I understand that being called up to a National Team is an honor. It means that among all the players from your particular country, you are one of the very best at what you do. Great. Good for them. I am proud of our Internationals. Right now, Inter has 13 squad members out being the best at what they do for their countries – AND IT BLOWS.

Look. I love football and I love my team. After a particularly stressful week, there is almost nothing better than a Sunday morning spent sitting in my bead looking at sweeping view out the full wall of windows and watching my beloved nerazzurri beat the snot out of some poor unsuspecting team on TV while my sweetie plies me with espresso. It is heavenly. But this weekend, all that has been cruelly ripped from me. Well, I still get the espresso and the sweetie and the windows, but as for the rest, the really important bit, I will have to make do with some crappy-ass international game while I feverishly pray that none of our boys pull up injured. Especially as most of them will be playing meaningless friendlies. Ok, the Brazil v England game may be worth watching, but it is hardly the same. Somehow, I just dont think I am alone in this.

So I guess my question is, where do you come down on this issue? Are you excited by the World Cup and Euros? Or is it just some handy filler for the European off-season?

I admit, I enjoy the drama of the actual World Cup and Euro tournaments – it is the qualifiers and, to a much greater extent, the friendlies that I can do without. Dont get me wrong, I watch them, but they are like methadone – adequate for maintenance but they dont really scratch the itch. Sometimes it is interesting to watch teams from countries where I dont know any of the players – but that is just for the novelty.

Maradona better not break him!

I suppose that if I were a better person, I would look at these friendlies as a way to enjoy the beautiful game without the stress of caring who wins – just to watch them for their aesthetic beauty. And I get that. Unfortunately I am so worried about the possibility of injuries and the toll travel takes on the players and what that all means to my club that my higher self, the one who appreciates beauty for beauty’s sake, is completely drowned out. Basically, I am just annoyed.

For those of you with your higher selves intact, who are able to appreciate these games, here is where you can follow Inter’s internationals:

UEFA Under-21 Championship Qualifiers

• Mario Balotelli and Davide Santon (Italy Under-21): Hungary v Italy (Gyor, Friday 13 November) and Luxembourg v Italy (Luxembourg, Tuesday 17 November)

World Cup Qualifiers

• Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon): 2010 World Cup qualifier – Morocco v Cameroon (Fez, Saturday 14 November)
• Sulley Muntari (Ghana): 2010 World Cup qualifier – Ghana v Mali (Kumasi, Sunday 15 November)
• Renè Krhin (Slovenia): 2010 World Cup qualifying playoffs – Russia v Slovenia (Moscow, Saturday 14 November) and Slovenia v Russia (Maribor, Wednesday 18 November)

International Friendlies

• Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio (Brazil): Brazil v England (Doha, Saturday 14 November) and Oman v Brazil (Muscat, Tuesday 17 November)
• Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina): Spain v Argentina (Madrid, Saturday 14 November)
• Cristian Chivu (Romania): Poland v Romania (Warsaw, Saturday 14 November) 


• Wesley Sneijder (Holland): Italy v Holland (Pescara, Saturday 14 November) and Holland v Paraguay (Heerenveen, Wednesday 18 November)
• 

Dejan Stankovic (Serbia): Northern Ireland v Serbia (Belfast, Saturday 14 November)
• David Suazo (Honduras): Honduras v Lithuania (Tegucigalpa, Saturday 14 November) and Honduras v Peru (Fort Lauderdale, Wednesday 18 November)

So strange to see the Argies still in Milan on a break. Poor Pupi.

For those of you still jonesing for that Inter fix, there is a club friendly this Saturday against Swiss second division side FC Vaduz in Liechtenstein. I think, though, that there will be very little coverage of it outside of the Inter Channel in Italy.

Call-ups:
Goalkeepers: Toldo, Orlandoni.
Defenders: Cordoba, Materazzi, Samuel, Donati*, Rigione*.
Midfielders: Quaresma, Motta, Vieira, Obi, Mancini, Fortunato*, Carlsen*, Biraghi*.
Strikers: Arnautovic, Beretta*, Alibec*
*Youth players.

The game is at 5pm local time (8am pacific, 11pm eastern) You may be able to follow it through the Inter web page. We will see.

FORZA INTER

My favorite international qualifier – and that is just because the eagle owl is so super cool:

Just because we are on an International break doesn’t mean that I can totally slack off. True, there is not a whole lot to talk about, but those of you who have been around here for a while know I rarely let that stop me. Oh, and the picture has nothing to do with anything, I just liked the composition.

First off: International Call-ups

Thanks to the insanity of Maradona and some untimely injuries, we only have 10 players out of town these next two weeks (all times are local):

Italy U21: Mario Balotelli
— Italy v Bosnia Herzegovina (Mantua, Tuesday 13 October at 21:00)

Italy: Davide Santon
— Ireland v Italy (Dublin, Saturday 10 October at 20:00)
— Italy v Cyprus (Parma, Wednesday 14 October at 20:50)

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon
— Bolivia v Brazil (La Paz, Sunday 11 October at 16:00)
— Brazil v Venezuela (Campo Grande, Wednesday 14 October at 18:00)

Slovenia: Renè Krhin
— Slovakia v Slovenia (Bratislava, Saturday 10 October at 20:30)
— San Marino v Slovenia (Serravalle, Wednesday 14 October at 20:30)

Romania: Cristian Chivu
— Serbia v Romania (Belgrade, Saturday 10 October at 20:30)
— Romania v Far Oer (Piatra Neamt, Wednesday 14 October at 21:00)

Serbia: Dejan Stankovic
— Serbia v Romania (Belgrade, Saturday 10 October at 20:30)
— Lithuania v Serbia (Marijampole, Wednesday 14 October at 21:00)

Columbia: Ivan Ramiro Cordoba
— Colombia v Chile (Medellin, Saturday 10 October at 17:00)
— Paraguay v Colombia (Asuncion, Tuesday 13 October at 18:00)

Cameroon: Samuel Eto’o
— Cameroon v Togo (Yaonde, Saturday 10 October at 15:30)
— Cameroon v Angola, friendly (Olhao, Portugal, Wednesday 14 October at 20:30)

Honduras: David Suazo
— Honduras v USA (San Pedro Pula, Saturday 10 October at 20:00)
— El Salvador v Honduras (San Salvador, Wednesday 14 October at 18:05)

Holland: Wesley Sneijder
— Australia v Holland, friendly (Sydney, Saturday 10 October at 19:30)
(this one totally ticks me off. All the way to Australia! For a FRIENDLY! Crazy. He better not come back injured.)

Milito and Lucio were also called up but are too injured to go. Word on the Argentina blog is that Zanetti is in Buenos Aires anyway (and I think it may be true because he certainly isn’t in any training pictures) just to watch the game.

Personally, I think it is a bit of a tragedy that Pupi wasn’t even called up. The folks over that the Argentina blog have been saying that Maradona dropped him because he wasn’t “loyal enough” (whatever that means), but that seems so unlike Pupi. Even Cordoba thinks it is odd. He had a little interview with FIFA about his upcoming WQ Qualifiers where he was asked about Argentina’s struggle to qualify, Cordoba said:

..

“To be honest, I’m more surprised that Zanetti was left out of the squad than I am about Argentina’s overall situation. They can still qualify, but I’m sorry to see that such a great captain and genuine person like Javier won’t be involved. He wanted to be in the thick of it, he’s not someone who disappears when the going gets tough. He’s a friend and a role model to me.”

Man. I want Argentina to qualify because I think they are a great footballing nation, but I hope Maradona crashes and burns. No one treats my Pupi like that, no one (fist shaking).

What Next

Well, the days are getting shorter and here in Seattle I had to turn the heater on last night so it must be time for… MERCATO MADNESS

Yep, nothing screams International Break like stupid transfer rumors – especially given that the market doesn’t even open for another three months. So….

Now, I have nothing against Adriano, but if JC wants brains he may be going after the wrong person here.

Maicon’s agent is still harping on about all the huge clubs that want him. Last time it was Real Madrid, now it is Manchester United.

Susana Werner inadvertently brought down a media storm around when she made an off-hand remark in her personal blog that ManU had also been bombarding her husband, Julio Cesar, with offers. She has been quick to back peddle saying that she only brought it up because it means he is a good keeper and she is proud of him (fair enough). He has “denied everything” and Branca is working on a new contract for him. So, miniature made up crisis averted, whew.

Liverpool has apparently shown interest in Rene Krhin, but he has “no intention of leaving Inter” and will sign a new contract in the next few months. I have no problem with this – he is a promising young kid and I would like him to stick around.

Everyone that hasn’t gotten a whole lot of playing time yet is supposedly leaving in January (Vieira, Quaresma, Mancini, Suazo, Arnautovic). Ya, ’cause after ten games (counting supper cup) everyone can already see who will play the next 40 or so, right (estimating here, kids, dont rip on me for having the wrong number of total games)? Cripes. Funnily, the only actual player who has said they are thinking about leaving is the one of the bunch who is actually playing somewhat regularly (that would be Vieira).

Oh, and also now Muntari’s agent is supposedly in talks with Tottenham. I know he has had a couple not so stellar games, but I would hate to lose him after only one year. I quite like him.

And here is a little bone for MAD: according to a headline at La Gazzetta, Inter likes Gallopa:

MOVING ON

During these two “off weeks” Mourinho has a whole passel of youth players training with the first team. Everyone has been preparing for a friendly this Saturday against Piacenza (at the Stadio Leonardo Garilli in Piacenza on Saturday 10 October, 4pm local time). I have no idea if the game will be broadcast, but I will do my best to find out for you all.

Thiago Motta is working his little heart out (double sessions today), as is Milito (who wants be ready for the game against Kiev on the 20th), but despite their best intentions, probably neither will be back until November. Grrrreeeeaaaaat.

No word recently on Lucio but I dont think his injury was that serious.

Well, I guess that is enough to keep us all occupied for another couple days.

FORZA INTER

And I leave you all with the almost unbearable cuteness of Jose Mourinho at a “press conference” with children. It is in Italian, but here is a barely passable translation of some of it. Really, it is tons more lovely than they make it out to be.
Just watch:

Roster rotation.

No matter what anyone says or how down Milan look, The Derby is a big game. Barcelona, even in a group stage game, is a big game. Sandwiched in between is Parma… not really a big game – all due respect to Parma. They aren’t a rival and a newly promoted team just might provide us the opportunity we need to rest and recuperate.

Let’s face it; one could almost understand the big stars to take a break on this one. And with a big game right after and in some cases long flights just before, the “B” team could get a run out.

So first I want to talk about the advantages and the disadvantages to rotating the roster and then I want to talk about whom goes where in the rotated squad.

There are some advantages to rotating the roster. We get to rest some guys from long flights and 2 games in a week international break. Granted we are only talking about resting those that might actually see action against Barcelona, so some guys who played 2 games this week are going to add a 3rd.

There is also a quantity of focus. A weeks worth of concentrating and studying up on Barca against 3 or 4 days may matter in the final equation. Plus there is a question of motivation. Milito may be focused for any game, any time, but can we say the same thing about others? How about guys like Santon, Quaresma or Mancini, who are desperate to prove that they deserve first team spots. Think that they might be motivated more than someone who sees Parma as an annoyance before the real game midweek?

The downside to roster rotation is that the “B” team is the “B” team for a reason. They aren’t as good as the “A” team – but then who is, especially when you have a leader named Hannibal, the goofball from Star Trek and Mr. T around. A team like Parma isn’t a pushover, even though they are just promoted. It may also be extra motivation for them since we were the ones that sent them down 2 seasons ago. Like Bari two weeks ago, this is their Champions League final. This is about as big as it gets for them for the whole season and they are going to be up for it. Even if they don’t think that they are going to win, they are definitely going to make sure that they aren’t embarrassed.

This isn’t England or Spain. Teams ranked 10-20 aren’t pushovers. Unlike teams in those leagues, Parma will have a good solid strategy and tactics to try and exploit mistakes – the best teams make them – or to help stay alive for as long as possible.

Like Bari did.

Personally, I see squad rotation as a relatively good thing, if one can say something good about fielding a lower talent squad on purpose. If we can pull it off, we need to get some playing time to the young guys sometime and I personally would like us to compete for the Coppa Italia, no matter how insignificant a trophy it is. Plus, look at what some self serving scum is already trying to put in our young players’ heads – and it’s only the second game of the season that has just gone. Players have to play, even Vieira. Well, sometimes, for very small amounts of time, anyway.

If we decide that squad rotation is a good idea, the next thing we have to do is figure out who the “A” team is (Okay, no more ‘80s jokes, this one is too easy to put forth much effort).

In my mind this is the best team we can field (right to left):

Goalkeepr: Julio Cesar

Center Backs: Lucio, Samuel

Fullbacks: Maicon, Chivu

Center Midfielders: Zanetti, Cambiasso, Motta

Attacking Midfielder: Schmujcko

Forwards: Eto’o, Milito

That leaves Toldo, Cordoba, Materazzi, Santon, Deki, Quaresma, Mancini, Muntari, Vieira, Krhin, Obi, Suazo and Balotelli on the second team. Orlandoni, as the 3rd team goal keeper, is an emergency player.

Before we continue let’s discuss the “B” squad for a moment. Many of these players are not exactly “B”. Muntari, Santon, (god help me) Vieira, Deki and Balotelli are really more “B+” or “A-“squad. They play significant minutes with the “A” squad and in many cases they will start.

On a personal note, I pray that we can get rid of Vieira next summer because the thought of another season after this one with him playing significant minutes will just make my hair turn grey, fall out and grow funky eyebrows. Jeez, he bothers me.

Now just to be clear, I don’t expect there to be 100% turnover from the Parma game to the Barcelona game if we rotate the squad. Let’s be realistic, here. Some players are just going to have to play more than others. Having said that, I think that there might be significant changes between the two games.

Here’s how I think the “B” squad might look if we keep the same formation (right to left):

Goalkeeper: Julio Cesar

Center Back: Cordoba, Chivu

Fullback: Maicon, Santon

Center Midfield: Zanetti, Vieira, Muntari

Attacking Midfield: Deki

Forwards: Balotelli, Milito

According to my complete speculation and assumption regarding the rotation of the squad, six different players may come in and play significant roles. Cambiasso and Motta, assuming they’re healthy, will need rest for the same reasons: they are both proven to be injury prone. We know from last season that Mourinho likes to rotate his Center Backs from game to game depending on importance – if he didn’t we wouldn’t have had those wonderful games against Sampdoria or Werder Bremen.

If we were to change the formation, into something more in accordance to what we saw (or didn’t see, but read about) with our friendly this past weekend, like the 433, I think that we might see a personnel shift this way (right to left):

Goalkeeper: Julio Cesar

Center Backs: Cordoba, Chivu

Fullbacks: Maicon, Santon

Center Midfielders: Zanetti, Vieira, Muntari

Forwards: Quaresma, Milito, Balotelli

We still see a shift of 6 players but the formation change is significant. I don’t see any way that Julio Cesar isn’t the goalkeeper, nor do I see any chance that Zanetti or Maicon don’t see the field. Everyone else is negotiable, as I see it.

I would love to see a discussion regarding whether rotation is a good idea here, or who would be rotated in/out or what formation we might use. Would this be the same against all the teams that we would consider in the bottom half of the table?

Inter Forever has very kindly uploaded highlights from the game and an interview with Marko Arnautovic (here). Thank you very much! You can also read a match report on Football Italia.

May this be the first of many this season, Ricky!

Mourinho played a 4-3-3 for this game:

Toldo
Donati*, Samuel, Materazzi (27′ Kyisela*), Esposito*;
Tremolada* (23 s.t Carlsen*), Vieira, Obi* (34′ s.t Romanò*);
Quaresma, Arnautovic ( 43 s.t Dell’Agnello*), Mancini

*Youth player

So, as you can see, first team attack with a largely youth-team defense = lots of goals for everyone! A little worryingly, Marco had to leave the game in the 27th minute because of a problem with his right thigh. No news yet on the extent of his possible injury.

In the end, a friendly is just a friendly, but I think this one was well-timed and very useful. Clearly, we will be seeing more of this Mancini, Arna, Quaresma attacking trident in the future. It was nice to give them a chance to work together without the pressure of a “real” game (I wonder if this counts as one of the 10 appearances for Marko). Also, the fact that our Primavera boys held their own against some big boys show clear promise for the future. With a friendly like this, Mou can get a good look at them and see who may integrate into the first team. Toldo is clearly rusty and this is just the sort of thing he needs to get back into form. With the strenuous season ahead, it would be nice if he could take up some of the Coppa Italia slack. If he does, though, conceding 3 goals will never do. I hope he has it out of his system now!

Oh, Wesley. Please be ok. We need you, desperately!

In other international news, Sneijder got a goal in Holland’s friendly against Japan. Unfortunately, he also picked up what may be a serious ankle injury. He had to be stretchered off in the 77th minute and was immediately taken to the hospital. Apparently, Sneijder said that he heard something crack in his ankle, which does not sound good. According to FC Inter News, x-rays have have ruled out any type of fracture. He will stay in Holland and undergo additional tests to check his tendons. We should know more by Monday. Fingers crossed everyone and light an extra candle to the Calcio Gods – we need Sneijder for the Barcelona game.

Hmmm, looks like Santon gets to play despite Canna’s warning.

On a happier note, Santon got 20 minutes or so playing time with Azzurri against Georgia today. He got at least one good cross in and didn’t concede a free kick or a goal, so I guess I count that as a success. Krhin played about 12 minutes against England today. It was just a friendly, but playing time is playing time, and you never know, he may meet a couple of those players in the Champions League this year. Oh, Slovenia lost 1-2, but England was awarded a phantom penalty and their keeper got away with handling outside of the box, so the results may not accurately represent the play.

Eto’o scored a goal for Cameroon, ultimately beating Gabon 0-2, while Cordoba played a full 90 for Columbia against Ecuador. Columbia also won 2-0. As I write this, Brazil and Argentina are slogging it out. Julio Cesar, Maicon, and Lucio are starting for Brazil, while Zanetti is our lone representative on the pitch for Argentina, although Milito is on the bench. Oh, and Lucio has picked up a yellow card (along with Kaka) and Brazil is up 0-2.

FORZA INTER

Oh Davide, cant you wait until you get back to the dressing room? Yikes.

Inter have 14 first-team players and 1 Primavera player called up for International duty between now and next Wednesday. The list below is sorted by competition and country, with all times shown in US pacific and eastern.

Italy, UEFA Under-21 European Championship:

Italy: Mario Balotelli, Lorenzo Crisetig
– Wales v Italy (Swansea, Friday 4 September at 11:45am pacific, 2:45pm eastern)
– Italy v Luxembourg (Novara, Tuesday 8 September at noon pacific, 3pm eastern)

Interestingly, Crisetig is only 16 years old, and, if he actually plays in either of those games, would set a record for the youngest player to compete in Italy’s U21 squad. The record right now is held by Federico Macheda (Manchester United), who made his Italy U21 debut at 18.

2010 World Cup qualifiers

Italy: Davide Santon
– Georgia v Italy (Tbilisi, Saturday 5 September at 11am pacific, 2pm eastern)
– Italy v Bulgaria (Turin, Wednesday 9 September at 11:50am pacific 2:50pm eastern)

Brazil: Lucio, Maicon, Julio Cesar
– Argentina v Brazil (Rosario, Saturday 5 September at 5:30pm pacific, 8:30pm eastern)
– Brazil v Chile (Salvador De Bahia, Wednesday 9 September at 6pm pacific, 9pm eastern)

Argentina: Javier Zanetti, Diego Milito
– Argentina v Brazil (Rosario, Saturday 5 September at 5:30pm pacific, 8:30pm eastern)
– Paraguay v Argentina (Asuncion, Wednesday 9 September at 4pm pacific, 7pm eastern)

Slovenia: Renè Khrin
– England v Slovenia, friendly (London, Saturday 5 September at 9:30am pacific, 12:30pm eastern).
– Slovenia v Poland (Maribor, Wednesday 9 September at 11:45am pacific, 2:45pm eastern)

Romania: Cristian Chivu
– France v Romania (Paris, Saturday 5 September at noon pacific, 3pm eastern)
– Romania v Austria (Bucharest, Wednesday 9 September at 10:45am pacific, 1:45pm eastern)

Holland: Wesely Sneijder
– Scotland v Holland (Glasgow, Wednesday 9 September at noon pacific, 3pm eastern)

Serbia: Dejan Stankovic
– Serbia v France (Belgrade, Wednesday 9 September at noon pacific, 3pm eastern)

Columbia: Ivan Ramiro Cordoba
– Colombia v Ecuador (Medellin, Saturday 5 September at 1:30pm pacific, 4:30pm eastern)
– Uruguay v Colombia (Montevideo, Wednesday 9 September at 2pm pacific, 5pm eastern)

Cameroon: Samuel Eto’o
– Gabon v Cameroon (Libreville, Saturday 5 September at 7:30am pacific, 10:30am eastern)
– Cameroon v Gabon (Yaounde, Wednesday 9 September at 7:30am pacific, 10:30am eastern)

Ghana: Sulley Muntari
– Ghana v Sudan (Accra, Sunday 6 September at 8am pacific, 11am eastern)

Closer to home, Mourinho has submitted his squad list to UEFA for the group stages of the Champions League. Thanks to some fancy footwork in the front office, the squad has been paired down enough that no one has to stay home. The only player not to make the list this year is Marko Arnautovic and he hasn’t recovered from his foot injury so cant play anyway.

A list:
Goalkeepers: Toldo, Julio Cesar, Orlandoni
Defenders: Cordoba, Zanetti, Lucio, Maicon, Materazzi, Samuel, Chivu, Santon
Midfielders: Stankovic, Quaresma, Thiago Motta, Sneijder, Muntari, Vieira, Cambiasso, Obi*, Mancini, Esposito*
Strikers: Eto’o, Suazo, Milito, Balotelli

*youth players

B list: Belec (goalkeeper), Krhin (midfielder), Caldirola (midfielder), Destro (striker), Tremolada (midfielder)

Sad but true, not everyone got called up for international duty. So those who had to stay home wont be too bored, Mouinho has scheduled a friendly against Swiss side Lugano on Saturday, the 5th. The game will take place at the stadio “Cornaredo” in Lugano at 5:30pm (local time; 8:30am pacific, 11:30am eastern).

What was left of the squad trained today at La Pinetina. To bulk the squad a bit, Mourinho had to draft a few players from the academy: Cristiano Biraghi (midfielder), Simone Dell’agnello (forward), Giulio Donati (deffense), Marek Kysela (defense), Samuele Longo (forward), Sebastian Carlsen (midfielder), and Andrea Romanò (midfielder). Marko Arnautovic also joined the group – he must be feeling better – while Thiago Motta and Cambiasso had therapy and individual sessions.

Wow, after all the drama of the summer market and the high emotions of the Derby, this all just seems so dull and pedestrian. Oh well, this is all we have so we might as well make the best of it. At least the Brazil-Argentina game should be good.

FORZA INTER

Oh, and Happy 30th Birthday, Julio Cesar!

——————————————–

INTERNATIONAL CALL-UPS

We are moving into an international break and Inter have twelve players going out to play for their countries:

Davide Santon to Basel for Switzerland v Italy

Mario Balotelli to St. Petersburg for Russia v Italy (U21)

Ivan Cordoba to New York for Columbia v Venezuela

Cristian Chivu to Budapest for Hungary v Romania

Sulley Muntari to London for Ghana v Zambia

Nicolas Burdisso, Diego Milito and Javier Zanetti to Moscow for Russia v Argentina (poor Samuel, he never gets calle up)

Samuel Eto’o to Klagenfurt for Austria v Cameroon;

Julio Cesar, Maicon, and Lucio to Tallinn for Estonia v Brazil.

Most of them left directly from China to join their teams. In addition, Mourinho has given a few days off to Patrick Vieira, Francesco Toldo, David Suazo, Dejan Stankovic and Rene Krhin.

YET MORE FRIENDLIES

Yep, just when you thought we were finally finished with summer friendlies, two more pop up.

First, there is the Trofeo Tim on August 14 in Pescara. For those of you who dont know, the Trofeo Tim is a wacky three-way game between Milan, Juve, and Inter comprised of three 45-minute periods that Juve have never won (this could be their year, though). Considering the grueling travel schedule most of our starters have, this could be one that gets away from us.

Then, Inter play the Bahrain National team on August 16 in Kapfenberg, Austria. After that, all we have to do is buckle down and prepare to beat Bari on opening day.

Oh, and find a &*$&%#* TREQUARTISTA! Van der Vaart seems to be the favorite now.

FORZA INTER

Picture of the Season: Champions of Italy… Again!

Oh ya, the rest. Well, Inter beat Atalanta 4-3, with a brace from Ibra, one from Muntari, and one from Cambiasso. Ibra’s last goal was enough to put him over the top, and with 25 goals, Ibra got his golden boot (which he now wants to take to Spain, but more on that later). If anyone is interested, Francesco thoughtfully posted a compilation of all of Ibra’s Serie A goals (here). In the end, Inter finished on 84 points (10 ahead of both Milan and Juve), had the best defensive record (allowed 32 goals), and tied with Milan for the most goals scored (70). I know we still stumbled in Europe, but, as consolation prizes go, the Scudetto rocks pretty darn hard. Plus, I am growing attached to that little shield on our kits.

I was a little blasé above about the game. In reality, it was a real nail biter. First we went ahead, then they equalized, then they went ahead… Well, see for yourself:

It was Figo’s last game and everyone was appropriately sniffly (including yours truly). The squad all wore Figo jerseys while warming up, the club gave him a platter, and probably the most moving thing, Zanetti gave him the captain’s arm band. Once again, you can see for yourself (keep the tissue handy):

The trophy presentation was after the game and, while exciting, was a little anticlimactic. Last year we won by the skin of our teeth (very exciting), and the year before was our first on the pitch in almost forever – plus we kicked everyone’s ass (also very exciting). This year, the trophy presentation was a nice little “Hooray” moment, but the real emotions (for me) came a couple weeks earlier when we won mathematically. For those that understand Italian (or just like to see the pretty pictures), SkySport did a special for Inter’s 17th Scudetto which has been posted up on Youtube as a four-part series.

(oh, and as an aside: I would like to point out that all those fans of other Italian clubs that flip us crap for not winning the Champions League – they would have loved to see their team hoisting the championship trophy this season. No matter what they say, they are eating their hearts out. Sort of like how we feel about Barcelona right now.)

One of the highlights for me is when the players all bring their little children on the pitch during the trophy ceremony. Most of the time we see the squad they are these hardened warriors complete with game-face. I just love it when they show that softer, daddy side… Like this (everybody all together, awwwwwww):

He may be a glory-hunting mercenary, but until Barcelona pony up that boat-load of cash, he is our glory-hunting mercenary – and this is pretty freakin’ cute.

WHAT NEXT

Well, I will do a year-end review (promise) where we can hash over the best and worst of the past 38 game days. Plus, there is national team football. Between the U21 Euros, WC qualifies, International Friendlies, and the Confederation Cup, Inter has 15 players that have been called up to play for their countries (all times are local, Italian times):

Davide Santon (Italy): Friendly, Italy v Northern Ireland (Pisa, Saturday June 6 at 20.50) and Italy-New Zealand (Pretoria, Wednesday June 10 at 20.50);

Mario Balotelli (Italy Under 21): Friendly, Italy v Denmark (Copenhagen, Thursday, ‘June 9 at 18:00); U21 Euors, Italy-Sweden (Helsingborg, Thursday,’ June 16 at 20.45), Italy-Serbia (Helsingborg, Friday June 19 at 16.00) and Italy-Belarus (Helsingborg, Tuesday 23 June at ore 20.45);

Julio Cesar and Maicon (Brazil): WC Qualifiers, Brazil-Uruguay (Montevideo, Saturday June 6 to 20:00 in Italy) and Brazil-Paraguay (Recife, Wednesday June 10 at 1:50 Italian), Confederations Cup, Brazil-Egypt (Mangaung Monday June 15 at 16.00), US-Brazil (Pretoria, Thursday June 18 at 16.00) and Italy-Brazil (Pretoria, Sunday June 21 at 20.30);

Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden): WC Qualifiers, Denmark-Sweden (Solna, Saturday June 6 to 20:00) and Sweden-Malta (Goteborg, Wednesday June 10 at 19.00);

Cristian Chivu (Romania): WC qualifiers, Lithuania-Romania (Marijampole, Saturday June 6 to 20:00);

Dejan Stankovic (Serbia): WC Qualifiers, Austria-Serbia (Belgrade, Saturday June 6 at 20:30) and Serbia-Faroe Islands (Torshavn, Wednesday June 10 at 20.15);

Nicolas Burdisso and Javier Zanetti (Argentina): WC Qualifiers, Colombia-Argentina (B. Aires, Saturday 6 June at 22.00)-Argentina and Ecuador (Quito, Wednesday June 10 at 21.00);

Patrick Vieira (France): Friendly, France-Nigeria (St. Etienne, Tuesday June 2) and Turkey-France (Lyon, Friday June 5);

Sulley Muntari (Ghana): WC Qualifiers, Ghana-Mali (Bamako, Sunday, June 7) and Sudan-Ghana (Omdurman, Sunday June 21);

Ivan Ramiro Cordoba (Colombia): WC Qualifiers, Colombia-Argentina (B. Aires, Saturday 6 June at 22.00 pm Italian) and Peru-Colombia (Medellin, Wednesday 10 June at 24.00 Italian);

Victor Obinna (Nigeria): Friendly, Nigeria-France (St. Etienne, Tuesday June 2) WC Qualifiers, Kenya-Nigeria (Abuja, Sunday, June 7) and Nigeria-Tunisia (Rades on Saturday June 20);

Vid Bélec and Renè Krhin (Slovenia Under 19): Uefa Under 19, Russia-Slovenia (Lendava, Thursday June 4 to 17.00), Slovenian-Holland (M. Sobota, Saturday June 6 at 17.00) and Belarus-Slovenia (M . Sobota, Tuesday June 9 at 17:00).

Everyone mark your calenders – for Confederation Cup games, Daryl has kindly posted a broadcast schedule for the US and UK.

Oh, and later in the summer there will be a full complement of friendlies and cup tournaments, including the World Football Challenge which may see Inter coming to a city near you (and I think tickets are still available). I will do my best to keep you all informed and up to date about all of them.

Then there is the fun and games of the summer transfer period…. There is just so darn much to do this summer, I hope you will all stick around. It has been a great season and a great campaign – I cant wait to do it again next year!

FORZA INTER

And here is a little Scudetto-themed Julio Cesar love – at least there are no transfer rumors around him (crossing myself, sprinkling salt, knocking wood):

First of all, as I am sure most of you know, Maicon was seriously injured during the Brazil – Ecuador game. It is not clear how long he will be out, but he is not even coming back to Italy for 10 days. There is some speculation that he will be out for the rest of the season. With only two months left, they may be right.

This is so not good.

Of course, that doesn’t stop other clubs from wanting him. Antonio Caliendo, Maicon’s agent said: “Yes, there is an interest from Real Madrid, but they are not the only ones because Maicon is the number one in his position.” Good think he is under contract until 2013!

Dunga better not break these two!

Our other Brazilians seem to be doing well. Adriano did not play in the game against Ecuador as he had picked a knock to his ankle in training (I wish I could find where I read that – you will all have to take my word for it). He seems to be training again so may feature in the Peru game. Lets just hope he comes home unscathed. Julio Cesar, as always, has been stunning. I think the world has finally found out about him. What ever we pay him, we really should double it.

Somehow, I dont think Ronaldinho is a very good influence on Adriano.

On a down note, Adriano has found his way back to the tabloids. The Spoiler, quoting the Brazilian paper Extra, says that upon returning to Brazil, he had a blow out, all night long party at his villa. Robinho and Ronaldinho were there… along with a bevy of WAG wannabes and a famous transvestite model. Grrreeeaaaat.

I hope all the hype doesn’t go to his head.

Balotelli and Santon got the call-up for the Italy U21 team. Everyone (read: the press) seems to be impressed with Santon. He played on the right tonight (his “natural” position) so maybe he can help pick up the slack with Maicon out (didn’t his Primavera coach say that they used to call him the white Maicon?). Balotelli picked up a knock to the head – I think he got cut – and had to be subbed out in the second half. This international break has not been good for us.

There is not much word from Argentina. They beat the snot out of Venzuela, 4-0. Zanetti played a full 90 for that game. Bolivia is next but no word on the squad yet. I know it is a great honor to play for your country and all, but after the whole Maicon thing, I can’t help but hope both Zanetti and Samuel sit this one out.

In other news, Moratti was at a Milan-based Inter club where much of the membership is comprised of police officers. He said:

“The police offers do a very valuable job in our city. They are a very respectable institution and they are respected by everyone, by me first of all. And the fact that they are Interisti makes me like them even more. (Smiles) I drive without committing any offenses… and I’m very pleased to be here among very kind, polite and nice people.”

Which is super funny (and ironic) given that Maxwell has been fined 6000 euro for driving without a license. It turns out that his Brazilian drivers license is not valid in Italy. Even worse, it was a Chrysler that he got ticketed in. I wonder if Brazilian licenses are valid in Spain…

On the coaching front, Mourinho has been in the US making sure the training facilities are up to snuff for this summer’s tour and giving interviews to ESPN:

He is in favor of FIFA’s proposed 6+5 rule and claims to want a more Italian Inter. I think it is admirable to bring youth players into the team, but I think it is also true when he says that rebuilding this way may mean a year without trophies (or “reducing winning potential“). The question then arises: is it worth it? Is building a more Italian club (whatever that means – we have players in our youth system from all over the world) worth losing for a season or two?

I will leave you all with that question to ponder over – oh, and a few Julio Cesar photos.

FORZA INTER

Contemplating his toes in the pool:

And cavorting with the enemy:

First off, Inter has 9 players on international duty:

Italy U21: Francesco Bolzoni – Austria U21 v Italy U21, international friendly (he got 45 minutes, the game was a 2-2 draw).
Brazil: Adriano, Julio Cesar, Maicon – Ecuador v Brazil, Brazil v Peru; World Cup qualifiers
Serbia: Stankovic – Romania v Serbia, World Cup qualifier; Serbia v Sweden, international friendly
Argentina: Samuel and Zanetti – Argentina v Venezuela; Bolivia v Argentina, World Cup qualifiers
Ghana: Muntari – Ghana v Benin, World Cup qualifier
Nigeria: Obinna – Mozambique v Nigeria, World Cup qualifier

(for those of you wondering, Zlatan is suspended for the Sweden v Portugal game so was not called up)

INJURIES

Well, the big news is that it looks like Mancini will be out for a month and Jimenez about 20 days.

Hopefully we will get one of them back before the end of the season. I feel a bit bad about Mancini – he seems like he was getting on well in training, plus he says he wants to stay and work for a first team spot.

Jimenez has not said outright that he wants to leave, although he is a bit puzzled that he is not being played more. I just thought it was that he could not stay off the injured list. I guess we will see come the end of April.

Oh, and remember Suazo? Well he has injured his left knee and needs surgery. He is only on loan to Benfica, so it may well be that Inter is liable for the medical attention and the rehab. Poor guy.

CONTRACT RENEWAL

This is all about Esteban Cambiasso! He has renewed with Inter until 2014. If he finishes this contract, he will have been at Inter for a full decade. He had a press conference today (there was not a lot else going on) where he answered all sorts of questions like why he shaves his hair (it is tied to winning – so long as Inter keep winning, the head stays bald. I always thought it was to avoid the dreaded comb-over).

My favorite was when he was asked if he thought he would finish his career as the captain of Inter. He said: “No. In 2014 Javier Zanetti will still be on the pitch.” Isn’t that sweet?

Grazie, Esteban. I appreciate everything you do for the squad and your loyalty to the team.

TRANSFER RUMORS/DRESSING ROOM STRIFE

Well, first there is the elephant in the room (or, as some say, camel), Zlatan Ibrahimovic. After we bombed out of the Champions League, the pundits started up with the whole “Ibra is leaving” thing. Then, he said he was disappointed in an interview. But, the real bombshell was his comments after the Reggina game:

“I have a contract with Inter and I’m happy to be at this club. For now we are all concentrated on winning this Scudetto. At the end of the season we will see what happens.”

Then the poop hit the fan. Next thing you know it was all about Bacelona this, Real Madrid that, and even talk of Manchester United. The figure being bandied about was 100 million pounds. Well, as it turns out, the whole thing is a media-concocted pile of guano. Ibra’s agent, Raiola, has finally had enough, saying:

“There are no problems, the player has a great relationship with Jose Mourinho and with the club. Zlatan was disappointed after the Champions League elimination but he has never said that he wants to leave.”

So there, Ibra is not going anywhere.

Same for Mourinho. He is already working on next year and he has no intention of quitting, saying:

“I don’t want to protect myself, win tomorrow and then leave my successor a team without potential. I’m working for Inter’s future.”

Others are not so happy at Inter… Which leads me to poor Maxwell.

He is not happy and he doesn’t care who knows it. Maxwell’s agent, Mino Raiola (the guy really gets around) said:

“With Mourinho either you’re Zlatan and he takes you to his home or if you’re not Zlatan you’re dead and that’s not right from a coach’s point of view. The relationship between Maxwell and Mourinho is finished.”

He then suggested that Maxwell could move to AC Milan (although there has also been a rumor or three about Barcelona), saying:

“That’s not a decision for Inter to take but the player’s. We’ll terminate his contract, we’ll pay what has to be paid but we won’t set one price for Milan and another for other clubs. All the big teams know how good this player is.”

Well, that is a real shame. I have always liked Maxwell and I am sorry he is so angry. Still, if he feels he has to leave, I would hope he would at least do us the courtesy of going out of the country.

As for all the other rumors (choughAguero coughCruzToLazio), we will have time for all that later.

FORZA INTER

Hmmm, I wonder what they are talking about…

(high quality at youtube)

Inter tried out a new formation for this game – 4-3-2-1. Baresi said they had been toying with the formation during training, and it looks like it worked pretty well. Mou said:

“The success of the system depends on the players, it’s all a lot easier if they go on the pitch with the desire they showed today. I could have used Crespo or Balotelli alongside Ibra but I thought that Figo and Stankovic would be fundamental to find spaces between the lines and they are two extra players who give cover in front of Zanetti in defense. Figo played a good match for us. He hadn’t played for a while but he was necessary for our equilibrium.”

I know that some will criticize Mou for changing formations and moving away from his beloved 4-3-3, but I think the willingness to change is a positive aspect to Mourinho’s managerial style. I want a coach that looks at the available players and uses the best possible formation for their strengths. It seems to me that trying to cram players into a formation just for the sake of the formation usually ends in misery. I am just glad that I did not try to predict the line-up in my preview post – I absolutely never would have guessed. But then, neither would Lecce.

Julio Cesar did not have much to do, but when he was called into action he made an amazing save against Stendardo. I am glad to see that his miss last week against Torino did not affect him.

Cambiasso was…. well Cambiasso. He was decisive in the midfield, fed Ibra the ball for our first goal (totally faking out Lecce’s defense), and made it near impossible for Lecce to get past the midline. Sheik Whoever at ManCity can keep his money, I think Cuchu will be the next Inter captain.

I will leave Ibra’s performance in Kirby’s capable hands over at the Zlatan fan blog.

Marco came back for this game, and, aside from one late-ish tackle and an error towards the end (that Nico covered for), he did pretty well. I dont know if a Nico-Marco pairing is ready for Milan or ManU, but I think they will do against Bologna or maybe even Sampdoria in the Coppa. Burdisso seems to have recovered from whatever brain trauma that lead to his horrific CL performance. This is good news for us because the next few months are going to be grueling. We need all hands ready and in top condition if we are to get through March and April and still be on top.

Both Santon and Balotelli played today. Santon gave another fine performance – it was his cross into the box that Figo headed home for our second goal. Balotelli’s game was not so nice. True, he only had about 8 minutes of play time, but it just did not go well for him. He managed to pick up a card and will now be unavailable for the derby. If, like me, you were wondering why Mou put him in for such a short time, it is because:

“I wanted to put him on to give him morale and make him understand that we are with him and that we believe in him. I’m no different from all of you who are aware of Mario’s great potential. I just want a more mature player with a different attitude, but the team needs him and it’s a pity he can’t be with us next week in the derby because he was a booking away from a ban today.”

So there you go.

INTERNATIONAL DUTY

In other news, Inter have quite a few players going out to play friendlies this week for their respective national teams:

Zanetti, Burdisso, and Samuel are going to Marseille to play for Argentina against France. I dont know why Cambiasso was left off the list, but I dont much care. It may be a blow for Cuchu, but I am pleased as punch for him to sit this one out.

True to his word, Vieira has not been called up for France. There may be hope for him yet.

Julio Cesar, Maicon, and Adriano have been called up to play for Brazil against Italy in London.

Other call ups include:
Balotelli – Italy U21
Muntari – Ghana
Stankovic – Serbia
Obinna – Nigeria

VIAREGGIO (Carnival Cup)

For the youngsters, this week sees the start of the 61st Viareggio Cup World Football Tournament. The tournament runs from February 9th through the 23rd, and includes 25 Italian and 15 international squads (including one from New York!). Inter won this tournament last year and will begin defending the title against the Queens Park Rangers youth team on Monday. A full schedule is here for those interested.

Vincenzo Esposito has chosen 24 players:

Portieri: Belec, Bavena, Stocchi

Difensori: Caldirola, Daminuta, Donati, Mbida, Mei, Rigione, Toppan.

Centrocampisti: Esposito, Fortunato, Gerbo, Krhin, Obi, Bolzoni, Tremolada, Stevanovic.

Attaccanti: Beretta, Bocalon, Destro, Napoli, Giacomelli, Sesay.

Aguri Raggazzi!

I will do my best to keep you all updated on how the team does in the tournament.

READER PARTICIPATION

Next week is the Derby. Besides being an emotional city rivalry, a win for Inter could effectively end Milan’s Scudetto dreams. To get us all in the spirit, I thought I would ask you all (the readers) for any special Derby memories you might have. Write something down, dont forget to include url’s for images or videos, and I will post them up. Also include your board nickname. Please dont waste my time and yours with anti-Inter tirades as it wont go up, and please, keep the language family-friendly.

Send it to johonnars [at] gmail [dot] com – the offside email address has never worked for me.

I cant wait.

FORZA INTER

Two pictures today (I could not decide):
Happy 200th Deki!

Nico gives us a little taste of warm-weather shirt-swapping.