Julio Cesar's Anfield heartache
Wednesday 20 February, 2008

Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar said it "hurt my heart" to lose 2-0 at Anfield after a controversial encounter.

"I don't think we deserved to lose 2-0. It hurt my heart to concede at the 85th after playing a perfect game up until then, especially as Liverpool had so few chances," said the shot-stopper.

"The only real opportunity they had other than the goals came from our misplaced pass, so it was upsetting to ruin all that hard work at the end."

The Champions League tie was inevitably dominated by Marco Materazzi's harsh dismissal just 30 minutes into the match.

"I think the first booking was a bit sneaky from Fernando Torres, who couldn't reach the ball anymore and let himself fall," continued Julio Cesar.

"The second card was also exaggerated, there was so little contact. Marco was sad, but didn't say anything in the locker room.

"We were also sad as the opening goal was deflected, as we felt unlucky throughout the game."

The goalkeeper was Inter's best player on the night, although he couldn't keep out Steven Gerrard's last-minute strike that came off the inside of the upright.

"I think Cristian Chivu conned me there, as he came sliding in, but then took his feet away as he was afraid to score an own goal and by the time it got past him it was too late for me to recover.

"Still, it's only half-time in this tie and we have time to fight back."

The Brazilian also revealed an amusing anecdote when he came face to face with Liverpool giant Peter Crouch.

"When Crouch came on I said to Maicon 'Look how tall this guy is!' Maicon said he couldn't jump that high, but I asked him to at least try!"


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb20b.html

Cruciate woe for Cordoba
Wednesday 20 February, 2008

Inter have lost defender Ivan Cordoba for the reminder of the season after he sustained a cruciate ligament injury against Liverpool.

The Colombian stopper was stretchered off in agony after landing badly on his knee at Anfield last night and the problem has proven to be as serious as feared.

Scans conducted at the San Matteo clinic have revealed a break in the anterior cruciate ligament in Cordoba's left knee and he will now undergo surgery in the next few hours.

The injury is the same as fellow defender Walter Samuel's, which the Argentine picked up in the derby against Milan and leaves Roberto Mancini with a worrying defensive shortage for the Champions League last 16 second leg.

With Marco Materazzi suspended, the pressure will fall on Cristian Chivu and Nicolas Burdisso to hold the defence together.

There is no precise recovery date for Cordoba as yet, but the best possible case would see him return for the very end of the campaign.

However, it seems much more likely that it is the end of the season for another of Inter's key men.




http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb20l.html

Moratti: "Convinced we can do it"
Thursday, 21 February 2008 14:01:23


MILAN - Massimo Moratti gave a brief interview to Sky Italia on his arrival at the Saras offices this morning.

Moratti, thirty-six hours after the defeat against Liverpool, are you more confident?
"I was on Tuesday too. To be honest, I didn't see anything that has made me less confident. Everything went badly - we had a man less, the injury to Cordoba, and these things have created a difficult situation for us. But the team is strong, and can still show it is."

What gives you the most confidence ahead of the return leg?
"The substance of the team - the players, the coach, their mentality. Basically, everything. And then there are our opponents. It would be important for a post to become a goal, and that the posts hit by the others don't go in. But this is football."

Were you expecting more from Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
"It wasn't that easy for him because he was one against four... However, I'm expecting more from everybody now. The match we play in Milan will be a match in which everyone must give much more than they are already giving. But they have the right mentality and they can do it."

Would it be a wasted season if Inter don't win the Champions League?
"It's never a wasted season if you do well in the championship. You can have regrets about one thing, but you don't underestimate the other. Anyway, we're not out of the Champions League, and I think we will stay in the competition."

Do the absences of Cordoba and Materazzi worry you?
"Samuel's absence is worrying too. We have our whole first-choice defence out, but the remaining defenders are of the same level."

After Liverpool 3-1 Inter at Anfield in 1965, Helenio Herrera said Inter would qualify. Did Roberto Mancini say anything like this in the dressing room on Tuesday night?
"This is more or less what he said, but without making any declarations because it wasn't the right time, and because we know we have another ninety minutes that can go in a completely different way from the other day."

Has Liverpool coach Benitez given confirmation that he is a good coach?
"Benitez did well, but playing against an opponent with ten men is much easier."

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28704&L=en

Mancio: My Anfield mistakes
Friday 22 February, 2008

Roberto Mancini admits he got his formation and substitutions wrong against Liverpool, but blasted Marco Materazzi for his dismissal.

Inter are still reeling after their 2-0 first leg loss at Anfield and the Coach has come under criticism for his decisions, most notably introducing a half-fit Patrick Vieira instead of striker David Suazo.

"With the benefit of hindsight, you could say I should have thrown on Suazo," confessed Mancio.

"In truth he was meant to come on, but when Ivan Cordoba was stretchered off I preferred to see how the team settled down. Admittedly, I could have waited a little longer before introducing Vieira."

The tactician was in a reflective mood and looked back on the turning point of the match - Materazzi's two bookings in the opening half-hour.

"He should have been more careful and seen what kind of atmosphere there was after there were two yellow cards in the first 10 minutes. He should not have put a hand on Fernando Torres' shoulder."

Liverpool protested that they deserved a penalty for Vieira's handling offence, but Mancini responded sarcastically.

"Vieira covered his face with his hands, that is why the referee did not award a penalty. In any case, the ref had already done his duty..."

Playing with 10 men for an hour almost got Inter a 0-0 draw, but they conceded two goals in the last five minutes to make the second leg at San Siro a very tough ask.

"I am proud of what my team did. Without that 2-0 result they would be considered the heroes of Anfield now. In my view, they still are.

"We have already made our first step towards overturning the first leg by selling out San Siro. A stadium full to the rafters will give us an important extra push."

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb22o.html

Moratti: I don't want Italian players
Friday 22 February, 2008

Inter President Massimo Moratti insists it is "not a priority" to introduce more Italians into the team and explains why their fans should be proud.

Internazionale have certainly lived up to their name recently, as often Marco Materazzi is the only Italian in the side.

The club has been criticised for this approach, but the patron has no intention of embracing homegrown talent.

"My intention is to invest less in new signings. It is not a priority to add more Italians to the squad, despite what some claim, but rather to safeguard the current side and eventually introduce some elements from the youth team."

The only real signing during the January transfer window was Atletico Madrid midfielder Nuno Maniche.

"I am happy to have brought in Maniche, as he can prove useful both in Serie A and the Champions League," added Moratti.

They are 11 points clear at the top of the table, but the 2-0 first leg defeat at Anfield brought up more doubts over their European pedigree.

After the controversy over refereeing errors in their favour and accusations of being 'irritating' to neutral supporters, Moratti gave a message to the tifosi.

"You must be proud of being an Interista, because we are better than everyone else."
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb22s.html

that why i don't really like inter merda,
they don't use the italian players..

Cambiasso keeps Euro faith
Saturday 23 February, 2008

Esteban Cambiasso is confident Inter can beat Liverpool and progress in the Champions League. "But we need patience."

The Nerazzurri's chances of staying in the competition were hit hard by a 2-0 first leg defeat at Anfield, during which Marco Materazzi was sent off and Ivan Cordoba sustained a serious knee injury.

"We can overturn this result, but we must play with patience and a relaxed attitude," warned the midfielder ahead of the March 11 match.

"We must not make the mistake of leaving them space, because if Liverpool scored an away goal then it would all become more complicated.

"If we manage to bring out all the quality at Inter's disposal, I have no doubts we would succeed in this challenge.

"These ties last 180 minutes and we have only played the first 90. Let's wait and see how it all ends."

The first leg had been heading towards a goalless draw before Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard netted in the final five minutes.

"We must play the way Liverpool did at Anfield. They were very patient and that is one of the reasons why they managed to take the lead at the end," continued Cambiasso.

Inter are not new to stunning comebacks this season, as in the group phase they were 2-0 down against CSKA Moscow only to win 4-2 at the final whistle.

"Materazzi's dismissal made a huge difference to our performance. But if we played with 10 men for an hour and nearly took home a draw from Anfield, then anything can happen at San Siro."

Materazzi will be suspended for that match, while Cordoba is out for the rest of the season, joining Walter Samuel and Olivier Dacourt on the sidelines.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb23c.html

Updated: Feb. 25, 2008
Bruised Inter prepare for Roma title battle

MILAN, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Serie A leaders Inter Milan must count their walking wounded ahead of Wednesday's big clash with second-placed AS Roma (1930 GMT).

Inter's lead was reduced to nine points on Sunday after the champions salvaged a 1-1 draw at Sampdoria and Roma beat Fiorentina 1-0.

The unbeaten champions were without striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Genoa and the Swede is again doubtful for the top-of-the-table clash because of a knee problem.

Fellow frontman Julio Cruz and midfielder Dejan Stankovic should recover from minor injuries but they will miss the experience of centre back Ivan Cordoba, who is out with knee ligament damage and could miss the rest of the season.

Cordoba suffered the injury in last Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League defeat at Liverpool, which has affected Inter's confidence.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has ratcheted up the pressure on Inter and his own players by stating the importance of Wednesday's match.

"The San Siro game will determine everything. It will be a fundamental match," Spalletti told reporters, aware his side lost 4-1 at home to Inter in September.

The last time Inter lost in the league was April 16 last year when Roma pulled off a 3-1 win at the San Siro. A repeat victory and a gap of only six points would suddenly make the title race much more interesting.

Roma's Brazilian defender Cicinho will miss the match after being sent off for two bookings late on in the Fiorentina game, having earlier netted the winner.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=511112&cc=4716

Ibra's secret injury fears
Tuesday 26 February, 2008

Inter's star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has sensationally revealed that he has been battling with a very serious knee injury.

The Swedish hitman will miss tomorrow's Scudetto showdown with Roma, but now there are fears that his involvement in a crucial period of the season could be limited.

Rather than a minor knee complaint, it seems that Zlatan has been playing with damage to the same tendon that Ronaldo severed.

"I have a hole in my tendon," the former Ajax man explained. "It has been hurting for a long time and I don't know when it will heal.

"I didn't want to say anything because I have just been thinking about winning with this team, but now I realise that I am taking a big risk and so I am resting."

The prolific former Juventus marksman concluded by denying that he had a spat with Marco Materazzi after the Beneamata's defeat at Liverpool.

"I didn't have it in for Materazzi at Anfield," he claimed. "I didn't see the fouls. Marco told me that they weren't bookings and I believe him - it was the referee's fault. In any case, we can overturn the deficit."


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb26d.html

Mancini's call-ups for Inter v Roma
Tuesday, 26 February 2008 15:09:33


APPIANO GENTILE - Roberto Mancini has named a twenty-player squad for Wednesday evening's top-of-the-table clash at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (kick-off 20:30):

Goalkeepers: 1 Francesco Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar.

Defenders: 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, 11 Luis Jimenez, 14 Patrick Vieira, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 21 Santiago Solari, 28 Maniche, 30 Pelé.

Strikers: 18 Hernan Crespo, 29 David Suazo, 45 Mario Balotelli.
http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28750&L=en

Mancini: "Tight match against Roma"
Tuesday, 26 February 2008 17:16:34

APPIANO GENTILE - More of Roberto Mancini's Inter v Roma press conference:

Everyone thought Dejan Stankovic should have been substituted (against Sampdoria), and then he made the assist for Crespo's goal...
(Smiles) "I also thought he should have been substituted... I was thinking of bringing Vieira off earlier because he had been booked and there could have been a second yellow, but then we made a different change. However, Stankovic is a player who can do important things even when he's having a bad game."

With several key players out, is it a problem to organise the match against Roma?
"It would definitely have been better if we were at full-strength, but we're not, so we have to find solutions with the players we have, and they are good solutions. Will Roma make it hard for us? It will certainly be a tight match between the first- and second-placed teams in the championship. Any result is possible."

In which department is it most difficult for you to make your choices for the Roma game?
"We're okay in defence and midfield, but we have two strikers out of four in attack, plus a half-fit Mario. We have a few problems, but it's not that serious."

Are you thinking of springing a surprise move on Roma, just as you did in the reverse fixture?
"We didn't have many players in the reverse fixture, but we had all four strikers, and tomorrow we have two... It will be a bit different tomorrow, we will see what to do. It will be important not to concede many spaces to Roma, and stop them from playing."

Is it utopia to think that Inter can settle for a draw, or will you try to kill off the championship?
"It would be harder for Roma if we managed to win tomorrow, but there are still many matches to go. Every match is difficult, and our match in Genoa and Roma's against Fiorentina are proof of that."

Which player would you take away from Roma?
"Roma's game is the aspect that can make it hardest for us. They are all champions. They are a bit like us - any player can be decisive. Mentioning just one Roma player would be belittling for all the others."
http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28752&L=en&IDINI=28756

Mancini: It's our destiny!
Wednesday 27 February, 2008

Roberto Mancini admits this draw "is worth more than a victory" and a sign of destiny for Inter's title ambitions.

The Nerazzurri were trailing 1-0 on home turf to second placed Roma and risked seeing their lead at the top reduced to just six points when Javier Zanetti cracked a last-gasp equaliser.

"Considering how things were going, it is a draw that is worth more than a victory," confirmed the Coach after the 1-1 scoreline.

"The team showed great character and we soaked up pressure when we had to, proving we are a fantastic side."

It was a rare goal from captain Zanetti, who hadn't netted for the club since a 2-0 over Ascoli on November 5, 2006.

"Zanetti's goal seems like a sign from destiny, precisely because he is the captain and the one with the most appearances in the squad."

Inter can rest easy thanks to that strike and Mancini has no intention of denying the Scudetto is in their hands.

"A nine-point advantage over second place is a great deal. I'm not going to be hypocritical here."

Mancio had adopted an unusual 4-3-2-1 system at the start, but Dejan Stankovic and Luis Figo were ineffective supporting lone striker Hernan Crespo.

"I had prepared the tactics to put Roma into a difficult situation, but we lacked the pace to achieve that.

"I took off Esteban Cambiasso only because he had a fitness problem, otherwise I would have replaced Figo."

He had already completed all three substitutions when Maxwell was stretchered off, leaving Inter with 10 men for the last 25 minutes.

"Stankovic is not in the best shape, but he is the kind of player who can be useful to a team even when he's at 50 per cent."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was in the stands with a recurring knee problem and the Coach did not hide his frustration.

"I complained about the medical staff this week because losing Ibrahimovic in such an important game is serious."


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb27n.html

Zanetti: "An important goal"
Wednesday, 27 February 2008 23:06:22



MILAN - He doesn't score many. But when he does, they're always important goals.

Javier Zanetti popped two minutes from time to score an absolute cracker and give Inter a share of the points against Roma after Francesco Totti's opener looked good for victory.

"It was a difficult match," the Inter captain told Sky Italia. "Fortunately this goal came and we're still nine points clear. We got this goal that gives us lots of serenity.

"Our lead is big, we have to continue like this because we're not in top form at the moment.

"It's a pity Maxwell got hurt."

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28761&L=en

Burdisso: "What a goal by Zanetti"

Wednesday, 27 February 2008 23:56:40


MILAN - Nicolas Burdisso commented on the Nerazzurri's 1-1 draw with Roma.

"Zanetti's equalising goal was beautiful and very important; it really was a fundamental goal," said the Argentine defender. "Losing this match could have been a problem psychologically.

"We didn't want to lose and it wouldn't have been fair. You could see all our strength tonight, particularly in the last part of the match when we were with ten men against eleven.

"The right mentality helps you at difficult times. It was important to keep our nine-point gap over Roma, but we mustn't give up because there are still many matches to go.

"The injuries are starting to become a problem, but we're still doing well because we are a great group."

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28765&L=en&IDINI=28765

Zanetti: We're simply the best
Friday 29 February, 2008

Inter captain Javier Zanetti claims he is "sick of talking about referees" and stresses that the Nerazzurri's dominance in unquestionable.

Zanetti was the unlikely hero for Inter as his last-gasp equaliser foiled Roma's attempts to reopen the title race at San Siro on Wednesday evening.

However, the Beneamata's jubilation has been overshadowed by the Giallorossi's anger at referee Roberto Rosetti for dismissing Philippe Mexes.

"This whole thing is starting to annoy me," Zanetti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Unlike the past, at least now you can safely bet on the good faith of the referees.

"Let's not joke about this. People claim that we are only winning thanks to the officials, but I've had enough because for two years we have dominated on the field."

After such a close shave at San Siro, Zanetti took time to praise Roma, but admits that the title race could be over.

"Roma have proved themselves to be dangerous opponents, as they are practical and competitive," he said.

"However, it is undeniable that a nine-point lead in the race is a very significant margin."

The Argentine international also commented on the way he is performing at the age of 34 and the secret to his success.

"My family are the key as that is where I find harmony, peace and happiness," he explained. "I just want to work hard and sweat during the week.

"And since Roberto Mancini started playing me in midfield it is as if I have begun a second career. It's a role that suits me and I feel younger and more motivated."

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb29g.html

Mancini: "Hard game in Naples"
Saturday, 01 March 2008 17:45:50


APPIANO GENTILE - Roberto Mancini briefed the press ahead of Sunday evening's Serie A clash against Napoli.

Mancini, how are the injured players?
"We'll look at Cambiasso today but I don't think we'll risk him because there's no point doing so. He's okay, but I don't think he will play in Naples. We will see after today's training."

How are Dejan Stankovic and David Suazo?
"They're okay."

What kind of Napoli are you expecting tomorrow evening?
"They come from a couple of defeats, but they're a very dangerous team. They have Zalayeta and Lavezzi back in attack, and they are two very good players. They have some very good players in midfield and they're very dangerous at home."

Could the fact that Inter hardly ever lose become a psychological burden for the team?
"Not for me... Maybe for someone else, but for us, absolutely not..."

Hamsik had already been playing well for a couple of years before he joined Napoli. How come Napoli noticed him before the others and managed to buy him?
"Because they were quicker than the others. Hamsik is a great player and he will become even better in the coming years."

How is Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
"He's better. He's been running for a couple of days, and I think he can play against Reggina."

Will there be any new changes to the team against Napoli?
"There will certainly be some changes. A few fresher players will play, and others will go on the bench. It is our goal to get back to winning ways at a ground that is not easy. But I think we can win it."

Cristian Chivu is your only first-choice defender available for the Champions League match. Will you rest him in the next two games?
"We'll see how he is. I don't think he will sit out both matches. I hope our bad luck with injuries is over. We have two important games, and we will definitely rest him in one of them, but I don't know whether it will be tomorrow's game, or the one against Reggina."


http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28789&L=en

Mancini names squad for Napoli v Inter
Saturday, 01 March 2008 17:16:40


APPIANO GENTILE - Roberto Mancini has called up 20 players for Sunday evening's Serie A match against Napoli (Stadio San Paolo at 20:30):

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

Defenders: 4 Javier Zanetti, 13 Maicon, 23 Marco Materazzi, 24 Nelson Rivas, 26 Cristian Chivu, 40 Ivan Fatic.

Midfielders: 5 Dejan Stankovic, 7 Luis Figo, 11 Luis Jimenez, 14 Patrick Vieira, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 21 Santiago Solari, 28 Maniche, 30 Pelé.

Strikers: 18 Hernan Crespo, 29 David Suazo, 45 Mario Balotelli.

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28785&L=en

Serie A Week 26 - 2/3/08 (19.30 UK)

Napoli 1 - 0 Inter
Zalayeta 3 (N)
Stadio San Paolo

Julio Cesar saved a penalty, but Marcelo Zalayeta inflicted Inter's first defeat of the season at the Stadio San Paolo! The Nerazzurri were unbeaten in 31 consecutive Serie A games and their lead at the top is reduced to just six points.

The Nerazzurri stepped into the packed out San Paolo needing a win to maintain their nine-point lead, but with their minds on the upcoming Liverpool clash on March 11 and straight after the midweek 1-1 draw with Scudetto challengers Roma that was a tough proposition. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Walter Samuel, Esteban Cambiasso, Olivier Dacourt, Julio Cruz, Aparecido Cesar, Ivan Cordoba and the suspended Nicolas Burdisso were out of action, so David Suazo and teenage wonder Mario Balotelli started. Napoli welcomed back Ezequiel Lavezzi from a flu virus and Marcelo Zalayeta after his ban expired.

Inter had not visited this stadium in Serie A since February 2001, when they lost 2-0, and this fixture last ended in a draw back in 1993.

It took just three minutes to break the deadlock and send the San Paolo crowd crazy. Lavezzi sprung the offside trap on a long Walter Gargano pass and Julio Cesar rushed out to hoof clear, but only as far as Zalayeta to lob into an empty net!

Marco Materazzi was having horrible problems with the speedy Lavezzi and the Argentine sprinted past him again for a shot that flashed across the face of goal.

Manuele Blasi's shot was deflected just past Lavezzi on the counter, then Zalayeta nutmegged Cristian Chivu and the Inter defender was booked for hauling him down.

A Marek Hamsik free kick was cleared to the edge of the box for a Matteo Contini volley past the near post.

Inter had their first chance on 19 minutes, as Douglas Maicon threaded through for Suazo to spring the offside trap and bring a great save out of Gianello's legs. Balotelli's effort was deflected wide, but at the other end Julio Cesar used his body to beat away a Hamsik daisy-cutter.

Hamsik skipped past Nelson Rivas and Paolo Cannavaro's header was plucked out of the top corner by Julio Cesar.

Matteo Contini elbowed Balotelli as he tried to push past him and the referee waved play on, considering it involuntary, but the teenage striker was down for some time requiring treatment for a nosebleed.

Maicon nutmegged a defender and thumped the side-netting, but Rivas needed a sliding tackle to halt Hamsik in the area.

On the stroke of half-time Materazzi almost scored a bizarre own goal. Savini disposessed Rivas in the area and Materazzi's attempted clearance was looping towards his own goal, but Julio Cesar defied the laws of physics to leap across and flap it off the line!

Moments later Zalayeta wasted a golden opportunity on the counter with a wayward shot when he could have passed to the unmarked Lavezzi.

Nuno Maniche made way for Javier Zanetti at the break, but 60 seconds into the second half Chivu suffered a shoulder injury and had to be replaced. He has had recurring shoulder problems and this could be a relatively long-term stop. Hernan Crespo came on for a 4-4-2 system with Zanetti at left-back.

Lavezzi burst past Materazzi and fired wide of the near post when perhaps he should have crossed into the centre. Julio Cesar prevented another certain goal with a stunning reaction save on Hamsik, set up by Zalayeta at the byeline.

Lavezzi was clear on goal, but wasted the counter by trying a cross-field pass when he could have run straight at Julio Cesar. Inter had their first period of sustained pressure on 68 minutes, but Crespo flattened his marker in a bid to get the header from six yards.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_ita...08/nap-int.html

Mancini: "Back to work now"
Sunday, 02 March 2008 23:27:27


NAPLES - Roberto Mancini analysed Inter's 1-0 reverse against Napoli at the San Paolo - the Nerazzurri's first away defeat in the Italian top flight since 30 May 2006.

"I think the numbers have their logic, including those that say we have lost two and drawn two of our last four games," the Inter coach told Sky Italia. "We're not in optimal condition because we have lost a lot of players at the same time.

"We're still six points clear and it's at these times when you're not managing to do what you want, that we need leads. We mustn't let this result get us down. We will try to recover a few players in the coming days.

"The match started off badly because we gifted them the goal, and it was all a lot easier for Napoli after that. They took advantage of the spaces in which they can create danger for any team, and they had already done so against Milan and Juventus, but we did less than we usually do, and we found it difficult. But we mustn't let it get us down. We knew we were taking a few risks by playing a few players who needed to play to regain top condition after returning from injury. Sometimes you can make mistakes. We did tonight and we lost."

Mancini commented on Contini's elbow on Balotelli, adding: "From the bench it seemed intentional. As for Julio Cesar's penalty foul, you could see straight away that he got the ball. My opinion of (match referee) Rizzoli is negative, but everything ends here, even if some fouls by Materazzi or Vieira are immediately sanctioned.

"However, Napoli deserved to win. We lost, we didn't play well, but we pushed and fought more in the second half and all this mustn't change our attitude, which remains positive and optimistic because we're still ahead in the table. But without taking anything away from Napoli, I'm not happy about some incidents being pointed out when they are committed by Inter and not our opponents."

The latest addition to Inter's long list of injuries is Cristian Chivu, who came off with a left shoulder injury just after half time.

"Chivu had a problem with his shoulder," said Mancini. "Let's hope he can recover. We have a few problems at the moment, particularly in defence, but we have the time to recover them in time for our next games, and we're hopeful. We have ten players out at the moment...

"Tonight was one of those evenings that start badly and don't finish well. We have to work now and stay calm, and move forward. It depends on us now. We can keep our lead if we stay calm and manage to get a few injured players back, and fight until the last day of the season."



http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28798&L=en