Challenge for Inter was to win convincingly to stop rumors that they were winning because of referee decisions. Unlike the last 4 controversial matches where clearly mistakes from referees gave them a victory, this time, Inter won convincingly with superb goals from Honduran striker David Suazo. No questions about it.  Inter won fair and square.

Inter is now the undisputable Serie A leader with 59 points followed by AS Roma with 48 points and Juventus with 47 points.  I doubt Roma can keep up with this race after losing against Juventus. I think JUVENTUS will be the one coming stronger to fight the second position. It will require Inter to lose 3 matches and Juventus not losing those 3 matches to reach the first position and start a last minute race for the Scudetto.  Boy! That will be something!  A script worth for a "suspense movie." Can this happen?  Nothing it's impossible...

Although AS Livorno goalkeeper Marco Amelia made superb saves in the first 10 minutes from Dejan Stankovic, Zanetti, and Hernan Crespo, the final blow came with Suazo.

                         
In the 14th minute, striker David Suazo gets a cross from Christian Chivu and heads the ball to the net leaving goalkeeper Amelia astonished!   FC Inter 1 - 0 AS LIVORNO

                     

The second goal came only 4 minutes later.  In the 18th minute, Maxwell sends a left wing cross and David Suazo see another chance to shine when he gets the ball and voila! Blasting the net once again.   FC Inter 2 - 0 AS Livorno.  Unfortunately, Argentinian striker Hernan Crespo could not score.  

                  

Inter Coach Roberto Mancini is now ready to face next week their UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool.
There is the "real challegenge for Inter."  Inter might be the top leader in the Italian local league, but has not been able to really be a main protagonist in the International level, unlike their eternal rivals AC MILAN.


LINEUPS

Week 23 Italian Serie A Tim 2007 - 2008  Twenty Third Round Matchday 23

Saturday, February 16, 2008
FC INTER  2 -  0 AS LIVORNO
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium
7:  a.m. USA Pacific time

Referee: De Marco; Assistants: Cini, Ghiandai; Fourth Official:  Lops

Scorer: David Suazo 14, 18.

FC Inter (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper:12 Julio Cesar;
Defenders: 13 Maicon (7 Figo 72), 16 Burdisso, 26 Chivu, 6 Maxwell;
Midfielders: 4 Zanetti, 30 Pelé, 19 Cambiasso, 5 Stankovic (28 Maniche 68);
Forwards: 29 Suazo, 18 Crespo (23 Materazzi 85).

Subs not used: 1 Toldo, 8 Ibrahimovic, 9 Cruz, 24 Rivas.

Coach: Roberto Mancini.

AS Livorno (3-5-2):

Goalkeeper: 1 Amelia;
Defenders: 77 Grandoni, 15 Knezevic, 6 Galante;
Midfielders: 69 Balleri (20 Rossini 71), 7 Pulzetti (86 Vailatti 68), 11 De Vezze (3 A.Filippini 80), 8 Vidigal, 26 Pasquale;
Forwards: 23 Diamanti, 81 Bogdani.

Subs not used: 14 De Lucia, 4 E.Filippini, 17 Alvarez, 32 Pavan.

Coach: Giancarlo Camolese.

Booked: Balleri 45 (Livorno), Pulzetti 9 (Livorno)

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