The Italian Job

Inter Maintain Winning Steak

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE, Group L (02/10/14)
Zulte Waregem 0 Inter Milan 2
Palacio 77
Jesus 78

Inter Milan got their first victory of the group stages after a late push out in Belgium brushed the opposition aside. Only 8,500 fans witnessed the late drama at the Regenboogstadion, where for a long period the match looked like ending goalless. But with 13 minutes left on the clock, Argentinian forward, Rodrigo Palacio, opened his account for the season on only his second start since Ronaldo’s appointment. Palacio, was given a simple tap in, after some outstanding wide play from new signing Kevin Kampl. Straight from the resulting kick off, Inter won possession back, and earned themselves a corner. Following Kampl’s near post cross, Juan Jesus guided the ball past the Belgian goalkeeper with a fierce header. With minutes to spare Zulte went down to 10 men after Skulason was sent off for a bad tackle on Lucas Romero. As a result, Inter go top of the group heading into the international break, and will be optimistic of qualification to the next round.
Man Of The Match - Juan Jesus.
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Serie A (05/10/14)
Fiorentina 2 Inter Milan 3
Vidic 18
Traore 32
Icardi 86

Inter Milan once again showed their title challenging credentials with a fantastic first half display away to Fiorentina. Once again, Inter exploited their well organised set pieces to score from a corner. Captain Nemanja Vidic header the side in front on 18 minutes, and on 32 minutes Adama Traore doubled their lead after latching onto Depay's well timed through ball to fire one home from 10 yards out. The second half saw Fiorentina comeback into the game with goals from Khouma Babacar, and Chilean midfielder, David Pizarro from the penalty spot. But it will be Ronaldo who once again gets the last laugh, with his top scorer, Mauro Icardi vollying home the winner after 86 minutes. Another fine display from Inter, who now move into 4th place in Serie A.
Man Of The Match - Memphis Depay.

The Old Lady Forced to Share the Spoils

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Serie A (18/10/14)
Juventus 2 Inter Milan 2
Icardi 8
Depay 60

Two of Italy’s major clubs played a four goal thriller in Turin on this mild Saturday evening. In front of a bumper crowd of 40,657 supporters, both clubs wanted to show early signs that their respected teams had the credentials to challenge for the title. After 8 minutes the inform striker Mauro Icardi smashed home the opening goal from the edge of the box, curling into the top corner, leaving Buffon with no chance. However, the 12th man proved an advantage to title chasing Juve, who scored twice in 2 minutes through a Kingsley Coman long ranged strike on 12 minutes, and Sebastian Giovincio’s tap in a minute late after coming short for Pirlo’s cross. After an early onslaught of goals, both sides organised the defences more efficiently, with Gary Medel putting in an outstanding performance, protecting Inter’s defence from Pirlo and Pogba’s attacking threats. Second half substitute, Memphis Depay, eventually found a way past the Juve defence. Completely against the run of play, Ronaldo’s side played quick counter attacking football from a Juventus corner, where the Dutch winger was at the end of a searing move to put his side back in the game. Both sides had chances to win the game in the later stages, Llorente failed to guide a free header on target, giving the Brazilian boss a sigh of relief; and with 2 minutes of normal time remaining, Mateo Kovacic could only find the post. On a positive both manager’s will be relieved not to have lost such a big match in the Italian football calendar, however it will be Ronaldo that will be the happiest.
Man Of The Match - Mauro Icardi.
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In his post match interview the Inter boss stated, “We battled hard throughout the match, and to come to Juventus, and take a point is always a positive result. They have dominated Italian football for the last few years, so we will take this result and continue to build momentum in the competition”. The media-friendly manager added some kind words about his leading goalscorer, Mauro Icardi, stating, “He has been magnificent. He works hard in training, and I see myself in him a bit, he has the drive and the talent to go far in this game. It is a massive coup for this club to have Mauro here, leading the line of attack.” When asked whether or not this result meant that 4th place Inter could make a title challenge, Ronaldo said, “Who knows? The main goal this season is to finish in the top three, to get back into the Champions League. Where we belong. A title challenge? Maybe. If Mauro continues to score goals then there’s always a chance, but for now we will stay grounded, and take each game as it comes.” And with that the Brazilian left the press conference with a contented look that suggested he was satisfied with todays proceedings - for Inter, this draw was a psychological victory over their fierce rivals. Internazionale are make all the right noises in the early part of the season under the infamous Brazilian number 9’s guidance.

Hardworking Inter Grind Out Results

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE, Group L (23/10/14)
Maribor 0 Inter Milan 0

A bore draw in Slovenia was enough to keep Internazionale top of group L at the halfway point. The Italian side, still undefeated in this seasons tournament, had 10 shots on target, but couldn’t find a way past former Wolverhampton Wanderers keeper, Aljaž Cotman. Defensively the partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Eder Alvarez Balanta continued to blossom, with their defensive masterclass restricting the Slovenians to long range pot shots, and only one shot on target. A host of changes up front failed to show the creative flair that the Italian side have shown domestically, and Ronaldo will be especially worried about Pablo Osvaldo’s lack of composure in front of goal.
Man Of The Match - Aljaž Cotman (Maribor).

Serie A (26/10/14)
Inter Milan 2 Sassuolo 1
Icardi 66
Medel 68
Darmian 81

Ronaldo gave a first league start to Italian youngster Federico Bonazzoli, and brought left back Dodo back into the squad, who's game time has been limited under the Brazilian. After a rather dull first half, the home fans saw an action packed second. Mauro Icardi, continues to earn admirers as he slotted home the opening goal from inside the area, and two minutes later Gary Medel scored an early contender for goal of the season, after drilling a 35 yard strike into the top corner. Inter were in for a nervy few minutes towards the end of the match, following Matteo Darmian's red card, and Sergio Floccari capitalised on the man advantage to make it 2-1. Although Sassuolo's barrage of shots towards the end didn't result in an equaliser. And Ronaldo will be proud that his side withstood their efforts to hold on to all 3 points.
Man Of The Match - Gary Medel.

Inadequate Inter Finally Lose

Serie A (29/10/14)
Empoli 1 Inter Milan 0

Inter Milan gave an uncharacterisitc display against relegation contenders Empoli this afternoon. Having held on for 90 minutes, Empoli took the initiative against a tiring Inter Milan side, and scored from a counter attacking move with seconds to go through ex-Inter defender Matteo Bianchetti. This upset will live long in the memories of Empoli supporters, but will leave a sour taste in the mouthes of the Inter fans who came here expecting an easy 3 points. The result has meant Ronaldo's team are down to 5th in Serie A, and perhaps the manager will regret resting Icardi, having showed his faith in the experienced Rodrigo Palacio to get the goals for the club.
Man Of The Match - Matteo Bianchetti (Empoli).

Player Of The Month - Mauro Icardi

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Inter Win Their Derby With Napoli

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Serie A (01/11/14)
Inter Milan 2 Napoli 0
Guarin 54
Medel 83

Over fifty thousand supporters packed into the Giuseppe Meazza to watch Internazionale face Rafa Benitez's Napoli side. Napoli, who are 2nd in Serie A came to Milan in fine form, however Ronaldo proved his tactical prowess against the Spaniard's team. And after 54 minutes his side got their reward, when explosive midfielder Fredy Guarin put his side ahead from 25 yards out. With seven minutes to go Chilean, Gary Medel, ceased any hope Napoli had of earning a point, ensuring Inter Milan moved back into 4th spot.

Ronaldo added some kind words about his defence stating, "Andrea [Ranocchia] and Nemanja [Vidic] were sublime tonight, they were colossal in defence. They executed the game plan to perfection, and managed to stop Insigne from making his mark on the match". The team will be released to put the poor display against Empoli behind them quickly, and now will be hoping to kick on and put a good run together.
Man Of The Match - Fredy Guarin.

Not to be that guy, but Inter - Napoli is not a derby Some good results by the way!

Inter Remain Undefeated For November

Europa League
Inter Milan 2 Maribor 1
Inter Milan secured their qualification for the knockout stages in the UEFA EUROPA League in November with 4 points from their two games this month. The first match on the 6th, saw Internazionale win 2-1 at home to Slovenian side Maribor. Kevin Kampl scored the first goal of the evening from inside the area to give Inter a well earned lead. The second half started with the same intensity to Inter's attack, and within 3 minutes inform Fredy Guarin headed home a second goal for his side. Maribor salvaged a consolation goal late on through Agim Ibraimi, but the result put the Italian in the driving seat for a qualification place with 2 games to spare, and ended Maribor's hope of progressing any further. Man Of The Match - Fredy Guarin.

BATE Borisov 1 Inter Milan 1
Three weeks later, Inter Milan salvaged a point in Belarus to secure their qualification to the next round. The Italians, who played several fringe players and youngsters against BATE Borisov, went a goal down early on through Dmitriy Baga on 11 minutes. Milan grabbed a point with minutes to spare after Pablo Osvaldo's strike took a wild deflection, resulting in Nemanja Tubic registering an own goal against his side. On qualifying to the next round, Ronaldo said, "We are proud to have achieved qualification, we are especially proud of the roles Isaac [Donkor], Dorin [Rotariu] and Federico [Bonazzoli] have played in helping us get through to the later stages". Man Of The Match - Dmitriy Baga (BATE).

Serie A
Atalanta 2 Inter Milan 2
Dull scenes in the first half against Atalanta were rectified for the last 45 minutes, on the 9th, where the home side took a shock lead through Marcelo Estrigarriba. It only took Inter 7 minutes to get back into the match when skipper [Nemanja] Vidic lead by example, heading past the opposition's keeper. It look as if all the points were staying with Atalanta when 33 year old German Denis scored from inside the 6 yard box. However, Inter had one more surprise up their sleeves, and with time running out, Gary Medel earned his side a hard earned point to keep in touch with the side above them. Man Of The Match - Gary Medel.

Inter Milan 2 Palermo 0
Internazionale got back to winning ways on the 23rd of November, with a comfortable home win against Serie A side Palermo. The result flatters the travelling side who rarely managed to get out of their own half. Top goalscorer Mauro Icardi put Inter 1-0 up after 17 minutes with a fantastic half volley. Despite Inter's complete dominence over the Rosanero the home crowd had to wait until the 94th minute to know for sure that the points were staying at the Giuseppe Meazza, as Nemanja Vidic scored from a late corner. The result meant Inter returned to 4th place, unwilling to let the top 3 out of their sights. Man Of The Match - Nemanja Vidic.

Verona 0 Inter Milan 0
Nothing much to document in Inter's final game of the month. Ronaldo's faith in [Pablo] Osvaldo is being tested after he failed to capitalise on the numerous chances he had to put his team ahead. Inter have lost ground on the sides above, slumping to 5th as they prepare for their December schedule. Man Of The Match - Eder Alvarez Balanta.

Player Of The Month - Nemanja Vidic

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Kippax - I can't claim to be an expert on Italian football. Just going with what FM says are my derbies. Other than that I hope you're enjoying reading it! And thanks! It's started much better than I'd expected. And I have some money to spend in January, which is great!

Delightful December

Serie A (07/12/14)
Inter Milan 1 Sampdoria 0
Icardi 10

Inter Milan earned an important 1-0 victory at home to Sampdoria in front of almost 44,000 supporters, to get back to winning ways. Mauro Icardi, a name that is very popular among the home fans, smashed home an early strike in the 10th minute from close range. Mateo Kovacic and full backs [Matteo] Darmian and [Yuto] Nagatomo gave notable performances, causing the opposition much difficulty in the attempts to claw back a goal. The result means Inter have moved back into 4th place ahead of their final league game of 2013, against A.S. Roma. Man Of The Match - Mateo Kovacic.

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UEFA EUROPA League, Group L (11/12/14)
Inter Milan 2 Zulte Waregem 0
Jesus 45+1
Traore 50

Internazionale secured top spot in their group stage this evening, Melkamu Taufer made his first start for Ronaldo and gave a good account of himself. In addition, there were starts for Gino Peruzzi, Dorin Rotariu and Federico Bonazzoli; with Isaac Donkor earning an appearance from the bench. It will please the Italian fans to see so many youngsters getting first team action under Ronaldo, something he was quick to emphasise after getting the job. Goals from Juan Jesus, just before half time, and Adama Traore's goal from a one-on-one opportunity, ensured Inter eased to victory against the Belgian side. Man Of The Match - Adama Traore.

Inter Schooled By Totti's Roma

A.S. Roma 4 Inter Milan 1
Totti 2
Totti 21
Manolas 45+2
Totti 66
Depay 76

Inter Milan arrived in Rome in high spirits, on the back of an undefeated run stretching back to October. Ronaldo's men's hopes of ending the year on a high were quickly diminished by the slick finishing of football royalty, Francesco Totti. Everything Totti touched was turning to gold, as he grabbed a brace within the opening 25 minutes of the eagerly anticipated match. The first coming 90 seconds in the match, Totti's individual brilliance came into play, with a fantastic solo effort, that saw the Italian beat 2 Inter defenders before rounding the chance off with a cool finish past the unsuspecting Handanovic. Soon after Totti embarked on another great run, this time using his attacking partner, Miralem Pjanic, in a one-two move, that saw the local legend smash one home to give his side a deserved 2-0 lead. Moments before the half time whistle Roma went 3 up, Greek international, Kostas Manolas, headed in from close range from a [Alessandro] Florenzi corner.



The second half was a different story. Inter dominated possession and looked the more likely to grab the next goal. However, against the run of play, it was the untouchable Totti that bagged his hat-trick, and Roma's 4th of the game. Inter continued to overload their attack in an unlikely attempt to get something from the game. Their consolation goal came after 76 minutes, when a fantastic counter attacking move was finished by Dutchman, Memphis Depay. Man Of The Match - Francesco Totti (A.S. Roma).

Inter fans will be bitterly disappointed to end the year on such a low. On a positive note, they finish 2013, 3 points adrift from the Champions League spots, and into the next round of the Europa League where they'll face English side, Tottenham, for a place in the last 16.

Dutch Duo Sign During Winter Break

Brazilian manager Ronaldo has been busy during the winter break, signing no less than two new faces to join the Nerazzurri. The first of these new signings is Belgian winger Zakaria Bakkali. The winger, who's contact with current club PSV Eindhoven is due to expire in the summer, has chosen to join Inter Milan in July, once his current deal with PSV is over. Ronaldo is said to be pleased to have signed the winger without the added cost of a transfer fee, and is excited to see the player develop over the coming years.

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The second deal completed by Ronaldo's Internazionale, is the signing of exciting Dutch prospect, Richairo Živkovi?. Inter have paid his former club Ajax a handsome fee of £4.5 million pounds to acquire his services. With an additional £5 million to be added if/when the striker scores his 40th league goal for the Italians. The forward offers manager Ronaldo some much needed pace up front, and could be part of the team for years to come if he lives up to his potential. Going the other way, Rodrigo Palacio has left the club for Benfica for a deal said to be worth £2.2 million. And Slovenian midfielder Rene Krhin has left the club on loan to Sassuolo for the remainder of the season, having failed to secure much first team football under the new manager.

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In other news, Japanese left back, Yuto Nagatomo was named in the Asian All-Star XI for 2014. Congratulations Yuto!

Player Of The Month - Mateo Kovacic

Inter Continue to Impress Through Busy January

Serie A (06/01/15)
Inter Milan 2 AC Milan 2
Over 64-thousand packed into the Giuseppe Meazza in early January to watch a classic Derby della Madonnina. Widely considered one of the biggest crosstown derbies in world football, it didn't fail to disappoint. Ronaldo's team looked well rested and came out firing from all cylinders. Captain Nemanja Vidic lead by example scoring from an early cross to give his side the first goal. Inter's lead was doubled before half time, after Kevin Kampl's long range strike went in off the bar on 31 minutes. AC Milan showed fantastic work ethic in the second half, and exploited a complacent second half performance from their bitter rivals. Goals from Fernando Torres (55) and Andrea Poli (68) were enough to secure a share of the spoils. This result will feel like 2 points lost for the Brazilian's side, who at one stage were in complete control of the match.

Serie A (11/01/15)
Torino 0 Inter Milan 3
The Nerazzurri were back to winning ways in Turin, after letting a 2 goal lead slip in midweek. Memphis Depay added another goal to his name after only 9 minutes, the long wait for a second was over when Mauro Icardi headed one past Torino's keeper. Torino's lack of discipline was punished on 77 minutes when Cristian Molinaro was sent off. Youngster Federico Bonazzoli added a third for Inter from the spot on 86 minutes to round off a perfect performance.

Coppa Italia, 1st Round (15/01/15)
Inter Milan 1 Cesena 0
The cup allowed several fringe players to step and be heard as Ronaldo gave starts to Suso, Gino Peruzzi, Federico Bonazzoli and Dodo. The game was a rather dull affair, Inter only managed 3 shots on target. The only goal coming from the spot, as Federico Bonazzoli made in 2 in 2 games. The main thing for the manager was they're in the quarter finals.

Serie A (18/01/15)
Inter Milan 3 Parma 0
Internazionale's fine form continued in the league in a one sided match against Parma. Inter were 2 within 10 minutes, goals from Depay and right-back Matteo Darmian put the side in front. A second half strike from top scorer Mauro Icardi secured the rout with Inter moving within a point of the top 3.

Serie A (25/01/15)
Udinese 1 Inter Milan 1
An early penalty from Egyptian, Hosny, in 2 minutes, allowed Udinese to contain throughout the match in an attempt to win the game. It took Ronaldo's side 90 minutes to find a way past this stubborn defence when Mateo Kovacic hit a screamer from 30 yards out into the bottom right corner, sending the away fans into pandemonium. A good point for Milan at a tough ground for any side to go to.

Serie A (28/01/15)
Cesena 0 Inter Milan 2
Inter Milan have ended the month by finally breaking into the top 3! Goals from Mauro Icardi in the first half, and a late strike from new signing Richairo Zivkovic gave Inter a 2-0 victory over the side they beat in the cup a few week ago. Lucas Romero gave a notable performance in the middle of the park, breaking up the oppositions attacking moves often, and playing killer balls to the forwards throughout.

In other news, Inter Milan made another transfer before the market closed. Signing Spanish midfielder Alex Serrano from Real Sporting, who will join for free in the summer.

Player Of The Month - Matteo Darmian

I don't know if the dutch duo can make an immediate impact, but losing 4-1 to Roma is sort of a pre-quel to where you'll finish in the league this Season I take it

The Empoli loss is just hurtful btw.

Keep up the good work!

I'm still ahead of Roma, Totti was just unstoppable haha. I have nothing to say about the Empoli match, it was shocking!! Zivkovic will be loaned out next season, same goes for Bakkali. But long term I hope they can make an impact on the first team. Between them they've cost 4.5m so it's a small investment haha! Thanks for commenting!

Mauro Icardi looks like he is a great striker, and is doing really well for you!