By Anna Italia

             INTER WIN WITHOUT A BRILLIANT MATCH AND CONTINUE AS THE SOLE LEADER OF THE SERIE A
                         CATANIA  0   -   2  FC INTER    

                                                                                  65' Esteban Cambiasso
                                                                                  67' David Suazo
                                                                 
Substitutions:   67' Colucci out, Martinez in               27' Luis Jimenez out, Pele in
                          74' Sardo out, Alvarez in                  55' Christian Chivu out, David Suazo in
                          83' Giuseppe Mascara out, Pia in     72' Zlatan Ibrahimovic out, Maniche in

Although I wanted to believe in the "CATANIA DREAM," reality is that Inter won even without a brilliant match. Moreover, Inter Super Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic could not score and Hernan Crespo remained in the bench.

First half was 0 - 0. Hey, this is not a common score for the almighty Inter in front of a smaller team.  Catania was determined to win.  Players gave a hard time to Inter risking a draw.

Catania defense marked ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC so well that he could not create his magic.

Obviously, Catania coach Silvio Baldini did his homework and planned the perfect strategy to stop Ibrahimovic and even Inter's last minute savior Argentinian Julio Cruz!



                       

Inter coach Roberto Mancini started with a 4-4-2 formation but changed to a 4-3-3 when substituting Christian Chivu for striker David Suazo in the 55th minute.

The first goal came until the 65th minute with Argentinian midfielder Esteban Cambiasso.  Though, some argue it was an offside. Yet, Referee Stefano Farina did not rule it out.  Gee, the entire stadium protested this clamorous mistake!  I saw the replay and it was offside!!!! 

                              

Not even finishing celebrations when Honduran striker David Suazo scored the second goal. Oh well, good bye "Catania dream"  Time to wake up and smell the coffee. 

                                        

                      

Again, a controversial decision by Referee Stefano Farina helps an almost tired Inter. No wonder why at the end of the match, boos, loud protests was heard against Referee Farina.

LINEUPS

Week 22 Italian Serie A Tim 2007 - 2008  Twenty Second Round Matchday 22

Sunday, February 10, 2008
Catania  0 - 2  FC Inter
Massimino Stadium
11:30 a.m. USA Pacific time

Referee: Stefano Farina (Novi Ligure);
Assistants: Cariolato, Pugiotto;
Fourth Official: Russo

SCORERS: 65' Esteban Cambiasso, 67'  David Suazo 

CATANIA (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: 16 Polito;
Defenders: 2 Sardo (22 Alvarez 74), 21 Silvestri, 6 Stovini, 7 Vargas;
Midfielders: 17 Baiocco, 8 Edusei, 13 Izco;
Forwards: 9 Colucci (25 Martinez 67), 24 Spinesi, 10 Mascara (11 Pià 83).

Subs not used: 18 Rossi, 5 Silvestre, 19 Tedesco, 27 Biangianti.

Coach: Silvio Baldini.

FC INTER (4-3-1-2):

Goalkeeper: 12 Julio Cesar;
Defenders: 16 Burdisso, 2 Ivan Cordoba, 23 Marco Materazzi, 6 Maxwell;
Midfielders: 4 Zanetti, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 26 Chivu (29 David Suazo 55); 11 Luis Jimenez (30 Pelé 27);
Forwards:  8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (28 Maniche 72), 9 Julio Cruz.

Subs not used: 1 Toldo, 24 Rivas, 21 Solari, 18 Hernan Crespo.

Coach: Roberto Mancini.

Booked: Cordoba 36, Vargas 43, Spinesi 56, Mascara 62, Pelé 69, Silvestri 90+1.


Complete Italian Soccer Results Serie A Standings/ Italian Football League Standings / Table

 What do you think of Inter's last three matches? Do you consider they are being helped by Referees?