Figo and Maicon miss Liverpool?
Saturday 9 February, 2008

Roberto Mancini has warned that Luis Figo and Douglas Maicon are unlikely to recover in time for the Liverpool clash.

There were rumours the Portuguese legend would be back in the side this weekend against Catania, but the Inter boss put the brakes on.

"Luis is absolutely not ready to play in Catania and it is difficult to think he could face Liverpool either," said Mancio.

"There are another 12 days to make the step up, we'll see how he does over the week. On Wednesday he played against Romanian team Brasov, but showed he still has some difficulties. I thought he was ready, but that is not the case."

Figo played in the Viareggio tournament with the Inter youth team and insists he is in good shape, but Mancini disagrees.

"It is one thing to say you feel good and another being able to play in a match situation, not to mention an entire game. From what I have seen, he cannot handle 90 minutes. It is unthinkable that he could play from the start against Liverpool."

The first leg of that Champions League showdown is on February 19, but Figo isn't the only star who risks missing out.

"The same goes for Maicon, as if he cannot train properly this week then he too runs the risk of not playing. It is not a muscular problem, but rather a recurring hip niggle that we have been unable to explain.

"It is a pain that comes and goes, he has been carrying this injury since the game with Milan before Christmas. He returned in January, but at Siena felt it again and once more after the Juventus encounter. When he runs, he goes like a train, but when moving side to side or crossing he feels pain."

Dejan Stankovic is rested after limping off against Empoli with a thigh problem, while Julio Cesar has recovered from a bout of flu.

"Stankovic is better, but he won't be coming to Catania. It was just tiredness, as he played three games in a week and should not have stepped on to the field against Empoli, but we lost Ivan Cordoba and Maicon, so he had to risk it."

With an eight-point lead at the top of the Serie A table, Inter could be forgiven for rotating the squad and letting their minds wander towards the Champions League.

"I don't think our minds can be on Liverpool, because before then we have two fairly tough tests, starting with tomorrow night in Sicily," continued Mancini.

"Silvio Baldini's team play good football and have their own style of play that does not change regardless of who they are facing. They proved that a little while ago at Roma, when they played with their heads held high."




http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb9j.html

Serie A: Inter v Livorno at 16:00
Tuesday, 12 February 2008 17:25:46


MILAN - The kick-off time of Saturday's Serie A match between Inter and Livorno has been brought forward by the Italian Football League.

The Week 23 game, initially scheduled for 18:00, will now start at 16:00 for television scheduling reasons.
http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28628&L=en

Mancini names squad for Inter v Livorno
Friday, 15 February 2008 14:41:00


APPIANO GENTILE - Roberto Mancini has called up 19 players for Saturday afternoon's Serie A Week 23 match at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (kick-off 16:00):

Goalkeepers: 1 Francesco Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar.

Defenders: 2 Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, 4 Javier Zanetti, 6 Maxwell, 13 Maicon, 16 Nicolas Burdisso, 23 Marco Materazzi, 24 Nelson Rivas, 26 Cristian Chivu.

Midfielders: 5 Dejan Stankovic, 7 Luis Figo, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 28 Maniche, 30 Pelé.

Strikers: 8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 9 Julio Ricardo Cruz, 18 Hernan Crespo, 29 David Suazo.
http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28646&L=en

45'+2 Half time. Inter lead Livorno by two goals to nil.

14' Suazo , 18' Suazo

.
Serie A: Inter 2-0 Livorno
Saturday, 16 February 2008 17:57:43
[FOTO Saturday, 16 February 2008 17:57:43]

MILAN - Inter disposed of Livorno 2-0 to open up an 11-point lead at the top of the Serie A table ahead of tonight's clash between Juventus and Roma.

Azzurri keeper Marco Amelia was a busy man in the opening stages, with saves from Stankovic, Zanetti and Crespo.

But there was nothing the Livorno number one could do to keep out Suazo's bullet header from Chivu's perfectly executed free kick in the 14th minute.

The Honduran added his second on 18 minutes, crashing home from close range after the Amaranto defence failed to clear Maxwell's left-wing cross.

Inter should have been three-nil up by the break but Suazo was beaten to Crespo's return pass after a fast counter-attack down the middle.

Livorno offered little in the way of a reply, their best chances coming within sixty second-half seconds when Diamanti's free kick hit the post before Vidigal forced Julio Cesar into a tipped save.

Burdisso powered over a header and Cambiasso had a close-range shot blocked as the Nerazzurri looked to build on their lead.

With the points sewn up Mancini rested Stankovic and Maicon, introducing Portuguese pair Nuno Maniche and Luis Figo.

The veteran was given a rapturous applause on his return to the pitch after three and a half months on the sidelines.

Bring on Liverpool.

Inter 2-0 Livorno (HT: 2-0)

Scorer: Suazo 14, 18.

Inter (4-4-2): 12 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon (7 Figo 72), 16 Burdisso, 26 Chivu, 6 Maxwell; 4 Zanetti, 30 Pelé, 19 Cambiasso, 5 Stankovic (28 Maniche 68); 29 Suazo, 18 Crespo (23 Materazzi 85).
Subs not used: 1 Toldo, 8 Ibrahimovic, 9 Cruz, 24 Rivas.
Coach: Roberto Mancini.

Livorno (3-5-2): 1 Amelia; 77 Grandoni, 15 Knezevic, 6 Galante; 69 Balleri (20 Rossini 71), 7 Pulzetti (86 Vailatti 68), 11 De Vezze (3 A.Filippini 80), 8 Vidigal, 26 Pasquale; 23 Diamanti, 81 Bogdani.
Subs not used: 14 De Lucia, 4 E.Filippini, 17 Alvarez, 32 Pavan.
Coach: Giancarlo Camolese.

Referee: Andrea De Marco (Chiavari).

Booked: Balleri 45, Pulzetti 9.
http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28657&L=en

Suazo: "Now for Liverpool"
Saturday, 16 February 2008 19:03:47


MILAN - David Suazo carried off Sky Italia's man of the match award after leading Inter to a 2-0 win over Livorno.

"I'm obviously pleased with the two goals and the team's victory," he said. "As always, we came on the pitch today wanting to kill off the game immediately, and it was very important to be two goals up after just twenty minutes.

"Sure, I always want to play, but Inter has a large squad with great champions. It's always the coach who decides, and we are at his service."

Looking ahead to Tuesday's Champions League match at Anfield, Suazo added: "We're in good form. It's hard for any team to face a determined and organised Inter side like the one we saw today, but it will be a difficult match."

Suazo concluded with a few words about the injury to Ronaldo. "We're all close to him; these are injuries no one ever wants to get," said the Honduran. "The whole world of sport is with him. We hope he recovers as soon as possible."

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28661&L=en

Photos: Inter 2-0 Livorno
Saturday, 16 February 2008 18:35:49

MILAN - Photos of the Nerazzurri in action during their Serie A Week 23 victory over Livorno:

This post has been edited by scorps: Feb 17 2008, 07:15 AM

Burdisso: "Let's continue like this"
Saturday, 16 February 2008 19:24:40



MILAN - Nicolas Burdisso commented on Inter's 2-0 victory over Livorno.

"We're pleased with the three points," he said. "We played one of our best matches of the last month, along with the match in Udine.

"We have to continue like this and think about ourselves. We mustn't worry about the results of the other teams.

"How did I do in the centre of defence? I think I did well but I'd like to play a few games in this role to find my best form. But I'm at the service of the coach and I'll play wherever he wants."

Looking ahead to Tuesday's match against Liverpool, the Argentine defender added: "It will be a hard game. From tomorrow we will start making our best preparations for it."

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28663&L=en&IDINI=28664

Crespo: I'm not happy at Inter
Sunday 17 February, 2008

Inter may be flying high, but not everyone is happy about it, as Hernan Crespo bitterly criticised Coach Roberto Mancini.

"I have been altruistic for seven months, trying to hide the sadness of being in a situation I was not accustomed to," said the former Chelsea striker.

"My teammates are not to blame and it would be wrong of me to behave in a way that could disturb them.

"The squad and the fans all do everything they can to make me feel loved, but it is not easy to always wear a mask. I have to confess I am not happy, there is no point hiding it."

Crespo has dropped down the pecking order at Inter this season, despite Adriano's loan move to Sao Paolo.

Against Livorno on Saturday afternoon he made only his ninth Serie A appearance of the campaign - just six from the start - and has never played an entire 90 minutes.

Although the Argentine sustained an injury during the summer, he assures that is not the reason for his absence.

"It can be convenient for some to bring out the story of the injury, but it simply isn't true. I hurt myself in July during the Copa America and now I feel fine.

"Considering last season as well, I did not expect to have so little playing time. I thought I would play more and be even more involved in the squad.

"A striker needs confidence, to feel important and Mancini is the first to admit I have been the most penalised."

Following the Livorno match, Mancio did comment on Crespo's campaign, but tried to put the blame on physical problems.

"Crespo has been the most penalised of all by injuries this season," said the Coach. "He needs to improve and he knows that, but he was on the field for almost the whole game and that is important. We know at the right moment, he'll be ready."

However, that is not an approach that sits well with Crespo, who responded sarcastically to these statements.

"Mancini said I'd be there when it matters? If he says so... All I know is that I don't think of myself as a player reserved only for the Champions League, but also Serie A.

"I hit my record today - a whole 85 minutes! Shame we're in February already..."


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb17i.html

Mancini names squad for Liverpool v Inter

Sunday, 17 February 2008 17:40:36
[FOTO Sunday, 17 February 2008 17:40:36]

APPIANO GENTILE - Roberto Mancini has called up 21 players for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg against Liverpool at Anfield. Santiago Solari, who is not on Inter's UEFA list, will travel with the squad to England.

Mancini's squad for Liverpool v Inter:

Goalkeepers: 1 Francesco Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar, 22 Paolo Orlandoni.

Defenders: 2 Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, 4 Javier Zanetti, 6 Maxwell, 13 Maicon, 16 Nicolas Burdisso, 23 Marco Materazzi, 24 Nelson Rivas, 26 Cristian Chivu.

Midfielders: 5 Dejan Stankovic, 7 Luis Figo, 14 Patrick Vieira, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 28 Maniche, 30 Pelé.

Strikers: 8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 9 Julio Ricardo Cruz, 18 Hernan Crespo, 29 David Suazo.

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28665&L=en

Cruz is prepared for Pool
Monday 18 February, 2008

Inter striker Julio Cruz believes that the Nerazzurri have learned the lessons from last season's Champions League defeat against Valencia.

Serie A's leaders prepare to face a struggling Liverpool side - who have just been beaten by Barnsley in the FA Cup - in Tuesday night's Champions League last 16 encounter.

Although Inter seem to be favourites to triumph, given their domestic dominance, Cruz hasn't forgotten last season's away goals loss to Valencia.

"Last year we went out to avoid defeat against Valencia and drew both games," the Argentine hitman recalled on Sky Sport Italia.

"We understand now that we have to try and win and play positively because that is the only way to get through."

The battle for selection at Anfield is fierce with Massimo Moratti's "Fantastic Four" of Cruz, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hernan Crespo and David Suazo competing for two spots.

"I'm hoping to play on Tuesday evening, but as ever it will be down to Roberto Mancini," Cruz stated.

"As a team we are ready because we all know how much this double encounter is worth. We have a chance that we can't waste.

"The atmosphere will be incredible and Liverpool have great players, but we are on the same level and we have the advantage of the second leg in Milan."




http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb18m.html

Mancini: "We'll play to win"

Monday, 18 February 2008 23:22:37


LIVERPOOL - After Javier Zanetti, it was the turn of Roberto Mancini to reply to questions ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash against Liverpool.

"We mustn't think about the return leg," insisted the Inter coach. "We just have to think about playing our game, and try to win."

Mancini, Liverpool lost to a lower league team on Saturday...
"The national cup in England is very, very strange. The so-called small teams always give their all, so a defeat is always possible. I saw the game, and Liverpool only lost at the end after having many chances to win the match."

Are you surprised by Liverpool's performance in the championship?
"They aren't doing well in the championship, but playing all their cards in the Champions League could turn out to be an advantage for Liverpool. In a similar situation last season they brought out all their pride and reached the final."

They say Rafa Benitez might be sacked if Liverpool don't qualify...
"I don't know what problems there are. I have just read a few things in the papers. But there can always be problems when things aren't going well. This is all quite normal."

What memories do you have of your brief experience as a player in England?
"It was a brief experience, but I have fond memories of it. I'm honoured to have played in the English championship, even if just a few matches."

Has your maestro Sven Goran Eriksson given you any advice about how to face Liverpool?
"I have spoken with Eriksson and I'm always happy to talk to him, but we haven't talked about this game technically. Recently, we have spoken about other things."

What's your explanation for Inter's invincibility in the Italian championship?


"We have been doing well since last season. We have lost very few championship matches but the Champions League is a completely different competition, so we can't make comparisons. We have great respect for Liverpool, who are a great team, and personally I have a lot of respect for Benitez, who is a great coach. We face two very tough matches."

Can Ibrahimovic be decisive tomorrow?
"As always, Zlatan is doing very well, so I hope he plays a great match tomorrow. But we'll need a great performance from the whole team, not just Ibra. We'll be playing in a historic stadium, so a victory would be very prestigious. The games of 1965? Let's hope we repeat that feat, which made the history of Inter."

Half of Italy will be supporting Liverpool tomorrow...
"Each person supports his own team. It's part of the game. I don't think Everton fans will be rooting for Liverpool tomorrow night..."

How are Maicon, Dejan Stankovic and Patrick Vieira?
"Maicon and Stankovic are okay, but as for Vieira we will decide between tonight's training session and tomorrow morning's one. Patrick isn't one hundred percent, and the disqualification after returning from injury has penalised him, but other aspects count in these games, like experience, so I want to take as much time as possible before deciding."

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28685&L=en

Mancio: Tonight is a must-win
Tuesday 19 February, 2008

Inter Coach Roberto Mancini won't settle for a draw at Anfield tonight, but he isn't underestimating the threat of Liverpool.

The Nerazzurri arrive at Anfield on a high to take on a Liverpool side in turmoil after a humiliating FA Cup defeat against Barnsley last weekend.

However, Mancio is aware that the Reds have made overachievement in the Champions League their trademark and is approaching the tie with some caution.

"The FA Cup is totally unique," he explained. "We absolutely mustn't take anything for granted.

"It may also be true that they aren't doing very well in the League, but it could be an extra weapon for Liverpool that they only have the Champions League to play for.

"Last season in a similar situation, Liverpool knew how to play with pride and they reached the Final.

"The Champions League is a totally different competition from the League, so I don't want to make any comparisons.

"We have great respect for Liverpool as they are a top side and I personally have a high opinion of Rafa Benitez."

This time last year, Inter were favourites to see off Valencia, but they crashed out on away goals after an ill-tempered 0-0 draw at the Mestalla.

"This is a different situation," Mancini insisted. "Against Valencia we came in after a 2-2 draw at home and that left us in trouble, even though we went out without having been beaten.

"This game at Anfield is the first of two and they will be two very difficult tests.
As ever, everyone will be calm until a few minutes before the game when the big-match atmosphere inevitably takes over.

"We are playing in a stadium where it is especially great to win as it is a historic venue, but I don't think that the atmosphere will affect us.

"Is it an advantage to play at home in the second leg? We will have to play this game without taking into account that there is a second leg - we just need to win tonight."

Mancini also gave hints at his team selection as he hopes to welcome back some key figures.

"I would have wanted to go into this game with a full squad in perfect condition, but we are doing quite well given that it is a long and tough season," he said.

"Douglas Maicon and Dejan Stankovic are fit enough, but we will have to wait on Patrick Vieira. He isn't 100 per cent as he has been suspended since returning from injury."

Liverpool (probable): Reina; Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise; Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Kewell; Kuyt, Torres

Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Materazzi, Maxwell; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Chivu, Stankovic; Ibrahimovic, Cruz


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb19a.html

Javier sees titanic tussle
Tuesday 19 February, 2008

Javier Zanetti is expecting a classic as his Inter side square off against Liverpool at Anfield tonight. "It will be like 1965 all over again."

Inter have arrived in Liverpool for the first meeting between the two sides since the epic European Cup semi-final of 1964-65.

The Nerazzurri were beaten 3-1 at Anfield that year before overturning their deficit in spectacular style with a 3-0 triumph in the return leg eight days later.

"Giacinto Facchetti told me the story of the legendary 1965 game against Liverpool on many occasions," Zanetti explained.

"He told me about a rollercoaster of a tie that Inter won. Many years have passed, but I think that this will be the same kind of game.

"In the Champions League you can never get away with any mistakes and Liverpool always do well in a frenzied atmosphere at Anfield. We will have to be very careful.

"Obviously we know that this is a very important test for us. This Inter side has already shown on numerous occasions that it has what it needs to go far in Europe, but I repeat you can't afford to slip up in the Champions League."

Inter Coach Roberto Mancini has stressed that his men will take an attacking approach to tonight's clash and Zanetti agrees that the Beneamata can't afford to play for a draw.

"What kind of game do I expect? We are a team that don't know how to sit back and that attitude doesn't change depending on the opposition.

"We aren't a defensive-minded team and we are always looking to get forward. Scoring in the away leg could be decisive."

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb19h.html

---

Added on February 20, 2008, 12:02 amMatrix relishes Anfield test
Tuesday 19 February, 2008

Marco Materazzi can't wait to run out at Anfield for Inter tonight and wants to make amends for last year's exit at the hands of Valencia.

The Nerazzurri are favourites to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals, but they are still haunted by memories of last term's unexpected last 16 reverse.

"We are well set because we remember last year when we threw away a great chance against Valencia in spite of our big lead in Serie A," Materazzi explained in La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We have been waiting for a chance to put that right and that is a good push for us.

"It will be a different Inter side because we have new players who can make the leap of class and experience, such as Cristian Chivu.

"Furthermore, there are also players who were here last year and have improved a lot, such as Julio Cesar who is now one of the top three goalkeepers in the world."

Materazzi has experienced the magic of Anfield during his time in the Premier League with Everton and is relishing the chance to revisit one of football's great theatres.

"Anfield is the kind of ground that everyone dreams of one day playing at," the former Perugia man said.

"You go through these tiny doors and the place seems to smell of history. It hits you right in the stomach - in a word it is excitement."

Despite Liverpool's recent struggles and FA Cup humiliation against Barnsley last weekend, Materazzi ended on a cautious note.

"Liverpool remind me of Hector Cuper's Inter but with more quality players," the World Cup winner claimed.

"They have heart and organisation and they are a difficult side to take on. They have struggled in the League for years, but they were born for Cup competitions -that's why their FA Cup elimination stunned me.

"Now it's not about words but about proving things on the pitch. Now we need to prove that we are the strongest side in Europe because we are already the best team in Italy."

Liverpool (probable): Reina; Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise; Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Kewell; Kuyt, Torres

Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Materazzi, Maxwell; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Chivu, Stankovic; Ibrahimovic, Cruz


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb19l.html

This post has been edited by scorps: Feb 20 2008, 12:02 AM

nothing to say..
but inter play bad tonight,
they just got 1 corner kick..

Champions League, Rd 2, 1st leg - 19/2/08 (19.45)

Liverpool 2 - 0 Inter
Kuyt 85 (L), Gerrard 90 (L)
Anfield Road

Inter lost 2-0 at Anfield to late Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard goals, but played with 10 men for an hour after Marco Materazzi's extremely harsh dismissal. The Nerazzurri were unbeaten in all competition for five months and will need a big win to progress.

Two of the most 'international' teams in the competition faced off, as Inter had just one Italian player in the starting XI and Liverpool had two homegrown faces. The last time these sides met was the European Cup semi-final, when the Nerazzurri won 4-3 on aggregate and went on to lift the trophy.

Luis Figo and Patrick Vieira were only fit for spots on the bench and Cesar Aparecido suspended, so Cristian Chivu took a midfield role, while the pressure was on Rafa Benitez after falling behind in the Premier League and a humiliating FA Cup exit to Barnsley last week. Steven Gerrard was given an unusual wide midfield position.

Chivu went into the book within four minutes for tripping Gerrard outside the box and Fabio Aurelio curled the free kick over. Liverpool had a very aggressive start and Julio Cesar tipped a Dirk Kuyt header over the bar.

Former Everton defender Marco Materazzi was also booked after he was dispossessed by Fernando Torres, but it seemed a harsh decision with minimal contact. Inter's first foray forward was on 17 minutes with Pepe Reina rushing to pluck Zlatan Ibrahimovic's assist off the head of Julio Cruz.

Gerrard drilled off target from distance, but it was a more even game and Ivan Cordoba cleaned up several dangerous opportunities.

However, on the half-hour mark there was controversy as Materazzi received his second booking for placing a hand on Torres' shoulder. The decisions were, to say the least, extremely harsh and Inter - as has happened so many times this season - were reduced to 10 men in the first half.

Gerrard rolled a ball across the face of goal to leave Julio Cesa stranded, but Douglas Maicon was ready to clean up at the back post as the last line of defence. Moments later the goalkeeper comfortably plucked a Kuyt volley out of the air.

The second half started well for Inter, as there were appeals for a Sami Hyypia handling offence and Esteban Cambiasso fired over from distance. At the other end Chivu cleared a dangerous Steve Finnan cross from six yards.

Roberto Mancini introduced Vieira for striker Julio Cruz, who had been playing in a midfield role to cover, so Chivu remained in central defence. Finnan was giving Dejan Stankovic all sorts of problems down the right channel.

The first real shot on target came almost by accident. Vieira's pass ricocheted off a Liverpool shinpad into the path of Torres, who sprinted forward and saw his angled drive fingertipped round the post by Julio Cesar at full stretch. From the resulting corner, Hyypia nodded over.

On the hour mark Liverpool had penalty appeals for Vieira's handling offence, but the referee only awarded a corner as he was protecting his face from Gerrard's flick at point-blank range.

Torres spun round for a shot past the post, but 10-man Inter had a sustained period of attack and Cambiasso was flagged offside as he ran on to Ibrahimovic's assist.

Jermaine Pennant replaced Ryan Babel to give more pace to Liverpool, but Vieira flashed a long-range shot wide. Cordoba foolishly nodded his clearance straight at Crouch, who snatched at the volley off target. The Colombian fell awkwardly on his right knee in that move and was stretchered off, making way for Nicolas Burdisso.

Gerrard had a strike deflected out for a corner, but Crouch had two consecutive attempts closed down from seven yards, Maxwell getting the final block in.

Javier Mascherano did well to intercept Vieira's counter-attack to the disappointing Ibrahimovic.

but how about the hand ball by viera inside penalty box?
what do you guys think?
it's look like penalty rite??

Mancio: We did all we could
Tuesday 19 February, 2008

Roberto Mancini felt Inter did all they could at Anfield after playing with 10 men for an hour and losing Ivan Cordoba to injury.

Marco Materazzi was shown two very harsh bookings in the opening half-hour and the Nerazzurri eventually lost 2-0.

"I was already a little frightened after the first two yellow cards for Cristian Chivu and Materazzi, as having both central defenders booked within 10 minutes is dangerous," said the Coach.

"Liverpool hadn't created much, but kept us under pressure, so with 10 men for an hour my team could not have done more. Unfortunately the last five minutes proved decisive."

Dirk Kuyt's effort was deflected in off Douglas Maicon before Steven Gerrard completed the scoring in the final minute.

"Inter came on the field determined, but Liverpool put the pressure on in the opening 20 minutes, which is understandable on their home turf.

"Patrick Vieira unfortunately is not match fit, so I needed him more in the second half, hoping of course that we were XI vs. XI."

Yet Mancini has some hope, as the only other time these teams crossed paths was in the 1965 European Cup.

Inter lost 3-1 at Anfield and won the second leg 3-0 at San Siro, going on to lift the trophy.

"It seems a coincidence, but perhaps the past comes back. We need three goals to qualify and clearly this side is capable of it, but we need to finish the match with all our players.

"I think the biggest problem we had here was being left with 10 men, but even then we didn't run many risks and only conceded the first goal with a deflection off Maicon.

"When we lined up with four in midfield we were under more pressure, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his own upfront had a tough job. Cordoba's injury was also damaging, as he was able to contrast Peter Crouch in the air."

The Colombian defender was stretchered off during the second half as he fell awkwardly.

"Cordoba sprained his knee, so it is difficult to evaluate the extent of the damage now. We need a few more hours to see how it develops."


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb19q.html

edited wrong post

This post has been edited by scorps: Feb 20 2008, 07:45 AM