Latest Serie A News

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NAPOLI BACK TO WINNING WAYS


Napoli shook off their European disappointment as an Edinson Cavani double sank Parma 2-0.

After seeing a 1-0 lead turn into a 3-1 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday, Napoli needed a result and got it in straightforward fashion as Cavani struck in the 19th and 86th minutes to claim the points.

The result leaves Napoli just outside the top four on goal difference, while Parma sink into the drop zone.

The hosts could have taken the lead as early as the third minute, but Alessandro Lucarelli's half-volley from close range was off target.

Jose Martin Marques sent a long-range effort wide at the other end as Parma managed to get forward, but it was from one of the visitors' attacks that Napoli scored.

Camilo Zuniga led the counter-attack, and his pass found Cavani inside the area for a simple finish.

Hugo Campagnaro then fired wide in a rare foray forward for the defender as Napoli sought to build on their advantage.

The best Parma chance of the first half came seven minutes before the break when Luca Antonelli picked out Hernan Crespo, but Morgan De Sanctis kept out the shot.

Cavani might have had his second three minutes into the second half, but could not stretch far enough to reach Jose Ernesto Sosa's cross with the goal gaping.

Campagnaro appeared determined to score and launched a superb effort from 35 yards but saw it whistle wide of the post.

Valeri Bojinov had a great chance to level for the visitors in the 67th minute, but his header went just wide from Antonio Candreva's cross.

Moments later, Marques fired high and wide in the last chance Parma would have.

It was all Napoli for the final 20 minutes, with Ezequiel Lavezzi sending a 35 yard bullet just wide of the post before Cavani brought a good save out of Antonio Mirante with a close-range effort.

But the striker had the final word as his fine finish beat Mirante with four minutes remaining.



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BUFFON REJECTS MAN UTD RUMOURS Man. City v Man. Utd.

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has once again dismissed reports that he could join Manchester United at the end of the season.

Buffon has yet to play for Juve this season after undergoing back surgery in the summer and he did not turn up for an official team photograph last week.

His absence from the photo call prompted fresh rumours that the Italy international could be ready to end his nine-year association with Juve.

However, after rejecting the idea that he could move to United last month, the 32-year-old has again stressed there are no developments regarding his future.

"Manchester United? I am used to living with these rumours, people have been speaking about this for six years now, but nothing has happened," he told Tuttosport.

Juve's general manager Beppe Marotta, meanwhile, played down suggestions that Buffon's absence from last week's photo had caused a rift with his team-mates.

Marotta said: "Juve have nothing to reproach Gigi for.

"Actually we expect him on the pitch as soon as possible. No such incident with Buffon exists."


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INZAGHI CONSIDERS MILAN EXIT

Filippo Inzaghi has admitted he is considering his future but AC Milan insist he will not be going anywhere.

The veteran striker demonstrated last week that he can still compete with the best in the business even at the age of 37 by scoring two goals against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

However, he was then left out of the side to face Bari on Sunday and concedes that it can be frustrating not to play regularly.

Inzaghi claims to have attracted interest from elsewhere and will mull over his options in the new year if he is not getting more game time.

"My future? I want to be still important. I have received two offers and I am glad that someone is still looking for me," he told Rete Quattro.

"I don't want to be employed only in moments of despair, but let us see in two months.

"I have an incredible affection for Milan but I still really want to play and I feel good."

Vice-president Adriano Galliani has made it clear that he has no intention of letting Inzaghi leave.

"I have already told Pippo: 'You have been after a contract renewal for a year and now there is no chance that I am letting you leave'. He will stay with us," Galliani revealed.

"At great teams even champions have to stay on the bench. Coach (Massimiliano) Allegri trains them all week and knows which players are in the best shape."



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MORATTI - INJURIES HAMPERING INTER Italian Serie A.


Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has attempted to ease the pressure on coach Rafael Benitez by blaming the club's lengthy injury list for their indifferent form.

Inter claimed the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League treble last season under Jose Mourinho but Benitez has found life tougher at the San Siro.

The Nerazzurri are third in Serie A and also suffered a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham in the Champions League last week, although they are still expected to qualify for the knockout stages.

Benitez's men head south to Lecce on Wednesday night missing a host of players, including central defender Walter Samuel, who damaged knee ligaments in the weekend draw with Brescia.

Maicon and Wesley Sneijder are also doubtful and Moratti has sympathy for Benitez.

He said: "We are doing more than okay in the championship.

"The situation is difficult and the important thing is to get all our injured players back so we can reach the levels of previous years.

"It has not been like last year because of the injuries.

"But nothing is decisive at this stage of the season."

Inter are a point behind second-placed AC Milan, who host Palermo at the San Siro.

Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani has been impressed by Milan's recent form and is confident they will remain in the title race.

He said: "We are not the favourites but we have a team capable of challenging for the Scudetto."

Lazio remain two points clear at the summit and will hope to get back to winning ways at Cesena following Sunday's home defeat by city rivals Roma.

Boss Edy Reja laid the blame for the setback squarely at the hands of the match officials.

"The game was decided by refereeing decisions," said Reja, whose team lost for the first time since August 29.

"With Roma leading 1-0, we were denied a penalty and then with regards to Julio Baptista's penalty that he won, he had previously committed a foul on a Lazio player."

Roma are starting to hit their stride after a slow start to the season and they will expect to register another three points when they meet Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico.

Boss Claudio Ranieri said: "We had problems at the start of the campaign but we are going in the right direction.

"The team is improving."

Genoa have appointed former Lazio boss Davide Ballardini as their new boss ahead of Wednesday's game against Bologna after they dispensed with the services of Gian Piero Gasperini on Monday.

Gasperini's final game in charge came during Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Palermo.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Juventus go to Brescia, Cagliari meet Napoli, Catania take on Udinese, and Bari visit Chievo.

Thursday's game sees Parma host Sampdoria.




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JUVENTUS KEEN ON DZSUDZSAK


Balazs Dzsudzsak's agent has confirmed that Juventus have made contact with him about a move to Turin.

And Jozsef Vorosbaranyi admits the PSV Eindhoven winger would be tempted by a move to any of Europe's big leagues.

Juventus are widely reported to be leading the chase for the Hungarian, but Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool have also been closely linked.

Vorosbaranyi has revealed Juve have been in touch with him regarding their interest.

"As it has been published in the press now I can admit that we've been in contact with Juventus for a couple of months," Vorosbaranyi stated.

"It's not only curiosity from them, but it's an important fact that Balazs is contracted to PSV and we can't talk with any teams directly until the Dutch club gives us permission, so it's useless to guess what may happen.

"I know he would like to go to Spain but it would be difficult to reject an offer from Juventus. Balazs also likes the atmosphere and the high attendances of the Bundesliga and he wouldn't say 'no' to a playful team from the Premier League."

Dzsudzsak himself admits he is flattered by all the interest in him, saying: "I've been linked with many clubs recently so I don't want to say more about this news until there is more.

"But it's nice to hear that a big club like Juventus have been eyeing me."

Reports in Hungary claim that both Arsenal and Liverpool were present at Utrecht on Sunday as Dzsudzsak scored both goals in a 2-1 win.



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JUVENTUS KEEN ON DZSUDZSAK


Balazs Dzsudzsak's agent has confirmed that Juventus have made contact with him about a move to Turin.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has hinted at an immediate recall to the Azzurri squad for Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano once he returns to club duty.

Former Real Madrid star Cassano has missed Samp's last four games after a much-publicised row with club president Riccardo Garrone and his lack of playing time meant he was not considered for the squad for Wednesday's international friendly against Romania.

Prandelli said: "I do not condone what he did, he has made my job more difficult.

"But when he returns to playing - for Sampdoria or anyone else - I am ready to call on him again.

"It seemed that all the problems (between Cassano and Garrone) were solved, I do not know what happened.

"As I have said many times, he's a young man who needs help.

"I have the utmost respect for Sampdoria and the club's president and we didn't want to enter the controversy so I decided not to call him up.

"Cassano realised immediately he had caused problems for our project as I cannot have any continuity to my attack. We are hoping to review the project in the spring."

Cassano's absence could mean a start for Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

"Balotelli is doing well in England and I expect another important performance for the Azzurri," he said.

"I have found him to have a smile on his face at the moment and the desire to play. We all know this is a big time in his career."




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INTER SIGN UP FOR DUBLIN TOURNAMENT

Champions League winners Inter Milan are to head for Dublin to play in a four-team tournament next summer.

Under a 10-year, multi-million Euro agreement between the Football Association of Ireland, Endemol Sport and sports agency Iconic, Inter and an Airtricity League XI will take part in the inaugural event at the Aviva Stadium on July 30 and 31, 2011.

The organisers have also promised to secure a top Barclays Premier League club and another big name from Europe to complete the line-up.

The FAI will be guaranteed a seven-figure sum each year over the length of the agreement.




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AGENT REJECTS CLICHY TRANSFER TALK


Gael Clichy's agent insists the Arsenal left-back is not eyeing a move to Italy.

The France international has been linked with a move to Serie A giants Juventus having helped Arsenal make a positive start to the Premier League season.

And while the 25-year-old would consider a move to Italy in the future, his agent Ivan Le Mee claims he has no wish to leave the Gunners right now.

"His relationship with Arsenal and Wenger are great," Le Mee told calciomercato.com.

"I don't understand where all these rumours have come from.

"Also, his contract expires in June 2012 so it wouldn't make sense to force the issue now.

"Gael is doing very well, playing for his national team and in the Premier League he's now a certain starter.

"There will be time for him to go to Italy."





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CAGLIARI PART COMPANY WITH BISOLI

Serie A club Cagliari have parted company with head coach Pierpaolo Bisoli after a run of four defeats in six games.

The 43-year-old took charge of the Sardinians this summer after guiding Cesena to a historic promotion to Italy's top flight.

Sunday's 1-0 loss to Genoa dropped Cagliari to 17th in the table with 11 points from 12 games.

A club statement confirmed: "Cagliari Calcio and Pierpaolo Bisoli have reached an agreement to end their working relationship.

"Unfortunately, in football you depend on results and many times you are forced to take decisions that contrast with human feelings.

"Bisoli is and will always be a great coach. From this adventure he can leave with his head held high because of the technical and human characteristics that he has."

Bisoli is the third Serie A coach to be dismissed this season following that of Franco Colomba of Bologna and Gian Piero Gasperini of Genoa.

Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has been strongly linked by the Italian press as the number one candidate to succeed Bisoli.

Cagliari visit Brescia on Sunday looking to end their winless run on the road this season.





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RONALDINHO REITERATES MILAN STANCE

Ronaldinho claims he is happy at AC Milan and has no intention of leaving the club despite not yet signing an extension to his contract that runs out at the end of the season.

The Brazil playmaker has yet to find the back of the net in seven league appearances for the Serie A leaders but is adamant his form has not been affected by the uncertainty surrounding his future.

"My future? I reiterate one last time that I have no intention of leaving Milan," Ronaldinho told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The success that I will get with the Rossoneri will give me the drive to achieve my lifelong dream, to play at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"Take my name away from the transfer market because I'm happy at Milan."

Ronaldinho, who was left out of Brazil's World Cup squad this summer, did not feature in Sunday's Milan derby.

The Rossoneri won the game 1-0 after a penalty from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"You cannot be happy when you don't play an important game like the derby," said the 30-year-old.

"But when I look at the table, I am happy.

"Milan are at the top of the standings and have everything to win the Scudetto."

AC Milan lie one point clear of Lazio at the top of Serie A 12 games into the season.






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IBRAHIMOVIC CALLS FOR BALOTELLI

Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to play alongside Mario Balotelli - but insists that can only happen at AC Milan and not Manchester City.

The pair are close friends and the Swedish striker travelled to Manchester when the Italy international joined the Eastlands club.

Balotelli has made a slow start to life in England, firstly due to injury and then suspension after he was sent off at West Brom.

The City starlet is keen to play alongside Ibrahimovic, although the ex-Barcelona man insists that can only be done with the Rossoneri.

"This summer he called me every day because I went to Manchester City with him," he told Mediaset.

"Mario is a great player who will do well in England. I'm glad he wants to play with me, but to do it Mario must come here at Milan.

"Will I call him? No, he must call (Milan's CEO, Adriano) Galliani."



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CITY DENY ADEBAYOR JUVE DEAL DONE

Manchester City have rejected suggestions a deal has already been done for Emmanuel Adebayor to join Juventus on loan in January - but it does seem the striker's days at Eastlands are coming to an end.

The £25million capture from Arsenal last year has failed to make a significant impact on Roberto Mancini's team, with the Italian preferring to use Carlos Tevez as a lone striker, flanked by two widemen.

Adebayor is known to be frustrated at his lack of opportunities and quotes have surfaced indicating he is already sure of leaving the Blues when the transfer window opens.

"Roberto Mancini, I do not know what I did, but he never plays me," Adebayor is reported to have told Belgian magazine Sport/Foot.

"I am going to have a change of scene during the transfer window.

"And I can already tell you that City have reached an agreement with Juventus for a loan. I therefore expect to be able to leave in December."

City are not in a position to know whether the comments are genuine.

However, they have refuted Adebayor's claim that he is on his way to Turin.

What cannot be denied is that the 26-year-old is not impressed by making just 12 appearances in all competitions this term, and starting only six of those matches.

Even a Europa League hat-trick against Lech Poznan has failed to earn him a regular spot in Mancini's plans and it is now almost certain that should City receive either a reasonable bid - or a loan offer that would benefit all parties - Adebayor will be on his way.




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CHIELLINI SIGNS NEW JUVE DEAL

Giorgio Chiellini has pledged his future to Juventus by signing a new long-term deal at the club.

The Italy international's future has been the subject of speculation for some time with the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United credited with an interest in acquiring his services.

Juve have been locked in talks with Chiellini about prolonging his stay in Turin and they have now agreed terms to extend his contract until 2015.

Chiellini was delighted to resolve his future and agree a new deal with the Bianconeri.

"I am very pleased with this agreement, which binds me to Juventus for the next few years," Chiellini told the club's official website.

"This is my team, and I take great satisfaction and hope to win something important.

"I thank the club for the confidence they have placed in me and have demonstrated the willingness to extend our relationship.

"I hope to become an icon of Juventus. Turin is my second home, I'm fine and I am really happy. "

Chiellini's agent Davide Lippi has denied the contract talks were protracted because of financial problems.

"It's been a long negotiation, but the problems were not economic," Lippi told calciomercato.it.

"It's the first major contract that treats the football players as the stars of other sports, it was very complex, it is a turning point.

"It was the first (contract) of all and those that follow will be made along these lines.

"We are very proud and happy. The economic agreement was never a problem."



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ETO'O SORRY OVER BUTT

Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o has apologised for headbutting Chievo defender Bostjan Cesar.

Eto'o has been handed a three-game ban by Italian football's disciplinary commission for the offence during Inter's 2-1 defeat last weekend.

In the incident, similar to Zinedine Zidane's attack on Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final, Eto'o aimed his head into the chest of Cesar in the first half, but was not reprimanded as the referee did not see what happened.

Inter have confirmed they plan to appeal the suspension and now Eto'o has apologised for his actions.

"I wish to offer my sincere apologies to all the people who could have been shocked and surprised by my unfortunate gesture last Sunday in Verona," said Eto'o in a statement released by his agent.

"My apologies go to all the protagonists of the game, to the referees who could not have seen this foul because it was out of their visual range, but also to all the Inter fans and to all those who love football.

"My apologies also go to my coach and team-mates, whom I leave for three Serie A games. Finally, I ask forgiveness from president (Massimo) Moratti, who has always trusted me."




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AC MILAN DENIED BY SAMPDORIA

Sampdoria came from a goal down to hold table-topping AC Milan to a 1-1 draw with a strong second-half showing.

Milan had much the better of the first half and Robinho's goal shortly before the interval was due reward for their efforts.

But Samp looked a different team after the interval, pressing either side of Giampaolo Pazzini's equaliser and comfortably withstanding a late flurry from the league leaders.

Juventus joined Napoli in a share of third place in Serie A but failed to take full advantage of AC Milan's failure to beat Sampdoria earlier as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fiorentina.

An own goal from Marco Motta put the visitors in front in the fourth minute, but Simone Pepe levelled eight minutes from the end to earn Juventus a deserved point at the Stadio Olimpico.

Fiorentina goalkeeper Artur Boruc was at fault for that goal but also made a string of excellent saves as the hosts raised the pressure in the second half. The Viola also survived the dismissal of Felipe with seven minutes to go.



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PAZZINI STRIKE DENIES AC MILAN

Sampdoria came from a goal down to hold table-topping AC Milan to a 1-1 draw with a strong second-half showing.

Milan had much the better of the first half and Robinho's goal shortly before the interval was due reward for their efforts.

But Samp looked a different team after the interval, pressing either side of Giampaolo Pazzini's equaliser and comfortably withstanding a late flurry from the league leaders.

Kevin-Prince Boateng set the tone for the first period with a long-range shot which was well saved by home keeper Gianluca Curci, who was to play a starring role.

Zlatan Ibrahimovich curled a free-kick high and wide of goal before Curci made an excellent block to keep out Robinho's drive.

Clarence Seedorf was next to test Curci with a 30-yard strike before the hosts finally enjoyed a meaningful attack of their own, Pazzini narrowly failing to connect with Fernando Tissone's cross in front of goal.

Gennaro Gattuso was off target from the edge of the box but Milan were not to be denied and Robinho volleyed home a superb 43rd-minute opener after a neat one-two with Ibrahimovich.

But it did not take long for Samp to threaten after the break and an early counter-attack ended with Pazzini's 25-yard shot flashing wide of the left post.

Tissone also shot wide from distance but they levelled on the hour when Daniele Gastaldello got into the penalty area and set up Pazzini, who beat keeper Christian Abbiati from close range.

Substitute Nicola Pozzi almost put the home team in front eight minutes later as Abbiati made a superb save from his close-range header.

Milan belatedly sparked back into life in the final quarter-hour, but Curci saved Robinho's 25-yard effort and Stefano Lucchini's shot two minutes later.

And when Boateng shot wide from 20 yards with six minutes remaining, the last chance disappeared and the spoils were shared.




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DRAW NO COMFORT FOR LAZIO

Lazio missed out on the chance to close the gap on Serie A leaders AC Milan to a single point as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Catania in Rome.

Catania's Matias Silvestre handed the visitors a 44th-minute lead before Lazio's Hernanes equalised on the stroke of half-time.

Following AC Milan's 1-1 draw at Sampdoria on Saturday, Lazio knew they could go one point behind the Rossoneri in the standings if they won but this result leaves them still second and three points off top.

With just one win in their last five league games, Lazio coach Edy Reja will not be pleased with the result.

Lazio dominated the encounter at the Stadio Olimpico and had numerous chances to claim all three points but were denied by some fine saves from Catania goalkeeper Mariano Andujar.

Catania, meanwhile, have climbed to 11th place but are still winless on their travels this season.

Alejandro Gomez had the first chance of the game early on, with his right-footed effort from the edge of the area saved by Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Lazio dominated possession but it took 36 minutes for them to test Andujar, with Hernanes'powerful free-kick met by a fine save.

At the other end, Muslera had to dive to his right to clear Gomez's stinging drive from the distance.

Catania took the lead soon after when Silvestre's header from Cristian Llama's corner-kick beat Muslera.

Catania's joy was shortlived as Lazio equalised before the break.

A fast counter from Lazio saw Christian Brocchi fed an unmarked Hernanes and his 20-yard shot beat Andujar.

Lazio picked up where they left off after the restart.

Andujar did well to palm over the bar Mauro Zarate's effort from distance and shortly after the hour mark, Gomez struck wide from the edge of the area.

The Romans should have gone in front in the 70th minute.

Floccari's header from Pasquale Foggia's cross was met by another fine save from Andujar.

With 15 minutes remaining, Zarate's curled effort from 20 yards went just wide of the near post.

Catania defended deeply in the last stages of the game and held on for a deserved point.





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03.11.12

Italy - 10:46 PM
Galliani: AC Milan have the option to sign Bojan on a permanent deal
The Rossoneri chief has revealed the club has agreed the right to buy the 22-year-old, currently on loan at San Siro, should he impress during his spell with the side

 

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03.11.12

Italy - Serie A

Milan 5 - 1 Chievo Chievo



Juventus 1 - 3 Inter

 

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Sunday, November 4, 2012


Walter Mazzarri slams 'naive' Napoli after Torino draw
The 51-year-old was quick to praise the visitors for their peformance at Stadio San Paolo, but believes his charges should have put the result out of sight early on

Montolivo: Milan must be confident for the Champions League
The midfielder was delighted with his side's 5-1 thrashing of Chievo on Saturday, and believes a third-placed finish in Serie A will be possible if they can build on their form

Buffon blasts poor Juventus attitude
The Old Lady lost their 49-match unbeaten streak in Turin and the goalkeeper was quick to question the performance of his colleagues, while complimenting Inter's conviction

Di Matteo: Off-field issues did not affect Chelsea in Swansea draw
The manager said his players are "generally very good" with referees, but admitted the poor result may have been down to fatigue after their exerts against United

Milito: Anger at offside goal motivated Inter comeback
The Argentine was left fuming at the decision to allow Arturo Vidal's opener, but ultimately it spurred the Nerazzurri on to end the Bianconeri's 49-game unbeaten streak

Pazzini relieved to end eight-game goal drought
The 28-year-old striker says he needs to improve his record in front of goal, and believes a change in formation helped him to score

Sirigu slams media for 'exaggerating' defeat to Saint-Etienne
The Italy goalkeeper was furious at seeing Paris Saint-Germain's unbeaten record ended on Saturday afternoon, but maintains that his team-mates will continue to look ahead

'AC Milan deserved a night like this' - Allegri revels in Chievo triumph
The 45-year-old spoke of his delight at being able to choose from a full squad after the Rossoneri completely outclassed the Flying Donkeys en route to a dominant win at San Siro

Marotta rues Juventus' lack of 'clinical striker' against Inter
The general manager was disappointed with the Bianconeri's unbeaten run coming to an end at 49 games, and said that with an extra forward things may have been different

The Prince of 2012: Only Messi and Ronaldo have scored more league goals than Milito this calendar year
The Argentine hit a double to take him to 27 in the current year and help the Nerazzurri end Juventus' 18-month domestic supremacy

Moratti: Inter reacted to injustice of opening Juventus goal
The supremo has praised his side for beating their previously-unbeaten rivals, while highlighting that they responded to a controversial first strike in Turin

I was complimenting Stramaccioni, insists Marotta
The Inter coach was angered by comments concerning his tactics before Saturday's clash in Turin, but the Bianconeri director has dismissed suggestions his remarks were derogatory

Ancelotti rues 'ugly' defeat to Saint-Etienne
Despite feeling aggrieved at Zlatan Ibrahimovic's sending off, the Italian tactician believed his charges were beaten by the better side on Saturday evening