MD37: Inter - Siena 11/5/08 (14.00 UK)

[Jager]

Inter - Siena
LIVE ON FIVE
Stadio Meazza


Inter have scheduled a Scudetto party for this Sunday, but they are still rocking from derby defeat as Siena arrive full of confidence and under no pressure.

Last week’s 2-1 loss against Milan could hardly have been more painful for Roberto Mancini’s men. Having dreamed of securing the Scudetto under the noses of their city rivals, the Nerazzurri were instead forced to watch the Diavolo celebrate as Roma cut their lead to three points. It will all prove to be academic if Inter secure a routine win over mid-table Siena, but anything less than three points here would set up a gut-wrenching final-day trip to Parma.

While there’s no need to panic with just one win needed to clinch the silverware, Inter are limping towards the finishing line and there are clouds gathering. Mancini’s future is shrouded in mystery with the tactician’s relationship with President Massimo Moratti looking increasingly tempestuous. If this is to be the end of his reign, Mancio will want the Inter fans to remember him as the man who paraded the Scudetto around San Siro rather than the despairing figure who prowled the sideline last weekend.

Siena have already won their title by securing another season amongst the elite. The gutsy minnows achieved safety well ahead of schedule and are comfortably nestled in mid-table. Last weekend’s 1-0 win over Juventus was the icing on the cake for Coach Mario Beretta and highlighted the improvements he has made over the last year.

The visitors may have nothing to play for, but they won’t be completely short of motivation. Despite his success, Beretta has been haunted by rumours that former Cagliari boss Marco Giampaolo could replace him at the end of the season. What better way for Beretta to make his case than following a triumph over Juve with an earth-shattering win over Inter? It would certainly win him Brownie points with general manager Lombardi Stronati, who has revealed that he is a Roma fan.

Inter were tested by the Tuscans back in Week 18 when they won by the odd goal in five. Controversial refereeing decisions helped the Beneamata squeeze the three points through a Zlatan Ibrahimovic brace but they came under fire for their unconvincing performance.

The leaders have had to deal with more than their fair share of absentees this term. Swedish striking star Ibrahimovic remains a big loss, but Mancini has faith in teen sensation Mario Balotelli, who is likely to partner the reliable Julio Cruz. Defenders Ivan Cordoba and Walter Samuel saw their seasons finish prematurely, so Nelson Rivas continues his learning curve. Luis Figo is still sidelined and may have played his last game for the Nerazzurri.

By contrast, Beretta has been very fortunate with injuries and defender Valerio Bertotto is his only missing man.

Keep an eye on: Julio Cruz (Inter) – The 13-goal hitman has stepped up in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and has three goals in his last three outings.

Last season: Inter 2-0 Siena

Form guide: Inter (W W W W L) Siena (D D L D W)


Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Materazzi, Rivas, Chivu; Vieira, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Stankovic; Balotelli, Crespo

Siena (probable): Manninger; Ficagna, Portanova, Loria, De Ceglie; Vergassola, Codrea, Galloppa; Kharja, Locatelli, Maccarone

Ref: To follow...

channel4.com - Football Italia


After the victory over Lazio in Roma, I expect the Nerrazzurri to play a good game on Sunday, as opposed to the stinker against Milano.

Better lineup with more pride. However some of those players against Lazio should be considered, but they won't.

[acitalianman13]

lets hope we can celebrate common please it will make my day

[Jager]

They key is to start off strong from the start.

I expect Cucho to have a big game.

[Forza_Roma]

Hoping Siena can perform a miracle here and do Roma a massive favour. Siena need to defend in numbers and be on top of their game...or they don't stand a chance. Siena are ensured Serie A safety, so any result will be fine with them.

[Forza_Roma]

Chivu will miss this game...typical Chivu...injury prone.

Campaign over for Chivu?
Friday 9 May, 2008

Cristian Chivu’s season could well be over after the Inter star sustained another shoulder injury during the Coppa Italia semi-final.

The Romanian international has long suffered from shoulder problems and fell awkwardly at the Olimpico in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Lazio.

He left the field holding his arm and making a gesture to the bench suggesting this was a serious issue.

Chivu has been waiting to have surgery to correct the problem until after Euro 2008, although it seems as if he has played his last club game this season.

He did not take part in training today and is definitely out of Sunday’s potential Scudetto decider with Siena.

With this in mind and teammates Ivan Cordoba and Walter Samuel also out of action, Roberto Mancini could field Marco Materazzi and Nicolas Burdisso in central defence with Maxwell at left-back.

[acitalianman13]

damn injuries

[acitalianman13]

i just found out that its a sell out at the meazza for sunday

[Forza_Roma]

Sell out bc all the fans want to be in attendance for the celebration...little do they know, they won't be celebrating at ALL this season. lol

Roma 2007-2008 Scudetto/Coppa Italia Champions!!!!

[Jager]

I hope you just jinxed your team.

Inter will come out flying I imagine. And if the fans want to come out, they can and cheer on their club.

[Forza_Roma]

I'm just joking around...Inter will claim the title sunday at home in front of their fans. Hopefully Rai covers the post game celebrations. Nice to see the players bring out their kids and celebrate on the field.

[acitalianman13]

yea i was wondering if rai will show celebration

[Forza_Roma]

Last year Inter had a few celebrations of the title....i think they clinched the title away (celebrated) then they celebrated when they arrived at home. not sure if Rai covered it. I know Rai/GolTV last year covered the Coppa celebrations. I suspect Rai will cover it bc they are showing the Inter game and the Roma match Sunday. And they usually do post game analyst as well. I would rather see them show the Inter celebration, then reviewing every offside/foul in slow motion 10x!!

[Forza_Roma]

Siena don't have anything to play for...i would be surprised if Inter don't win 3-0

Mancio's favourite Scudetto
Saturday 10 May, 2008

Roberto Mancini insists this’ll be “our most enjoyable Scudetto” when Inter beat Siena on Sunday at a packed San Siro.

The Nerazzurri were already planning a party last week, but the 2-1 loss in the Milan derby instead closed the gap from Roma to just three points.

“I hoped this would be a battle until the end, because if you win it then you appreciate it more,” smiled Mancio.

“Victory is all that counts. Anything else just doesn’t enter into it.”

This would be their third consecutive Serie A title, although the 2005-06 edition was handed to them through Calciopoli and last term most of their competitors had points penalties.

A single win in the final two games is enough to mathematically seal the title for Inter and they hope to achieve it on Sunday against Siena.

“We need three points and those could come this weekend or next Sunday at Parma. Football is not an exact science, you never can tell when and how something will happen.”

Siena have nothing left to play for, as they have avoided relegation, but this season have already beaten Roma and Juventus.

“Now that Siena are safe, they can play without pressure. They have had an extraordinary season, have nothing to lose and will go out there to win.

“It all depends on us now. If we do well, then we have a great chance of taking home this Scudetto.”

The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza is sold out and Mancini asks the supporters to make some noise, not just in the post-match celebrations.

“I think they should not come to the stadium already thinking of what happens after the final whistle. As it is sold out, the first thing I want to see is San Siro as a cauldron with deafening cheers from start to finish. This is the help they need to give us for 90 minutes.”

As expected, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still not included in the squad, while Cristian Chivu is out after sustaining a new shoulder injury during the Coppa Italia win over Lazio midweek.

Inter squad: 1 Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar; 4 Zanetti, 6 Maxwell, 13 Maicon, 16 Burdisso, 23 Materazzi, 24 Rivas; 5 Stankovic, 11 Jimenez, 14 Vieira, 19 Cambiasso, 28 Maniche, 30 Pelè, 31 Cesar; 9 Cruz, 18 Crespo, 29 Suazo, 45 Balotelli.

[Trim]

Game over. 2-2. Materazzi missed the pen to make it 3-2 for Inter.

Inter have really fucked this up. Roma won on the other side.

Inter 82 pts
Roma 81 pts

Everything to be seen on the last matchday!

[Forza_Roma]

I have never seen Mancini so angry on the bench...he was furious with Matrix as he fist not knowingly blocked the Suazo shot, then missed the penalty. Siena deserve all the credit in the world...with nothing to play for, they played their hearts out. Ex Roma player Kharja scored to get Siena level.

Should be an entertaining week next week...Parma will certainly want to avoid regulation and Inter will have everything to play for. Should be another good match.

Cambiasso also left the field with an apparent serious ankle injury.