MD18: Siena - Inter 13/1/08

[Jager]

Serie A Week 18 - (14.00 UK)
Siena - Inter

Stadio Franchi


Inter return to the scene of their 2007 Scudetto triumph as they look to continue their march towards this year’s League crown against Siena.

Although the Nerazzurri technically won the 2005-06 championship – thanks to Calciopoli – their trip to the Stadio Franchi on April 22, 2007 will live long in the memory after 18 years without winning Serie A on the pitch. On that day it was fitting that Marco Materazzi, arguably the subject of the ultimate ‘zero to hero’ story, netted the brace which saw them mathematically crowned Campione d’Italia.

Despite missing much of this term through injury, Matrix is expected to be in the starting XI for Inter’s trip to Tuscany. The No 23 has had to watch on as Ivan Cordoba and Walter Samuel forged a formidable central-defensive partnership, but an injury to the latter in the Milan derby has opened the door to Materazzi. That is expected to be Roberto Mancini’s only change to the side which emerged from the clash against their San Siro cousins with a 2-1 victory before the winter break.

So that means that Cristian Chivu will once again take his place in midfield, while Luis Jimenez takes the Trequartista role after some fine performances in the Dubai Cup this week. The Chilean ace has thrived in the absence of Luis Figo, vindicating Mancio’s decision to sign him last summer. However, fellow new boy David Suazo has picked up an injury and won’t be available to take his usual spot on the substitutes bench.

Siena, meanwhile, can only dream of having a player with Suazo’s quality in their starting XI, let alone on the bench. Nonetheless, recalled Coach Mario Beretta is doing the best that he can with a pretty poor squad. Although axed tactician Andrea Mandorlini is to blame for some of it, let us not forget that many of these players operated under Beretta last term.

One thing that Siena are, at least when they play in front of their home fans, is tough to beat. They’ve lost just twice at their Tuscan base this term but, unfortunately, have just the one victory to their name with the other six matches finishing all square. Despite losing their last Serie A match at Juventus, the Robur put up a good fight against the Old Lady and that is likely to be reflected in Beretta’s team selection as he is tipped to name an unchanged line-up.

Don’t expect any miracles from this game though if you’re a fan of one of Inter’s rivals. The San Siro boys have won five out of eight meetings between the sides since Siena were promoted to the top flight in 2003. The other three matches finished all square, one of which took place almost two years ago to the day. It’s a tiny bit of hope for the Siena faithful to cling on to.

Keep an eye on: Julio Cruz (Inter) – The Argentine hitman has 10 goals from 13 League appearances this term and has netted in seven consecutive matches.

Last season: Siena 1-2 Inter

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


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

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

Ref: To follow...

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[Jager]

Loria awaits Inter fight Thursday 10 January, 2008


Siena are struggling as they prepare for a daunting test against Inter and defender Simone Loria knows the size of the task.

The Tuscans face Eccellenza side Colle Val D’Elsa tomorrow as they complete their preparations for 2008.

The Robur finished last year firmly embedded in the relegation mire and need to turn things around fast, but they couldn’t have a harder start to the second half of the campaign.

“Inter have no weaknesses, but you never know,” Loria told journalists at the Bianconeri’ retreat.

“We will need to be on form and play for the whole 90 minutes – we can’t let the last 10 minutes become a problem in this one.”

Loria and his colleagues have been joined by new goalkeeping recruit Richard Porta – a Uruguayan international – last week and ‘The Kangaroo’ could command a starting place.

“I didn’t have the chance to play against him because we were always on the same team in the training matches,” Loria explained.

“But he seems ready to prove himself. He has only been here a week, but it’s clear that we signed him because he could do a job for us.”

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[D-Kin]

Beretta hopes for Inter miracle Sunday 13 January, 2008

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Siena realise they face a mission impossible against runaway leaders Inter, but Coach Mario Beretta is not phased.

“Inter are one of the strongest teams in the world,” commented the tactician ahead of this afternoon’s Serie A clash.

“It is an incredibly difficult encounter for us, but it is our duty to at least try and get something out of it.”

The Nerazzurri are currently unbeaten in the top flight and seven points clear in the lead, while Siena have just one home win, six draws and two defeats this season.

There has been heavy rainfall all over Tuscany this week, so the pitch is expected to be very heavy, but even that is not seen as an advantage by Beretta.

“Inter have players of greater physical presence and physique than we do, so they will in fact be favoured by the conditions.”

Siena must do without Milan-owned defender Leandro Grimi.

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[Jager]

First half over, and we have been much to slow. We got a questionable PK, but the more I see it, I think there was contact. Then gave up a really sloppy goal and it was 1-1, the Siena returned the favour off a corner that should of been cleared at the end of the half.....now its 2-1 for Inter.

Nobody really stood out for us, I hope things improve in the second.

I think the club is really missing FIgo at this stage.

[Jager]

Zlatan has woke up, he scores a "cracker", incredible shot and finds the top corner.

3-1 for Inter.

[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 18 - 13/1/08 (14.00 UK)
Siena 2 - 3 Inter
Ibrahimovic pen 26, 53 (I), Cordoba og 31 (S), Cambiasso 45 (I), Forestieri 91 (S)
Stadio Franchi Arena Montepaschi

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Inter notched up a seventh straight victory, but it was much harder work than expected, as Siena were furious at two controversial decisions.

The Nerazzurri returned to the scene of their 2007 Scudetto triumph and were already sure of the Winter champions crown with a seven-point lead at the top of the table. Injuries continued to decimate the squad with Walter Samuel and Olivier Dacourt out for the season and Luis Figo, Patrick Vieira, Francesco Toldo and David Suazo sidelined. Siena had lost just twice on home turf this season, but also had only one victory under their belts, drawing the other six. To make matters worse, the history books showed a total of two Inter victories and two stalemates in their Serie A encounters.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic set up a fine chance that Julio Cruz fired straight at Alex Manninger from point-blank range.

Inter were struggling to find a way through, but the referee pointed to the spot when Paul Codrea clattered into Cruz and Siena were furious at the decision, insisting the Argentine had run into their teammate or at the very least that it was a free kick for obstruction. Ibrahimovic stepped up and although Alex Manninger guessed the right angle, the goalkeeper was unable to keep it out.

Siena fought back and equalised almost immediately. Mario Frick nodded Tomas Locatelli's cross to the back post back across the face of goal for Massimo Maccarone and Ivan Cordoba to come flying in. The Colombian may well have got the final touch to bundle the ball over the line.

The Tuscans were piling on the pressure against an oddly sluggish Inter, but the Scudetto holders went into the break 2-1 up thanks to a chaotic move. Siena couldn't clear the ball effectively and eventually Ibra cut back for Esteban Cambiasso to come sliding in from six yards. There were protests about this goal too, as Cruz may have been interfering with play and the ball possibly went over the byeline.

Dejan Stankovic made his comeback from a heel injury with his first game since November 27, while Siena introduced Roma youth product Daniele Corvia. Luis Jimenez almost made it 3-1 by turning Paolo De Ceglie and firing wide from the edge of the box.

Ibrahimovic gave Inter their two-goal cushion with a cracking strike, his second goal of the game. The Swede unleashed a cruise missile from the edge of the box that cannoned into the far top corner with his sweet right foot.

Siena should have pulled one back, as Locatelli managed to squeeze a pass through a sea of legs for Corvia to spring the offside trap, but Julio Cesar came tearing out with a decisive point-blank save.

Corvia had another good opportunity, as did Daniele Galloppa, while Cruz tested Manninger. Siena wanted a penalty for Pele's tackle on Locatelli, but the referee waved play on.

Julio Cesar had to rush out to close down Maccarone, then the former Middlesbrough hitman drilled just past the post from the edge of the box. In one of few real shots on goal from Inter in this second half, Ibra blasted well over after good work from Cruz.

Simone Vergassola also brought a save out of Julio Cesar, as Siena absolutely refused to give in. In stoppages they reduced the deficit to a minimum with Forestieri smacking a poor clearance under the crossbar from the edge of the box with a strong finish.

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Siena: Manninger; Bertotto, Portanova, Loria, De Ceglie; Vergassola, Codrea (Forestieri 75), Galloppa, Locatelli (Alberto 83); Frick (Corvia 46), Maccarone

Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon (Stankovic 46), Cordoba, Materazzi, Maxwell (Burdisso 83); Zanetti, Chivu, Cambiasso; Jimenez (Pele' 72); Ibrahimovic, Cruz

Ref: Girardi

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[D-Kin]

Beretta fury at Inter decisions Sunday 13 January, 2008

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Siena boss Mario Beretta was livid with the referee after their controversial 3-2 defeat and Roberto Mancini insists Inter haven’t got the title yet.

There were two incidents at the Stadio Franchi Arena Montepaschi that infuriated Beretta – a penalty on Julio Cruz and the Esteban Cambiasso goal.

“The penalty was absolutely non-existent. They were both looking at the ball and collided,” slammed the tactician.

“The second goal should have been disallowed as well, as the ball may well have crossed the line. We also had decisions go against us with Juventus. We don’t expect favours from referees, but only for equal treatment.

“The referee also only gave a handful of minutes for injury time when there were so many stoppages. It was absurd.”

Siena nonetheless put the title holders under constant pressure and lost only by the most slender scoreline.

“The team played very well and did not let their heads drop. It’s a shame we didn’t take home at least a point. It was important to play open football against every opponent, even Inter.”

The Nerazzurri had a scare in Siena, but emerged with a 3-2 victory, their seventh win on the trot.

“It was important to win after the Christmas break,” noted Mancini. “We had a good start despite Siena’s fine performance and although there were some silly mistakes on the equaliser, we did well to get back into the lead before half-time.”

Although Roma are still seven points adrift, Juventus’ 1-1 draw at Catania last night leaves them 10 points behind in third place.

“If there were only three rounds to go, we’d be relaxed, but we’re not even halfway through the season yet.

“It’s tougher for Juve, but then they won’t have the Champions League commitments in February and those are the periods where we have to struggle. With 20 rounds still to go, it has to be an open campaign.”

Inter have now confirmed Nuno Maniche will complete his transfer from Atletico Madrid after his medical on Monday.

“Maniche is an excellent player and with both Walter Samuel and Olivier Dacourt out for the campaign, we needed someone who could play in all competitions.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Jager]

PK was a so-so call, I admit that. The second goal was good, no problems there.

Inter played well enough to win, not spectacular. Not like Milan did yesterday, however we don't have anything to prove like our cousins.

Its really strange, but this Inter doesn't need to work hard to score goals. They just come. I'm not sure if this is good or not?

I think it is....

[Jager]

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