Inter v Parma: Oh, the Awesomeness

By: Martha | April 1st, 2007

Inter love Well that game was a totally unexpected pleasure to watch — full credit to Parma for turning up to play, rather than bunkering in and praying for a miraculous point. And Inter, instead of wandering about and doing nothing for 87 minutes against a team of obviously lower quality before bothering to do anything (Yes, 2005-2006 Juve, I’m looking at you.), were at their fantastic, eager best: Skilled, professional, and with zillions of lethal attacking options. Really, really good stuff from both teams. Assorted bits and observations:

•This is the first time I’ve seen Parma play since Claudio Ranieri arrived, and he’s made a massive difference. Until he showed up, Parma were the only Serie A team I watched and thought “My lord. This team is really, really bad.” Now, though, even when they’re over-matched they’ve got some focus and shape and belief, which seems largely down to the Tinkerman. It may be too late, but it’s nice to see that Ranieri’s still got it.

•You know where Adriano really shines right now? When he drops in or pulls wide, and creates for other people. His passing is fantastic, and he really seems to love setting his teammates up for chances. When he gets great service and has to finish, though, it’s like he freezes under the pressure or something. (See: When Zanetti found him, all alone in acres of space, and he just stood there until all the defenders arrived and gave them the ball.) If he could play faster, I’d be willing to try the guy in a Kaka-type position, playing provider. I know, it’s madness. But still, Inter have a bit of room to mess around — what do you say, Mancini?

•I know I say this every few weeks, but Cambiasso is just such a pleasure to watch. He does his work professionally and quietly, and also has the class to congratulate the opposing keeper on a great save. Can we bottle him, please, and pass him on to all the arrogant young assholes coming into football now?

•Speaking of class, those two long balls Zanetti played in the middle of the second-half were just breath-taking: About 60 yards long, and inch perfect. I mean, has he lost anything as he’s aged? Even his hair is still perfect!

•That Giuseppi Rossi is an eager little bugger, isn’t he? I wonder if he’ll step into the Man U side next year, or if they’ll end up selling him off and letting him come back to Italy for good.

•Figo spent the first 20 minutes in a perpetual hissy fit over how Inter were defending — lots of arm waving and exasperated yelling, which got very little response. I think they were trying some sort of new pressure-cover scheme, or something, and it clearly wasn’t being executed up to his lofty expectations. Eventually, Mancini (AKA the real boss) told him to calm the hell down.

•MAGIC goal from Maxwell. God damn.