return."

Much depends on Stankovic, as surgery for a recurring heel problem would keep him out for three months, but the training camp in Dubai seems to be working.

"So far his condition is one of the most positive aspects of this spell in Dubai. He appears to be getting better, we hope he can continue like this. We have also missed Vieira, a player of great international experience."

The Nerazzurri's other alternative is Atletico Madrid outcast Maniche, who was personally recommended by Figo.

"Would we sign Maniche? We have been tracking many players, we will see," added Mancio.