MD15:Inter - Torino 9/12/07 (14.00 UK)

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Serie A Week 15 -

Stadio Meazza


Torino’s hopes of getting their season back on track might have to be put on hold for a week as they face a daunting Week 15 trip to the Stadio Meazza to take on champions Inter. The Nerazzurri were on cruise control as they easily saw off Fiorentina last weekend, while Toro are without a win in five.

Walter Novellino’s men are, in fact, the draw specialists of Serie A as an incredible nine of their 14 matches this term have finished all square – including their current run of four in a row. The main problem seems to be down to a lack of goals, as they are averaging just one per game, compared to Inter’s two. To put it into context, the Nerazzurri’s preferred strike pairing of Julio Cruz and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have netted as many times as the whole Granata squad.

Considering the manner in which they disposed of Fiorentina – many people’s tip to be a dark horse for the Scudetto – it comes as no surprise to learn that Roberto Mancini is trying to keep as much of that starting XI together as possible. Unfortunately, an injury to Olivier Dacourt early on in that game means that he is absent this week, with Dejan Stankovic coming into the side. Dacourt joins a list of absentees which includes Adriano, Luis Figo, Francesco Toldo and Patrick Vieira.

The sign of a good Coach is spotting where you’ve gone wrong and then rectifying the situation. Therefore it is a relief for Torino fans to see Novellino scrap his attempt to play ‘the Roma way’ when his side lined-up against Genoa without a recognised front man. The victims of this decision are Alvaro Recoba – who is likely to be on the bench against his old side – and David Di Michele, with Alessandro Rosina the only member of the attacking trio to retain his place in the side.

The change to a conventional 4-4-2 sees the experienced Marco Di Loreto make way for Marco Motta, a man 12 years his junior, at the back. Toro’s midfield is set to be strengthened by Vince Grella and Roberto Barone, both of whom are returning from suspension, with Recoba and Paolo Zanetti the men likely to miss out. And last, but by no means least, ex-Nerazzurri striker Nicola Ventola will be given the opportunity to show his old employers what they are missing when he replaces Di Michele.

Unfortunately for the Granata, Inter won both meetings last term – netting six goals in the process – and are unbeaten in League matches between the sides since 1994. It certainly doesn’t bode well for the boys from Turin…

Keep an eye on: Luis Jimenez (Inter) – He was one of the Nerazzurri’s least heralded arrivals in the summer, but in recent weeks the Chilean has shown why Mancio was so keen to bring him to San Siro.

Last season: Inter 3-0 Torino

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


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

Torino (probable): Sereni; Comotto, Natali, Dellafiore, Lanna; Motta, Grella, Corini, Barone; Rosina, Ventola

Ref: To follow

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Alvaro gunning for ‘lucky’ Mancio Thursday 6 December, 2007

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Torino’s Alvaro Recoba wants to score on his return to Inter and has hit out at Roberto Mancini, labelling him “lucky”.

El Chino is on loan to Torino after falling out of Mancini’s first-team plans and seems to be enjoying his time with the Granata.

While he is likely to receive a warm welcome at San Siro this Sunday, Recoba is desperate to show Mancio what the Nerazzurri are missing.

“We never clicked,” the 31-year-old told Sportsweek. “I felt that before he came to Inter and several times when he was here.

“He has his ways of seeing things and I have mine and the two have never met.

“In my opinion, Mancini was very, very lucky as he arrived at Inter at the right time in every sense.

“I’m hoping to score and then we will see if I celebrate or not,” Recoba continued.

“In the 10 years I was at Inter I was never rude and I think that the fans will greet me.

“But during the game they will whistle me as happens in this country. From the first to the 90th minute passion will rule, but after the whistle it will be love."

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Mancini calms Recoba spat Thursday 6 December, 2007

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Inter Coach Roberto Mancini refuses to be lured into a war of words with exiled striker Alvaro Recoba.

Recoba is currently on loan with Torino – Inter’s opponents this weekend – and caused controversy by labelling Mancio “lucky”.

It is well known that the two men don’t see eye to eye, but the Nerazzurri tactician is playing down the problem.

“As I have always said, he is a very talented player,” Mancini said.

“It’s normal that if a player isn’t playing much there will be some trouble, but nothing in particular.”

Despite injury problems, Inter remain in a dominant position at the top of the Serie A table and Mancini is full of optimism.

“We have many absentees, but things are going well and we hope to continue on this road in Serie A and the Champions League.

“All the players, even those who have been used a little less, have responded with professionalism.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

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Moratti fears Chino return Friday 7 December, 2007

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Inter chief Massimo Moratti is hoping that Alvaro Recoba doesn’t come back to haunt the Nerazzurri for Torino this weekend.

After 10 years at San Siro, El Chino was sent out on loan to the Granata during the summer.

Despite his close relationship with Moratti and many other faces at the club, the Uruguayan hitman has stressed his desire to score on his return.

“We know that he is a dangerous player, but I hope that he doesn’t have a great game against us,” Moratti said nervously.

Recoba caused controversy yesterday by admitting that he had a poor relationship with Coach Roberto Mancini, but, like Mancio, Moratti is keen to play down the 31-year-old’s comments.

“Perhaps they don’t get on that well because Alvaro hasn’t played that much,” he speculated.

“Having said that, I don’t think that there is any need to cause controversy over something like that.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

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All eyes will be on Recoba then.

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We have to be ready here or else. Look for the return of Matrix to the lineup, I'm going on limb and predicting a goal for the big dude.

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Mancini: We need a bigger squad Saturday 8 December, 2007

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Roberto Mancini has publicly appealed to Inter patron Massimo Moratti for reinforcements and sent a message to Torino star Alvaro Recoba.

“We are in an emergency situation here. We’re going to Eindhoven with just 13 players and do not want to embarrass ourselves,” pointed out the Coach ahead of their Champions League match with PSV.

Although the team is already qualified for the next round and assured of first place in the group, it is a sign of a wider injury crisis that has left him with precious few options.

“Luis Jimenez and Marco Materazzi are tired. I need them for Eindhoven and so to play them tomorrow is a risk I might not be prepared to take. I hope to recover a few players soon, then we will see what needs to be done.”

The clash with Torino sees Inter without Dejan Stankovic, Luis Figo, Patrick Vieira, Olivier Dacourt, Nelson Rivas, Francesco Toldo, Adriano and the suspended Walter Samuel.

One of the main transfer rumours surrounding the club for January is an exchange between Adriano and Manchester City striker Rolando Bianchi.

“Adriano is working on his fitness in Brazil. When he returns we will evaluate his condition, but certain decisions must be made by the club.”

Mancini has never seen eye to eye with Adriano, but his rapport with Recoba – currently on loan at Sunday’s opponents Torino – is even worse and the Uruguayan attacked him in the newspapers this week.

“He did not offend me,” assured Mancio. “It seems normal that when a player spends time on the bench he has a few more issues with the Coach, but for me Recoba remains a great talent. Like everyone else, I thought talented players must work for the squad.”

As Juventus face on form Atalanta and Roma travel to Livorno, the Nerazzurri have the opportunity to further extend their lead at the top of the table.

“Torino are a solid squad who do very well away from home, just look at the draw they got in this stadium with Milan earlier this season. Their attack has great quality with Recoba and Alessandro Rosina who can be dangerous at any moment.

“Factor in that we have played three games in the past eight days and they have fresher legs, which could have an influence. Football is full of instances where the so-called weaker teams beat the ones that felt strong. That is what makes the sport so wonderful.”

Inter squad: Julio Cesar, Orlandoni; Cordoba, Zanetti, Maxwell, Maicon, Burdisso, Materazzi, Rivas, Chivu; Jimenez, Cambiasso, Solari, Pelè, Cesar; Ibrahimovic, Cruz, Crespo, Suazo

channel4.com - Football Italia

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Novellino stands up to Inter Sunday 9 December, 2007

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Torino will not sit back and accept defeat against Inter today, insists Coach Walter Novellino.

“Our opponents are incredibly strong and have no weaknesses, but my lads will respond to the challenge,” assured the tactician.

In particular it will be a special occasion for Alvaro Recoba, who joined Toro on loan after 10 years with the Nerazzurri.

“Each has his own motivation and mental energy ahead of a game. It is the duty of every player to do well.”

Eugenio Corini has not even made the trip due to an injury, but Novellino is still celebrating as the packed treatment room slowly empties out.

“Corini is an important player for us, though we have Simone Barone who can take on any midfield role.

“It is wonderful this week to finally have a choice of players. I am getting many of them back, although some are still not 100 per cent.

“I like the tactical balance with Paolo Hernan Dellafiore at left-back and Salvatore Lanna out wide.

"Of course with Matteo Rubin fit I could have had another alternative, but there’s no point crying about it now. That is the situation and we have to get on with it.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

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1-0 to Inter thanks to a Zlatan penalty.

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HT 1-0 to Inter.

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Cruz makes it 2-0.

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Jimenez makes it 3-0, game over.

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Cordoba with a rare goal, 4-0.

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FT 4-0 to Inter.

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Serie A Week 15 - 9/12/07 (14.00 UK)
Inter 4 - 0 Torino
Ibrahimovic pen 38 (I), Cruz 50 (I), Jimenez 52 (I), Cordoba 76 (I)
Stadio Meazza

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Alvaro Recoba made his return to San Siro, but the Uruguayan barely got a look-in as Inter steamrollered Torino.

Toro were coming off four consecutive draws and faced the Serie A leaders on cruise control, although there were problems for Roberto Mancini, as Olivier Dacourt, Patrick Vieira, Luis Figo, Dejan Stankovic, Adriano and Francesco Toldo were sidelined along with the suspended Walter Samuel. Marco Materazzi made his first start since picking up a serious thigh