Empoli v Inter: Well, That’s Better
By: Martha | September 1st, 2007
It wasn’t the most comfortable of 2-0 wins but, if you’re Inter and already described in virtually every article as either “struggling” or “in crisis,” it most certainly will do.
Roberto Mancini started Cesar* — a 31-year-old multi-purpose player who arrived this summer without a thought of doing anything other than being loaned out again — in place of Figo and Cambiasso for Dacourt, and Inter’s reshuffled midfield looked miles more threatening that it did last week against Udinese. With Ibrahimovic dropping deep to help create attacks, Inter effortlessly dominated the half (though Empoli had at least one viable penalty shout), but the last ball was still lacking, and passes sailed uselessly through the Empoli penalty area way too often. Eventually, as generally happens, Ibra was the one to break through, getting a foot on a deep cross from Maicon and putting Inter ahead late in the half.
Empoli made three early changes after the break, though, and quickly turned the game around. They looked increasingly dangerous, and with Francesco Toldo looking decidedly nervous in the Inter net, it seemed only a matter of time until the game was back even. In spite of himself, though, old man Toldo made a great save with his feet on Empoli’s best chance and Inter stopped giving the ball away in the midfield (Yes, Figo and Stankovic, I’m talking to you.) long enough to counter effectively inside the last 10 minutes when Figo and Cesar combined to create a second for Ibra and secure the three points for Inter. Thank Christ.
*I have a terrible weakness for players who are around entirely because they work their asses off, and it pleases me beyond all reason to see Cesar start and play nearly a full game. It’s evident Mancini has no earthly idea what he’s doing with the midfield and it would be unsurprising see Cesar left out entirely during Week 3, but it was still awesome to see him get a game, and to be so useful on the pitch. Yay for old midfielders.
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Comments
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I’m dangerously starting to like Cesar.
On the other hand, Maicon was replaced by his evil twin in that game? Did you see him knee that whatshisface Empoli kid in the spine? Seriously, the boy was, like, twelve years old or something. It made me wince.
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United States
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That was a frustrating game. I am happy with the win but I’ll admit Inter do not look very convincing right now. They look very Uncomfotable. The played a decent first half where they created some chances and somewhat dominated. Different story towards he end of the first half and the 2nd half where they completely let Empoli dictate the pace. So much for being better at closing out games convincingly which they were unable to do last week.
Their passing was terrible, their position was poor & they wasted so many opportunites. They wasted set pieces, corners, perfect crosses with no one on the other end etc… When the hell are we going to see Crespo? He is a King at finishing anything close to that 6 yard box and there were about 6 nice crosses played into the area with no one even close to putting a finish on them.
I was unhappy with the starting line up again. The midfield and strikers were all over the place. Communication, passing and position were not good in my opinion, they could not keep the ball up and they seemed confused. The defense played decent but still not good enough either. They let Empoli move into space and have some decent chances.
Now I believe Inter was VERY VERY lucky to not concede a penalty in the 1st half when Samuel and Cordoba sandwiched an Empoli striker. In my hosest opinion it should have been a penalty and Empoli should have had a chance to tie it up. Hopefully whatever hangovers Inter think they are suffering, they get over them and step it up a bit more. Players I was very happy with were Maicon, Zanetti and Toldo when he made some good saves. The other defensemen had a decent game too. The rest of the team could have played a lot better.
But at the end of the day they won so I can’t be upset by that. FORZA AZZURRI next weekend and then bring on Catania!
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United States -
I must be in the minority. I saw an Inter team play what was obviously only their second game this season. And do enough to win….
I saw chances created. I saw some defence. I even saw some holding onto posession.
Personally I don’t know what you guys are complaining about when it comes to the lineup. There are midfielders and strikers on the bench who could start for anybody not even sniffing the field. So the guys on the field are pretty good, yes?
Oh yeah, and we have 4 points in the first two games! Ask the ManU people if we want to start like they did.
I mean after all, it’s impossible to keep the other teams from shooting at us at all, right? I mean there are going to be some close calls. Why be so afraid?
There is no way that any team in Serie A is going to be held without a shot or chance to score. So what do we want? Perfect defence and midfield that, oh by the way, is unattainable?
Relax and just enjoy the games…
Posted from
United States -
No one expects perfect football and yeah I guess we (or I) were being a bit harsh, but I was still expecting a little more technically sound football, better ball movement and for them to use better options on the pitch. It was only round 2 & they did notch their first win and the ball is rolling. FORZA INTER!!!!
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