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.

Suazo in new injury scare
Sunday 6 January, 2008

Roberto Mancini was happy with Inter's performance against Ajax in the Dubai Cup, but David Suazo has been added to the growing injury list.

Julio Cruz netted twice in the 2-2 draw yesterday evening, the Nerazzurri eventually winning 5-4 on a penalty shoot-out to reach Monday's Final against Internacional.

Suazo started the match and hit the upright, but pulled up with a thigh problem and more tests will be needed to ascertain the extent of the damage.

"We hope it is nothing serious," commented Coach Mancini. Even if the strain is minor, it could cause long-term problems, as the team is in the middle of a crucial training regime to set them up for the rest of the season.

"The important thing is to put some petrol in the tank and everyone played well despite the heavy workload of the past few days," continued the tactician.

"I am very happy with the effort and positive approach of the squad."

Inter defeated in Dubai
Monday 7 January, 2008

Inter were beaten 2-1 by Brazilian side Internacional in the Final of the Dubai Cup this evening.

The Italian champions were playing for a £750,000 prize after defeating Ajax on penalties in the semi-final.

Roberto Mancini fielded a completely different side on this occasion with Luis Jimenez playing behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Hernan Crespo up front.

The Nerazzurri were caught napping when Internacional captain Fernandăo blasted past Julio Cesar from long range after just 90 seconds.

The Italians looked sloppy during the first half hour, but they pulled level just before the interval when Crespo and goalkeeper Renan clashed trying to claim an Ibrahimovic cross and Jimenez was in the right place to turn home.

However, it wasn't to be for Mancini's men as Marcao found Nilmar to convert with style after 65 minutes to hand Internacional a 2-1 win and prove that there's life after Alexandre Pato.

Meanwhile, Stuttgart defeated Ajax 1-0 to claim third place with a late Alexander Farnarud goal against a 10-man Dutch side.

Mancio: Let's forget Dubai
Tuesday 8 January, 2008

Roberto Mancini has shrugged off Inter's defeat in the Dubai Cup Final yesterday evening. "It's the Siena game that counts."

The Italian champions were beaten 2-1 by Brazilian side Internacional, as Luis Jimenez's first-half equaliser didn't prove enough.

"We wanted to win this tournament, but it isn't important now," Mancini claimed.

"It was a tough game against Internacional and it was what we needed to be at our best for the Siena game.

"On Sunday, when Serie A restarts, it will be a totally different game. The result will really count then and it won't be easy against Siena.

"I am very happy with how the winter camp has gone. We have trained well in the perfect climate.

"The lads have worked hard and played two proper tests, rather than friendlies - that was crucial after the break."

Mancini concluded his spell in the United Arab Emirates by briefly discussing the Nerazzurri's injury situation.

"All the lads are doing their best to get fit again as soon as possible," he explained.

"Dejan Stankovic keeps getting better, but the others are on the way back too.

hahaha din no got summer break season friendly existed also ah

Inter losing to Inter....

too bad Stuttgart defeated Ajax in 3rd place.

Chivu: "A very strong squad"
Thursday, 10 January 2008 18:01:00
[FOTO Thursday, 10 January 2008 18:01:00]

APPIANO GENTILE - Romanian defender Cristian Chivu spoke briefly on Inter Channel following Thursday afternoon's training session at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti:

Chivu: is the team preparing well for the game at Siena?
"The team worked well yesterday and today, but also in the past days. We did all the athletic tests yesterday so today was a lighter session to loosen up the muscles a bit and reduce the fatigue accumulated yesterday."

Have you all been following the transfer market rumours that come out every day?
"Our priority is to think about the next match. It's the club and the staff who make the decisions regarding our squad."

President Moratti said that maybe a midfielder is needed now that Chivu will be used more in defence after the injury to Samuel...
"I thank the president. He believes in me and the whole team. A lot of us at Inter can cover various roles on the pitch, like I have done so far."

Roma defender Mexes said today that their squad is stronger than Inter's. What's your reply?
"I'll just say that we also have a very strong squad."

Matrix's happy New Year
Friday 11 January, 2008

Marco Materazzi spent a large part of 2007 on the sidelines, but the Inter stopper is raring to go in the New Year.

The talismanic defender picked up a serious thigh injury during Italy's friendly defeat against Hungary last August.

However, he bounced back to make his return before the Christmas break and is now nearing full fitness as he prepares to start against Siena - a side he scored against twice last term.

"I want to get back to how I was before the injury," the Matrix declared to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I'll need four or five full games to get to my best, but it's up to the boss to decide what's best.

"For now my dream is just to keep playing and then we will see about the future. In any case, I want to get the respect and the affection of the Nerazzurri faithful."

Inter seem to be strolling to the Scudetto and the former Perugia defender has been impressed by his colleagues' performances in his absence, but he remained tight-lipped on the subject of team spirit.

"I found Inter a more mature, ruthless and hungry side when I got back," he explained. "And our main strength is that we are a squad without second-choice players.

"Are we friends off the pitch? Our strength is measured on the pitch and not at the dinner table and we are made of steel on the pitch," he said.

Mancini: "Memories and dangers in Siena"
Saturday, 12 January 2008 16:31:59


APPIANO GENTILE - Roberto Mancini briefed the press ahead of today's training session and tomorrow's Serie A visit to Siena:

Mancini, in what shape will Inter be in Siena after the Christmas break?
"With all the difficulties that there can be after a three-week break, I hope we're fine. There may be a few more difficulties compared to how we finished off the year because we face a very tough away match. We will have to be careful."

What is the biggest problem a coach has to overcome when there is a three-week break?
"The players rested for seven to eight days, but each one of them had a personalised training programme. However, not playing regularly can obviously create a few problems. We have worked had and we played two fairly real matches. We did well, but the championship is another thing entirely and it will all be different for us. We face a very difficult away match. We will have to be very careful and be very focused."

Will Dejan Stankovic leave with you for Siena?
"Stankovic is available. He hasn't had any problems and he has worked well. The only reason he didn't play one of the friendlies in Dubai is because he was tired, but the problem seems to be solved. Why seems to be? Because you never know, and because the situation is a bit strange. He hasn't felt any pain for a few days, but we'll have to see what happens when he puts a bit more pressure on his foot. For the moment things are going well, and there shouldn't be any more problems."

How is Patrick Vieira?
"He should be back with the squad on Tuesday. If everything goes well he might play a bit of match in the next round of the Coppa Italia."

Siena have changed a bit in recent months...
"They're a dangerous team. Also, every team is dangerous when you re-start in January. Situations change in these cases, and they have also changed coach. They have done well in their last matches, and they played an excellent game in Turin. They won at Genoa and did very well at home to Napoli. They are back to being the hard team to face that they were last year. It's true that we won the Scudetto at Siena, but theirs is a difficult ground for us and that match wasn't easy either. This is why I say we'll have to play a great match to make a winning start."

Will Cristian Chivu be used more regularly in defence after the injury to Walter Samuel?
"With Chivu, Materazzi, Burdisso and Cordoba, we have various options in defence. It will depend mostly on the condition of each individual player. Marco still isn't one hundred percent. Chivu and Burdisso are fine, but in any case we have various possibilities and they are all good ones."


http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28365&L=en

Mancini names squad for Siena v Inter
Saturday, 12 January 2008 16:13:00
[FOTO Saturday, 12 January 2008 16:13:00]

APPIANO GENTILE - Roberto Mancini has named a 21-player squad for Sunday afternoon's Serie A Week 18 match at the Stadio Franchi in Siena (kick-off 15:00):

Goalkeepers: 12 Julio Cesar, 22 Paolo Orlandoni, 71 Enrico Alfonso.

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

Midfielders: 5 Dejan Stankovic, 11 Luis Jimenez, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 21 Santiago Solari, 30 Pelé, 31 Cesar.

Strikers: 8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 9 Julio Ricardo Cruz, 18 Hernan Crespo, 45 Mario Balotelli.

http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=28363&L=en

Serie A: Siena 2-3 Inter
Sunday, 13 January 2008 17:00:17


SIENA - Inter emerged 3-2 victors over Siena in a well balanced match at the Stadio Franchi.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring from the penalty spot but Siena were soon back in the game after Maccarone's close-range effort went in off Ivan Cordoba.

Esteban Cambiasso restored Inter's lead at the end of the first half, with Ibrahimovic adding a stunning third after the break.

But Siena never gave up and their substitute Forestieri scored with a stunning strike in the final seconds.

Mancini's defending champions remain seven points clear of second-placed Roma, who came from behind to beat Atalanta 2-1 in Bergamo.

A compact Siena proved a tough nut to crack for the Nerazzurri, who edged in front after 26 minutes when Ibrahimovic beat Manninger from the penalty spot after a foul by Codrea on Cruz.

The Tuscans battled hard for a leveller and were rewarded in the 31st, Maccarone's close-range effort going in off Cordoba after Frick's headed assist from Locatelli's cross.

Locatelli and Galloppa hit long-range shots narrowly over as Siena came looking for a second goal.

But seconds before the break Cambiasso popped up in the box to finish off a three-man move involving Chivu and Ibrahimovic and deliver a psychological blow to Beretta's men.

Mancini made a half-time switch, bringing on Dejan Stankovic for Maicon. The Serbian midfielder, who made his Inter debut in a 4-0 home win over Siena in February 2004, had been out of action since the Champions League victory over Fenerbahce last November.

Seven minutes after the interval Ibrahimovic conjured up a splendid goal to give Inter a two-goal cushion. Collecting a Chivu cut-back following a run down the left by the Romanian, Ibra picked his spot and unleashed a rising drive that flew into the top right corner.

Despite the uphill task Siena never gave up, with Julio Cesar forced into saves from Corvia, Maccarone and Vergassola.

But there was nothing Inter's shotstopper could do to block Forestieri's magnificent volley in time added on.

The Nerazzurri went close to a fourth in the dying seconds, Manninger narrowing the angle to deny Cruz after a combination with Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic: "Three very important points"
Sunday, 13 January 2008 17:18:18


SIENA - Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke on Sky Italia after scoring twice to help Inter to a 3-2 victory at Siena.

"We were expecting it to be a hard game and it was. They are always difficult after the Christmas break," said Ibra, who carried off the man of the match award.

"We have earned three very important points, three points that give the squad even more confidence. We're in excellent form. Now we have to stay focused and continue like this."

Asked if the championship is a two-horse race between Inter and Roma, Zlatan replied: "There's not just Roma. There's also Juventus and Fiorentina, and you'll see that Milan will be back in the race."

Ibra's double against Siena was his sixth brace of the season, and his second goal at the Franchi was one for the archives. "Yes, I scored a wonderful goal," he said. "I'm working very hard in training and you can see the results in matches, thanks also to my team-mates.

"Physically I'm feeling very good and I have great faith in my potential."

Mancini: "Good win at difficult ground"
Sunday, 13 January 2008 17:58:08


SIENA - Roberto Mancini was interviewed by Sky Italia after Inter's 3-2 win over Siena at the Stadio Franchi.

"It was an important victory, but there are still many matches to go until the end of the championship," he said.

"It was important to start after the break with a victory, and it was a victory against an excellent opponent at a difficult ground.

"For their first goal we were a bit careless, giving Locatelli too much room, but we did well to score the goal for 2-1 before the break."

Mancini spoke highly of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He said: "Ibra can improve even more. He scored an extraordinary goal today. It was a goal of exceptional power and precision. He can do anything with the shot he has."

On the race for the Scudetto, the Inter coach continued: "Juventus are ten points behind in the table and Roma are in front of them, so of course it's more difficult for them now.

"But let's not forget than the Bianconeri don't have the European cup games. From February onwards it will be harder for us and Roma."

Replying to a question on Inter's January transfer targets, Mancini said: "Maniche is an excellent player and with Samuel and Dacourt out injured it was important to have another player available, a player who can also play in the Champions League.

"Sissoko? He has great quality and is a player who has gained good experience at Valencia and Liverpool despite his young age. He will be important for whoever manages to get him."

during the italian first division soccer match between Siena and F.C. Inter

Moratti: "What a great goal by Ibra"
Monday, 14 January 2008 12:18:11


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

The situation in the table hasn't changed after the first matches since the break, and you have increased your lead over Juventus. Are you surprised by Inter's performance?
"Not at all. They're doing what we were expecting of them. They do it with great continuity and resolution."

Another positive note is the return of Dejan Stankovic.
"Yes, a very good return."

You asked for more goals from Ibrahimovic, and you have been immediately rewarded in the first competitive game of 2008. The Swede scored a magnificent goal.
"I said he was disciplined. He scored a superb goal and he played very well. He has this potential and he exploits it."

Portuguese midfielder Maniche is undergoing a medical this morning. Will he sign the contract today if everything goes well?
"I don't know exactly at what point we are. He's doing the tests and if everything goes well he will definitely be useful to us."

There has been talk of Maniche's attitude problems. Are you worried this might undermine the squad's tranquillity?
"We haven't spoken about this. He has the reputation of being an excellent professional. From this point of view, I think he will continue like this."

Have you already spoken with the player?
"No, not yet."

Did you see Milan v Napoli last night, and what did you think of the performances of Pato and Ronaldo?
"No. I only saw the start. Later on I heard how it went and I'm pleased for Pato who is a young and talented lad."