Showing posts with label serie a. Show all posts
Showing posts with label serie a. Show all posts

Lazio fights back from 2 down to win in Serie A

Lazio pulled off a stunning second-half comeback against lowly Cesena in Serie A, recovering from two goals down to win 3-2 despite playing for nearly an hour with 10 men on Thursday.

Adrian Mutu gave Cesena the lead then debutant Vincenzo Iaquinta fired home a spot kick following an incident which also saw Lazio defender Abdoulay Konko sent off.

However, Lazio surged back in the second half with three goals in 10 minutes, from Hernanes, Senad Lulic and Libor Kozak.

Lazio moves provisionally into third place, ahead of Udinese which faces second-placed AC Milan on Saturday. Cesena remains second from bottom, four points off safety.

Meanwhile, Siena beat Napoli 2-1 in the first leg of the Italian Cup semifinals. The second leg will be played on March 21.

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Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has stated that coach Cesare Prandelli will be staying at the club.

Recent speculation in the Italian press has suggested that Prandelli could move to Juventus this summer.

But Corvino has rubbished reports and said that would not happen.

“Will Prandelli remain? For sure he will,” Corvino told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Fiorentina president Diego Della Valle last week called for Prandelli to publicly pledge his allegiance to the Viola after ongoing speculation that he is the number one candidate to replace Alberto Zaccheroni at Juve at the end of the season.

“The comments made by our president were only of affection towards Prandelli because he does not want to lose him,” Corvino added. “Prandelli has always stated he would like to continue with us.”

The 52-year-old Prandelli is the longest serving coach in Serie A after joining Fiorentina in the summer of 2005. He is under contract with the club until June 2011.

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Pato’s Agent Rules Out Milan Exit

Alexandre Pato’s agent has ruled out a move away from AC Milan for the Brazil international.

The 20-year-old has long been linked with both Real Madrid and Chelsea, but his contract with AC Milan keeps him at the club until 2014.

Pato’s agent Gilmar Veloz insists the youngster has no intention of leaving the San Siro.

“Chelsea and Real? These are only market rumours,” Veloz told calciomercato.it.

“There is nothing true. He has a deal with Milan and he feels good in Milan.”

Reports have suggested that Pato has changed his agent, but that his something Veloz denies.

“I’m happy this has been cleared up. I’m Pato’s agent and I stay with him for several years,” he added.

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Galliani rules out Pato transfer

Adriano Galliani locked down Alexandre Pato and claimed Milan’s Scudetto showdown with Napoli is “very important, but not decisive.”

The Rossoneri are still top of the Serie A table and go head-to-head with second-placed Napoli on Monday night.

“This match will be very important, but not decisive,” insisted the Milan Vice-President.

Galliani also commented on reports that young striker Pato would be sacrificed over the summer transfer market to bring in reinforcements.

“The Brazilian is essential for Milan and will absolutely remain here,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

There has been a hat-trick of home defeats for Italian sides in the first leg of the Champions League ties, but the former Lega Calcio chief is keeping calm.

“It will be difficult for all three teams, but we must not all is lost already.”

Milan lost 1-0 to Tottenham and Inter fell by the same scoreline to Bayern Munich, while Roma were defeated 3-2 by Shakhtar Donetsk.

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Cassano: 'Cavani like Ibrahimovic? It's a joke!'

Antonio Cassano laughs off comparisons between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani. “Let’s not joke around. Ibra is on another level.”

Monday’s big match sees leaders Milan welcome second place Napoli in a Scudetto clash and Cassano gave a long interview to the Corriere dello Sport in preparation.

“Are we under pressure from Napoli? No, here at Milan the only pressure is our blood pressure,” smiled the striker.

“I don’t care what Inter and Napoli want. I do not fear anybody. This Milan is not afraid and it shouldn’t be, as it is the strongest team, without doubt.”

When asked who was the better player right now between Ibrahimovic and top scorer Cavani, Cassano had no hesitation.

“Let’s not joke around, what kind of a question is that? Cavani is a good player, but he reminds me of Igor Protti at Bari. He needs to be more consistent. Ibrahimovic is on another level.

“The best I ever played with was Ronaldo, followed by Zinedine Zidane, then Ibra and Francesco Totti on a par.”

There are reports Cassano will be dropped for Monday’s game in favour of Alexandre Pato, who scored a sensational goal against Chievo.

“Pato is the absolute best and I told him that. Only Leo Messi is better and the two together would be incredible to watch. I immediately got along with Ibrahimovic, as me and Zlatan are two totally crazy guys, so we are similar. Pato is more of a little boy and quite shy.”

Cassano joined Milan during the January transfer window after two months frozen out of Sampdoria following a blazing row with President Riccardo Garrone.

“Looking back to what happened four months ago, I would pay out of my own pocket to avoid the mistake I made with Garrone. He was the person who showed me the most affection in the football world and he really didn’t deserve what I did to him.”

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Hamsik: 'AC Milan are not unbeatable'

Marek Hamsik is fired up for the Scudetto duel with on Monday, even if he plays down Napoli’s title chances. “Milan are not at all unbeatable.”

The second placed side pay visit to the Serie A leaders and only three points separate them going into the game

“There’s no point denying it, a large chunk of the Scudetto is in the balance on Monday night,” Hamsik told the Corriere dello Sport.

“However, we are certainly not there to gamble with the title. Milan are in front, we are three points behind, so they are the ones with more to lose. Of course, if we should win at San Siro, then there would be 11 games to go and we’d be on level terms...

“In that case, the Scudetto odds would be on Milan and Inter. As for Napoli, I’d be happy with third of fourth place.

“The Rossoneri may be favourites for Monday’s match, but they are not at all uneatable. In our last meeting at the San Paolo we played well despite going through half the game with 10 men and could even have equalised.”

Much has been said in the media about the duel between Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the Capocannoniere title.

“This season Cavani has been the best player in Serie A, but if Ibra has won the title wherever he went over the last seven years, there must be a reason,” noted Hamsik.

The Partenopei are still smarting after their 2-1 defeat at Villarreal signalled the end of the Europa League course.

“We were defeated by a great squad, but did not deserve to go out of the competition. We proved we can play in such important games and thanks to that will now be even more aware of our capabilities.”

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Gattuso hits winner as AC Milan beats Juventus 1-0

Gennaro Gattuso ended a run of more than three years without a goal to give Serie A leader AC Milan a 1-0 win over Juventus on Saturday.

The defensive midfielder struck midway through the second half to decide a dour game in which both sides struggled to break down one another's defense and create chances.

Juventus talked of derailing Milan's progress to the title, but lacked ideas and a cutting edge. Coach Luigi Delneri eventually turned to the team's talisman Alessandro Del Piero, but even he failed to spark any life.

Milan leads the Serie A by eight points from Inter Milan, which could close the gap to five by beating Genoa on Sunday.

The loss was Juventus' seventh in its last 11 games.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com
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Udinese defeats Inter Milan 3-1

Udinese exploited poor defending by Inter Milan to beat the Serie A champion 3-1 on Sunday.

It is Inter coach Leonardo's first defeat since he took over from Rafa Benitez in December and snaps a run of five straight wins under the Brazilian.

Dejan Stankovic gave Inter the lead in the 16th and it appeared that Inter was in total control when he went close minutes later.

However, Udinese equalized soon after through Cristian Zapata and by halftime was leading 2-1 after Antonio Di Natale scored from a free kick.

In the second half Maurizio Domizzi added a third after Inter's defense was again unable to clear the danger.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com
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Eduardo howler hands Inter narrow Genoa win

An embarrassing mistake from Portuguese goalkeeper Eduardo handed champions Inter Milan a 1-0 victory away to Genoa at the Marrassi stadium on Friday.

Ghana midfielder Muntari Sulley scored the winner three minutes into first half stoppage time but it was Eduardo’s gaffe that proved crucial.

Inter moved second ahead of the weekend games, a point behind leaders Lazio and one above city rivals AC Milan, who host Juventus on Saturday night.

But Rafael Benitez’s side will also be counting the cost of this match having lost goalkeeper Julio Cesar and midfielder Esteban Cambiasso to injuries.

Benitez said he was happier with his side than following last week’s home draw with Sampdoria.

“It was a different game to the one against Sampdoria against a team that is difficult to play against and played well,” he said.

“Our character came shining through, it’s true that (Samuel) Eto’o missed an easy chance but after the break we created five or six more.”

Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini said his team had deserved more.

“I’m very disappointed with the result and for the fans, it should have ended differently because we didn’t deserve to lose,” he said.

“We played well and created many chances.

“We gave away too many balls but we played with organisation in defence and we counter-attacked with speed.

“At the end we played more physically, we could have got at least a draw.

“I’m disappointed we dropped these points but we played with great spirit.”

Inter had the first clear chance of the game on 13 minutes as French winger Jonathan Biabiany went on a mazy run, beating three players and slipping the ball to Wesley Sniejder, whose shot sent Eduardo plunging to his right to gather at the second attempt.

Genoa threatened next on 21 minutes as Luca Toni ran at the Inter defence, beat Lucio and let fly from just outside the area but Cesar leapt to his left to beat it away.

Giandomenico Mesto was then well placed to shoot on 24 minutes but curled his effort gently into Cesar’s arms.

Following 15 goals in 13 games before this one, Serie A top scorer Eto’o proved he was human with an incredible miss on 29 minutes as he ran onto Muntari’s inch-perfect pass but spooned his shot from 10 yards high and wide with only Eduardo to beat.

Inter full-back Davide Santon was lucky to stay on the pitch after driving his studs into Chico’s head, receiving only a booking.

Marco Rossi should have scored for the hosts on 42 minutes following sustained Genoa pressure as Chico centred from the right but the midfielder scuffed his shot from eight yards and it bobbled wide.

Into first half stoppage time Eduardo handed Inter a gift that had shades of England goalkeeper Robert Green’s World Cup howler against USA about it.

Muntari shot from distance but straight at the Portuguese, only for the ball to bounce in front of the keeper and bounce over his shoulder and in.

Sneijder created a glorious chance for Biabiany seven minutes after the restart with a flicked ball over the defence but Eduardo came out to block and make amends for his earlier error.

Sneijder had a pair of chances from free-kicks but fired both over the bar before Cesar was forced off with a hamstring problem, replaced by Luca Castellazzi, who saved comfortably from a Luca Toni header.

Genoa substitute Mattia Destro lost his balance as he shot from the edge of the area but then 11 minutes from time Domenico Criscito brilliantly took the ball on his chest only to send a volley arrowing just past Castellazzi’s left-hand post.

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What has happened to Maicon and Nesta?

Maicon was hailed as the best right back in the world not so long ago but Tottenham’s Gareth Bale has terrorised him twice in two weeks and Inter Milan fans are beginning to wonder if they should have cashed in and sold him to Real Madrid after all in the close season.

In the opposite San Siro dressing room, AC Milan’s Alessandro Nesta will also be getting a little twitchy after being exposed by Real Madrid on Wednesday.

He looked out of position for Gonzalo Higuain’s opener and his distribution was the worst I have seen from him. Even fans sat near me were surprised by his poor display, which shows what high standards Nesta has kept.

Nesta was among the very best centre backs in the world when Milan triumphed in the Champions League in 2007 but a long period of injury since has robbed the 34-year-old of some of his aura.

Juventus also really worried him in their 2-1 win last weekend.

Maicon is a different case, however. The Brazilian is still only 29 and should be in his prime. He was supposed to be the quickest and toughest right back around but speedster Bale completely dominated him.

Rumours of a move to Real were constant during the close season but Inter decided to end talks after deciding he was too good to let go after their treble triumph.

Did they make a mistake? I would say that last season Maicon was not quite as good as the season before or even the season before that. The signs were there that maybe he had peaked.

Players tend to have a purple patch — Ronaldinho at Barcelona, Crisitano Ronaldo in 2008 at Manchester United — and they are never quite as special afterwards.

In Maicon’s case, his hunger could well have diminished slightly after winning everything last season. Perhaps a transfer was exactly what he needed.

Maicon and Nesta are men enough to prove the doubters wrong but in the big games they need to start performing again. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

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Palermo keen on Ferdinand

One of the most surprising transfer stories of this summer could be Palermo’s move for Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand. The Italian side are looking to take the 25 year old on a season long loan in a deal.

The Black Cats boss Steve Bruce, hasn’t indicated to Online Betting pundits whether he would be willing to let Ferdinand leave the club but it looks probable. With Sunderland signing five new defenders this summer it looks as though Ferdinand’s time at the Stadium of Light could be over. It would appear that Titus Bramble, Nedum Onuoha, Ahmed Al-Muhammadi and Marcos Angeleri are all ahead in the pecking order of Ferdinand. Ghana captain John Mensah has also rejoined on another loan deal for this season adding to the numbers.

With so much competition for places at Sunderland, Ferdinand could find the option of a move to southern Italy to compete in Serie A betting as a very tempting one. The Italian club are understood to have enquired about the possibility of offering the former West Ham player the chance to spend a season in Serie A. The versatile defender is weighing up his options as he waits to hear what his manager decides to do.

Palermo surprised many last season by finishing fifth in Serie A, qualifying for the Europa League in the process. Delio Rossi’s team narrowly missed out on a Champions League place by just three points as he turned around the club’s fortunes after being hired near the end of last year. The club have strengthen this summer as they look to make the step up into genuine title challengers.

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Inter president rules out transfer window swoop

Rome - Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti on Monday ruled out a January transfer window swoop despite his team’s 3-1 humbling at the hands of Atalanta on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho’s team were simply woeful in the first 45 minutes in which they conceded three goals and barely registered a single shot of their own.

But Moratti insisted there would be no knee-jerk reaction to Inter’s second league loss of the season.

"Yesterday was a terrible match, we played very badly, it was a match that really hurt," he said.

"It’s hard to say what I was happy about, it wasn’t a match, from the first whistle to the last there was no running, no concentration, nothing. It’s everyone’s and no-one’s fault.

"Yesterday’s match shows you that it would be absurd to look to the transfer market. Either you have 22 players who are washed out or it’s absurd to look to the transfer market."

Mourinho had left out two of his big money summer signings – Ricardo Quaresma and Mancini – as well as talented young forward Mario Balotelli while preferring a host of players in their 30s but Moratti refused to criticise his choices.

"Mourinho makes the decisions he feels are the right ones to choose those who are in the best form, regardless of their age," said the president.

"I have no problem with him not changing players or leaving out younger ones in favour of older ones.

"It’s difficult for Mourinho to pick the team but he picks who he wants."

Written by: AFP

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De Rossi admits ‘his mistake’

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi has admitted that he made a mistake which led to Paraguay’s goal in Cape Town.

The defending champions had to battle back to a 1-1 draw in their opening game in Group F as De Rossi scored the leveller in the second period.

But the Azzurri’s were given a fright when Paraguay went ahead on 39 minutes as Antolin Alcaraz headed in from a free-kick.

De Rossi has now conceded that he let his side down by losing his marker, but was relieved his team-mates upped their game to secure what could be a vital point.

“We played well, were tough and allowed Paraguay very little. My mistake led to the goal, so everyone was angry,” he said.

“We were going too deep defending the free-kicks, but he was my man and I was meant to be marking him. I definitely take the blame for that goal.

“It was important to get back on track at the start of the second half and we felt the path was there for the victory.

“I don’t think it was a tactical issue, as Paraguay were more aggressive in the first half and lost that intensity a little as time wore on.

“We passed the ball around, but were a little sterile in the final third and you pay for that at this level. We need to improve in the final third, to be more clinical and to get the final pass into the box. That’s what counts in a World Cup.”

Source: http://www.footballcupleague.com
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Milan keen to keep hold of Huntelaar

Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida insists the club has no plans to sell Dutch forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar this summer.

Huntelaar has been linked with a move away from the San Siro this summer after failing to make an impact in the Serie A.

Benfica, with sporting director Rui Costa, are among the clubs reportedly interested in signing the former Real Madrid forward.

“Milan do not want to sell Huntelaar, this is a player who has three more years of contract with us,” Braida told Diario de Noticias. “Huntelaar has quality and we do not want to let him leave.

“In football, anything is possible, but I find it very hard that Huntelaar is transferred to another club. Rui Costa is a friend, a friend of Milan, an ex-player of Milan and a lovable person. We have never spoken about Huntelaar.”

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Maldini and Ancelotti set for San Siro farewell

ROME (AFP) – After 24 seasons as one of Italy’s finest defenders and AC Milan’s emblem, Paolo Maldini will play his last match at the San Siro this weekend when AS Roma are in town.

But while it has been known for some time that this game — while possibly not Maldini’s last ever in a Milan shirt as the club travels to Fiorentina next weekend for their last game of the season — will be his final bow in front of his home fans, the suggestion that it will also be coach Carlo Ancelotti’s swansong in front of the Milan faithful is more recent.

Ancelotti has been at the helm since 2001 but the voices announcing his imminent departure at the season’s end have been becomming more frequent and noisy.

It is now generally accepted in the Italian media that the 49-year-old will leave despite there being another year to run on his contract and he is widely expected to take over the reins at Chelsea in the summer.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani did nothing to dampen the rumours in midweek either when rather than confirming the club’s intent to keep Ancelotti he instead seemingly delayed announcing the inevitable.

“I hope to say something on Monday because it will mean we have achieved direct Champions League qualification,” he said.

A victory for Milan would assure them of a top three finish and direct Champions League group stage qualification next season while several other permutations, including the failure to win by either Juventus or Fiorentina at Siena and Lecce respectively, would also see Milan secure a top three spot.

But while that would seem like a good achievement by almost any other team’s standards, for the Milan hierarchy it is simply not enough.

They are waiting for a first title since 2004 and will have to hold on for at least another year after their defeat at Udinese last weekend ensured city rivals Inter Milan claimed a fourth straight Serie A crown.

If Ancelotti’s departure were to be announced after this weekend it would follow hot on the heels of Claudio Ranieri’s sacking from third-placed Juve on Monday.

Having finished third in their first season back in Serie A and being Inter’s closest challengers for most of this season, that still was not enough to placate the Juve board and likewise Ancelotti’s continued inability to spark a title challenge down to the wire almost certainly will see him shown the door.

It would thus be a bitter sweet day in Milan with one hero being celebrated and applauded into retirement from a glorious playing career while another hero — Ancelotti was a hugely successful player at Milan before also winning two Champions League crowns as a coach — faces the inglorious prospect of being fired.

If the rumours are true, though, it could even be seen as a career move with a higher salary expected at Chelsea and a new league to add to his CV.

As Inter are already champions it is only the minor issues that still need to be decided in Serie A.

Two from Milan, Juve and Fiorentina will join Inter in the top three this season and next season’s Champions League group stages.

Either Fiorentina or Genoa could finish fourth and thus play Champions League qualifiers next season while thwo from Torino, Bologna and Lecce will join already relegated Reggina in Serie B.

And finally there is UEFA Europa League qualification to be sorted. Lazio already have one spot having won the Italian Cup.

Fiorentina or Genoa will take a second while Roma, Palermo or Udinese will battle for the final berth.

Fixtures:

Sunday

AC Milan v AS Roma, Atalanta v Palermo, Cagliari v Inter Milan, Catania v Napoli, Chievo v Bologna, Lecce v Fiorentina, Sampdoria v Udinese, Siena v Juventus, Torino v Genoa

Played Wednesday

Lazio 1 (Zarate 26) Reggina 0

Source: http://www.footballcupleague.com
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Lippi rules out Juventus return

MILAN, Italy (AFP) – Italy coach Marcello Lippi on Thursday dismissed speculation he would return to Juventus after next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Lippi, who guided Italy to World Cup glory in Germany three years ago, has a contract with the Italian Football Association until the end of the next tournament.

But the coach who led Juve to five league titles and a Champions League during two previous spells at the club does not want to retrace his steps.

“I’m not going back to Juventus, neither as coach nor as a technical director, have I made myself clear,” he said during a sporting press congress in Milan.

“Whatever anyone says, it’s not true, I’m not going back to Juve.

“The reality is this and this alone … the only truth is that I went to lunch with (Juve general manager ) Blanc just as I go to lunch with (AC Milan vice-president Adriano) Galliani, with the Lazio president (Claudio Lotito) and with (AS Roma general manager) Bruno Conti.

“I’m the coach of the national team and I’m thinking exclusively about that.”

Source: http://www.footballcupleague.com
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Sacchi praises new Italy boss Prandelli

Arrigo Sacchi is full of praise for Cesare Prandelli, as “he is a great Coach and a great man.”

Fiorentina boss Prandelli will take over from current Italy coach Marcello Lippi after the World Cup.

“Cesare has proved numerous times, first with Parma and then Fiorentina, that he is a great Coach and a great man,” said Sacchi.

Sacchi also worked alongside Prandelli at the Stadio Tardini when he was a director for Parma.

“He was excellent with Parma, as we finished fifth twice and even battled for a Champions League spot.

“Above all he got the best out of many players. My recollection of him as a Coach and a human being are wonderful. I respect him a great deal and wish him all the best.”

However, Sacchi warns that it is quite a big step to go from club football to the Squadra Azzurra.

“The work is different, as you are above all a selector rather than a Coach. He must hope all of Italian football works well throughout the season and that clubs use their youngsters more than they currently do. Then it’s up to him to find that touch of class to complete the squad.

“Prandelli must make the most of his experiences at club level, but in general international football lacks two important elements: time and day-to-day work.”

Marcello Lippi will leave after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but the team already knows Prandelli is set to take over.

“It absolutely won’t be a distraction for the side, as the World Cup is too important and every player will try to give their best.

“There can be no alibis or excuses. If Italy don’t do well, it certainly will not be because Prandelli was appointed before the tournament.”

Source: http://www.footballcupleague.com
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Mourinho finally lets out some joy

Jose Mourinho still doesn't love Italian football but his relationship with Inter Milan and its supporters could hardly be better.

Mourinho jumped up and down and ran out to the middle of the pitch to celebrate when Inter advanced to the Champions League final despite a 1-0 loss at Barcelona on Wednesday.

The self-appointed 'Special One' then pointed his finger up at Inter's fans in the stands at the Camp Nou.

"I thought I had reached the height of emotion with Chelsea's fans, but Inter's supporters are even better," Mourinho said. "I'm in love with Inter and these fans, not Italian football - I respect it, but I don't love it."

Mourinho, who said qualifying Inter for the Champions League final was the greatest moment of his career, has been at odds with the local media and opposing coaches since arriving at the Milan club two years ago.

To avoid suspensions, he no longer addresses the media except before and after European matches - in accordance with UEFA requirements.

Last year, he had an exchange of words with Catania director Pietro Lo Monaco and then Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri, and he was recently fined 40,000 Euros ($53,000) and banned from sitting on the bench for three games after he made a handcuff gesture when two of his players were sent off during a Serie A match against Sampdoria.

He was sent to the stands during Inter's match at Cagliari earlier this season and received a one-game ban.

"It's nice to see him showing some joy," Inter president Massimo Moratti said. "A large part of this is due to him. He brought us here, now let's see how he finishes it."

Moratti has been on a personal mission for the European crown since taking over Inter in 1995. The club hasn't won the competition since back-to-back victories in 1964 and 1965, when Moratti's father Angelo was the president.

The wait has been even tougher in recent years when city rival AC Milan dominated Europe, with two victories and three finals between 2003 and 2007.

Moratti compared Mourinho to Inter's coach in the 1960s - the Argentine Helenio Herrera.

"There's 40 years between them but they're very similar," Moratti said. "Both great workers, both very finicky but also professional. And they both show a lot of charisma toward the players.

"I've got to thank Mourinho because he reminds me of when I was young," Moratti added, recalling how he used to attend games at the San Siro with his father.

Mourinho guided FC Porto to the Champions League title in 2004, and only two coaches have won the European Cup with two different clubs: Ernst Happel with Feyenoord in 1970 and Hamburg in 1983, and Ottmar Hitzfeld with Borussia Dortmund in 1997 and Bayern Munich in 2001.

Mourinho also won two league titles in England with Chelsea but said getting Inter to this season's Champions League final is the pinnacle for him.

"It's the greatest moment of my career, better than my first league victory, better than the Champions League I won with Porto," he said.

Inter will face Bayern Munich in the May 22 final in Madrid and the German club's coach, Louis van Gaal, has already won the Champions League - with Ajax in 1995.

"He's a top coach and Bayern's a top club," Mourinho said. "Bayern is an example to many clubs. Because the team didn't start well, Louis was in a difficult situation but the club kept confidence in him and left him to work and he's in the Champions League final."

In the final, Inter will be without midfielder Thiago Motta, who was sent off against Barcelona, although Dejan Stankovic will be back from suspension. Bayern will be missing France winger Franck Ribery, who is also banned.

"It's a pity Motta and Ribery cannot play the final," Mourinho said.

Win or lose against Bayern, Mourinho is expecting more European exploits for Inter in the near future.

"This isn't a team of kids that is going to have to wait another 15 years to reach the final," he said. "These players will be remembered as the heroes of Barcelona, even by their grandchildren."

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com
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Milan frustrated again, Juve win after protests

Milan - AC Milan wasted the latest in a series of chances to boost their Serie A title hopes when a depleted side were held 1-1 at home by Lazio on Sunday.

AS Roma beat leaders Inter Milan 2-1 on Saturday to cut the gap at the top to a point but Milan remain third rather than moving level with the Romans after another unconvincing display.

"This is a strange championship. There are lots of surprises," Milan coach Leonardo told Sky TV with seven games left. "I think the team did well. We conceded an unlucky goal."

Shortly after Clarence Seedorf had been denied following a fine move, Mathieu Flamini collided with Aleksandar Kolarov as he burst into the box and the referee awarded a soft penalty.

Marco Borriello, standing in as penalty taker with Ronaldinho suspended, converted from the spot on 18 minutes despite keeper Fernando Muslera getting a hand to the ball.

Milan, beaten at Parma on Wednesday, struggled to create other chances with Andrea Pirlo also suspended and were pegged back when Luca Antonini failed to clear a cross and Swiss winger Stephan Lichtsteiner scrambled in the leveller on 32 minutes.

Lowly Lazio, whose fans could be in trouble after racist chants towards Seedorf, had won two in a row but Milan will be kicking themselves yet again given Antonini hit the bar.

Felipe Melo earlier gave protesting Juventus fans a rare reason to cheer after heading the winner eight minutes from time in a 2-1 home victory over third-from-bottom Atalanta.

Supporters, angry the famous club is struggling to reach the Champions League next term, threw eggs at the team bus as it arrived at Turin`s half-empty Stadio Olimpico and unpopular right back Jonathan Zebina was then jostled.

Juve`s Alessandro Del Piero bent in a sublime free kick on half an hour after his side had made another laboured start, although David Trezeguet had a header ruled out for offside.

The hosts, who have made no marked improvement since Alberto Zaccheroni replaced Ciro Ferrara as coach in January, paid for their lacklustre approach when former striker Nicola Amoruso was left in space in the area to comfortably equalise on halftime.

Substitute Melo, ridiculed by fans as the latest expensive signing to flop, then nodded in Del Piero`s cross.

Atalanta, who had won their last two games to raise hopes of escaping relegation, could easily have scored again having exposed Juve`s shaky defence several times in both halves.

Juve, Napoli and Sampdoria are all three points behind Palermo, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot having beaten Bologna 3-1 on Saturday.

Napoli overcame Catania 1-0 at home thanks to Paolo Cannavaro`s goal but Samp missed the chance to hold fifth spot alone when they were held 1-1 at home by Cagliari.

At the bottom, Livorno look doomed after a 1-1 home draw with Bari left them seven points away from safety.

Second-from-bottom Siena dominated Genoa but drew 0-0 and lie six points behind fourth-from-bottom Udinese, who were hammered 4-1 at Fiorentina.

Source: http://www.antara.co.id
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Toni strike helps Roma sink leaders Inter

Rome (ANTARA News/Reuters) - A Luca Toni goal gave AS Roma a thrilling 2-1 home win over Inter Milan on Saturday that took them within a point of the Serie A leaders and kept the three-way title race wide open approaching the final stretch.

The striker controlled a mis-hit Rodrigo Taddei shot and fired home in the 72nd minute as the hosts continued their remarkable recovery from the disarray they found themselves in at the start of the season.

Inter`s Diego Milito had equalised just six minutes earlier with a goal that looked offside, after Roma`s Daniele De Rossi opened the scoring in the 17th by capitalising on a blunder by goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

Champions Inter hit the woodwork three times, the last occasion from Milito deep in stoppage time. Third-placed AC Milan can pull level with Roma on 62 points with seven games to go if they overcome injuries, suspensions and poor form to beat Lazio on Sunday (1845 GMT).

"This is a great, beautiful night," Toni told Sky television. "We`ve been chasing for a while.

"It was important to win tonight to try to realise a dream. Now we`re a point away we`ll see what happens." (Uu.A016/T009/P003)

Source: http://www.antara.co.id
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