Champions League: Roma Stroll, Inter Struggle

By: Martha | September 19th, 2007

Totters Though only three of Fenerbahce’s attempts were actually on goal, the fact that they outshot Inter 12-3 in the first half is really all you need to know about how the game went for the visitors. They weren’t totally dominated — possession was about 55-45% for the Turks — but there was no connection between the midfield and the forwards, and even mildly threatening moments were pretty much nonexistent. Plus, the referee blew his whistle every time Zlatan had the audacity to leave his feet, and gave him an early card (when a Fenerbahce player flew by him and landed awkwardly), neither of which helped matters. The Fenerbahce goal came as the first half was ending and was a great volley from Deivid, but the amount of space he found himself in at the top of the box was completely absurd.

Figo and Jimenez came on the in the second half and things were marginally better — Inter had a lot more possession in the Fenerbahce end and a pile of corners, but still few shots — but it was a miracle the Turks didn’t at least double their lead: Roberto Carlos hit the post once, Julio Cesar made several fantastic saves, and Fenerbahce squandered several great chances without any help from Inter. In the end, they were very happy with a 1-0 win, and a few moments at the top of the group.

This is all very familiar to Inter, in light of last year’s terrible CL start: They’re joint-bottom with CSKA Moscow, and could very much use a win when PSV come to town on Matchday 2.

For their part, it sounds like Roma kicked all kinds of ass in beating Dynamo Kyiv at home today, thanks to goals from Simone Perrotta and that one guy, Francesco Totti. Reports indicate Roma utterly dominated the first half in particular, during which they played with the ridiculous ease they have when everything is working. Though the second half was evidently somewhat less lopsided, they apparently could have won by or four three goals had they had a bit of luck or, yes, had Giuly put his chances away. (Anyone who saw the match, feel free to weigh in with details; also, there’s bound to be a full report up at the Roma page sooner than later.)

With the win, Roma are now positioned as well as they could possibly be for their dreaded trip back to Old Trafford on October 2: They’re tied for first in the group and, barring domestic disaster between now and then, will be practically exploding with confidence when they go try to win their dignity back.

Some Related Serie A Posts:

Category: Champions League, Inter, Results, Roma, Serie A

« And Now It’s Inter’s and Roma’s Turn | Home | Just So You Know, Mancio Doesn’t Hate Spalletti »

Martha

Agreed -- it's so obvious we didn't even think about it. That's a big risk for him, the national setup is such a mess in Portugal right now, but I suppose that's exactly what his ego wants. Sigh.
roswitha

http://football.guardian.co.uk...

we should've seen it coming from a mile off.
Martha

[And yes: I, too, am FREAKING OUT about the Mourinho thing. The world doesn't make sense anymore.]

Chris, I think he would know in the back of his mind that Inter would be a disaster, but I think it's likely his ego would convinced him he could fix it. Plus, he'd adore the attention -- the man was born to manage a Big Club in Italy or Spain.
Martha

RT I thought Rivas' timing was very good, and he was quite composed under pressure. It was frustrating, though, that he kept playing hospital balls out of the back -- it was like he was surprised the grass would slow his passes down, or something.

And who knew Cesar would suddenly become this crucial figure? Good for him, he's worked his ass off and has been screwed by the CL situation, no doubt.

Jimenez I'm convinced could help, if Mancini would play him -- if nothing else he'd be much more effective and creative as attacking mid than Figo has been. (Yes, I said it.)
RT

I realize no one cares since everyone is too busy being excited about Mourinho's sacking or euphoric about Inter losing, but the most questionable part of Inter's makeshift defense, Nelson Rivas, actually performed fairly well! He's got some learning to do of course, but I wonder if Mancini might eventually consider Rivas a valid alternative to his shorter compatriot.

Worst player on the pitch was Solari. Suddenly, leaving Cesar off the Champions League squad list looks like a mistake. If he's not already, Solari should be behind Jimenez and Cesar in the pecking order.

And in the end, just another typical European night for Inter under Mancini. When is the last time Inter looked convincing in the Champions League? Maybe 3 years ago against Valencia? Time to bring back Hector Cuper (kidding)!
k

no way ady... that may have been possible when mourinho was there but there is no way he will leave now...

it always seemed that roman had to choose his favorite gal pal to be his BFF forever between sheva and mourinho...

guess roman had to get him some ukranian love...

i am pretty sure coaches are not cup tied...

ps. this should start up the lippi/capello to chelsea and jose to inter rumors... feels like summer time
Marco

Never heard of that one Chris, I would be very surprised.
Ady

OMFG! I'm with Marco. Mourinho got sacked?! That's much bigger news than Inter's loss. And does this mean Chelsea will either play Sheva or loan (trade!) him back to Milan?!
chris

Quick, possibly relevant question: Are coaches cup-tied also?
roswitha

INTER. Damn you kids.
Marco

Holy sh** Martha. This whole Inter loss business has just dropped back to a tiny little dot in the big picture... Mourinho leaving Chelsea??? :OOOO I'm flabbergasted.
Taib

Moratti has always had a itchy trigger finger when it comes to his coaches and I really think now it is a possibilty that Mourinho will manage in Italy at Internazionale. A very real possibilty.

Suddenly things have got a lot more intresting.
Paolo

Have fun haters. Inter Lost, Big flippin' deal...

I would love to hear what any of you would have to say if you had 6 first team players out of the line up, 5 of them being defensemen. They went into a hostile ground, in a country where they traditionally have not done well and played with a depleted line up. Were you seriously expecting a 4-0 Inter win?? If it makes you warm and fuzzy inside that Inter lost then have fun with it. I could understand getting on their case if they lost with a full, healthy line up. They will get their squad back to form evetually. Inter went and played today, they did not make excuses for the loss and already looking forward to the next match. They will prevail and go through the knock out rounds.
chris

I doubt he'd coach this season.

Didn't Mancini already sign an extension anyway?

And I don't care about Porto, he's really not that special. Anyone could have and should have won with those Chelsea teams.
Martha

Where's he going? I'm completely freaking out about this. He'd love Italy -- the madness, the pressure, the adoration? It's custom-made for him.
chris

Holy christ.

And quit dreaming Martha, Mourinho would take one look at that Inter roster (talented, but dispersed oh so poorly), throw up in his mouth and move on.
Martha

I hear Mourinho is available ...
Marco

You can't really put all the blame of tonight's game on Mancio. It's hard to play when half of your defensive starters are out injured or suspended.

Plus Alex was just on fire today.
k

how exactly is mancio the highest paid coach in serie a?!

you have to hand it to him for his negotiating skills or the lack of said skills in moratti...

WHAT AN IDIOT!! and i hope suazo continues his atrocious form for inter..
mele419

nice nice, high five pat!

Well, although I don't like Roma, I must admit they played extremely well! It was a great game. and Inter's game was great to watch too! Now, I'm going to have to root for ManU over Roma, since Milan had some good matches against them last season in the CL, very fun to watch!
Martha

That's cold, Pat.
patcook

hopefully inter can translate european form into serie a form

FORZA MILAN
Marco420

Inter lowlights

http://www.rojadirecta.com/for...
Marco420

Roma highlights
http://www.rojadirecta.com/for...
Marco

That Deivid volley still has me screaming "BOOYAAAA!" every time I watch it...