By Anna Italia
Italian Soccer Serie A is supporting the 2 Italian Serie A clubs participating in the 2009 World Football Challenge: FC Internazionale and AC Milan as they represent Italian football.


              Chelsea FC 2 - 0 Inter Milan
                         11' Didier Drogba
                         50' Frank Lampard

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Guys, start waving your FC INTER flag and support our Serie A Club!    I went to the ROSE BOWL Stadium to follow  the game in the press section. You bet I was rooting for Inter because they were representing Italian football..



OUCH!  Super ouch guys!  It's only too bad that on the other side there is our former AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.  Though, it is an  interesting match with FC Inter coach Jose Mourinho facing also his ex team.  Wow, guys. I can't wait for the match to start!!!!!  

Hello, hello, hello, the first thing I wanted to see  as a Milanista myself, was my beloved "Father Carlo Ancelotti."  So, guys,  I asked my media friends Rafael Ramos from La Opinion and Alejandro Navarro from Telemundo to make sure we were in the press conference to see Ancelotti.  

You know how I admire Ancelotti and my enthusiasm motivated my friends too. "It was the official red  light alert: Get Ancelotti in the press conference."  They were all pending about my request because you bet I did not want to miss the chance to personally  ask Ancelotti how could he play against our Milan now.  Are you kidding me!  Helloooooooo.

Anyway, I was super glad that Navarro could ask his photographer Walter Martinez who was in the field with his big camera  while we were in the upper section of the media, to take a close up photo from Ancelotti for me.



Anna Italia from Italian Soccer Serie A, Franco Sui Yuan writer from FOX Sports LA, and Alejandro Navarro Reporter and Anchor of Telemundo

 

What a match guys, let's not forget the failed transfer market from Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard to FC Inter when Mourinho wanted to have him last season.  Ouch... will they be talking as friends again?  

How about Andriy Shevchenko?  I was full of questions ... 

Definitely, I was eager to see whether Mourinho was going to show a different formation than what he presented against Club America where they lost in penalty kicks.  Instead of starting with subs, I rather see Mourinho starting with the first team in this game against Chelsea.  Surprise, surprise.... he did not.

Here is the official lineup for CHELSEA by coach Carlo Ancelotti:

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Cole; Essien, Obi Mikel, Malouda; Lampard; Drogba, Kalou

Guys, there is among the substitutes ex AC Milan forward Andriy Shevchenko!   I am not sure whether Ancelotti will make him play or not.  Anyway, it will be interesting to see  Sheva  again.

Here is the official starting line up for FC INTER  by coach Jose Mourinho:

FC Inter: Belec; Davide Santon, Ivan Cordoba, Nicolas  Burdisso, Cristian Chivu; Javier Zanetti, Vieira, Esteban Cambiasso, Obi; Thiago Motta; Mario Balotelli

Say what!!! Hello, guys, Mourinho is trying a 4-4-1-1 formation having Thiago Motta in a supporting role just behind forward Mario Balotelli.  Interesting to see that Ibrahimovic  as a substitute while the growing  rumor about his "almost already done deal" transfer to Barcelona where according to Spain press, such as TELEDIARIO TVE, just await for Super  Ibra.  Hum?!  So, there is no 4-3-3 formation....   Diego Milito is also in the subs.

On the other hand, Ancelotti opted for Essien, Didier Drogba and Kalou.

Before the game, I went outside the stadium to BE A FAN  and check for other fans.  I wanted to grasp the emotions, the feelings of the fans, especially those for FC INTER.   I left the media box and start to walk outside among the fans. Oh my gosh, guys, just by looking the fans with the horns, wigs, giant flags, and you bet I started to do the cheer leading too!!!! 

While I was walking around, I noticed mostly CHELSEA fans... oops oh oh spaghetti oh!  As for FC Inter, the most fans were for SUPER ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC! 

It caught my attention a group of 4 fans wearing different Jerseys because they were ROCKING!  Awesome!  I had to stop them and ask them to take a photo. Gee, guys, these are the type of fans I love, those who live the games with their heart and go to root for their favorite team.  Ah, but wait, I have to make sure to give them proper credit. These 4 fans are ARMENIANS crazy for soccer!!! They were so proud to say they were from Armenia and I was even prouder to see such devoted friends!!!!

Photo: Italian Soccer Serie A

Armen donigian - Fabergas jersey (10), Mike Tavitian-ronaldo (9), Shirag al-rages - ibrahimov (8), and Rostom Tavitian- kaka (8)



                         

Oh well, guys, I was curious to see the clash between Ancelotti and Mourinho and who would be the first to open the score.  Well, hello, hello, hello... there is the first BAMMMMMMMMMMMM. in the 10th minute after an assist by the "most wanted midfielder" by Mourinho "FRANK LAMPARD" giving the pass to Didier Drogba and wow, a big roar from all Chelsea fans who were the majority when Droba blasted FC Inter goalkeeper Belec  with a low long range shot in the far corner.  I could not believe it!!!   You could see Drogba lifting his hands to celebrate the goals and immediately the cameras showing a close up from a serious Mourinho punished by his ex players....

Wow, it was like a cold shower but in this COLD WAR between Ancelotti and Mourinho, it is Ancelotti to take the lead. 

I am a bit worried about this Inter... not a sign of taking command but all Chelsea.  Patrick Vieira is slow and not at his best.  The one really running and creating danger is young defender Davide Santon with his yellow highlighted shoes...

In the 23rd minute, the well organized Chelsea fans section started the chanting again while there were no response from the Inter fans section.  Almost the entire stadium was for Chelsea. U N B E L I E V A B L E.   wonder what Mourinho must have been feeling...


Photo: Italian Soccer Serie A

Among the fans from Inter you Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Davide Santon.  Hey, hey, hey, guys, look who is also around... "a fan from our Roman gladiator TOTTI".  


Photo: Italian Soccer Serie A

Guys, this game is being dominated so far by Chelsea and the 4-4-1-1 experiment of Mourinho is not working at all.  Drogba and Frank Lampard are practically bombarding Inter.  Inter seems not able to find a response to the pressing from Chelsea.

In the 31st minute, a suddenly "WAVE, LA OLA" from fans , wow awesome!  Guys, the OLA makes was super and cameras keep closing a serious, disappointed from Mourinho still not able to show a decent plan to counterattack the pressing  of Chelsea.

Suddenly, guys, in the 34th minute, what a brilliant pass from Balotelli to Patrick Vieira and I almost faint when Vieira missed it!!! Vieira tries to get the ball and slips ... uffaaaaa  he is on the ground where he had the chance from the center of the area to equalize the score. Mamma mia... ma non ci credo!

First half stats ends with 4 corners for Chelsea and 2 for Inter. Saves 1 for Chelsea and 3 for Iner while 11 fouls for Chelsea and 6 for Inter. Shots  7 for Chelsea and only 2 from Inter.

Second half and just about time to bring some more pressing when Mourinho substitutes OBI for forward Diego Milito. 

Bottom line, guys, Mourinho must be getting the message that neither the 4-4-1-1 formation, nor the 4-2-3-1 he used against Club America is applicable to Inter because he tends to  stitch as the last resource to his 4-3-3 formation.

So, far, it has been a disappointment for all Inter fans.  I could see from here many Inter fans yelling to encourage the squad but Chelsea fans are the one rocking and the majority.



Oops.... Not a good news....Referee Ricardo Salazar grants a penalty to Chelsea for a handball by Inter defender Ivan Ramiro Cordoba.  Oh my gosh, guys, Cordoba has been the best so far. 

Taking the penalty spot is FRANK LAMPARD.... in the 50th minute, Lampard get set, Chelsea fans raise from their seat to root for him, Lampard concentrates while Inter fans pray he misses... though, now Lampard runs and BAMMMMMMMMMMM blasting FC Inter goalkeeper Belec who went to the wrong side.  Lampard converted his penalty!!!,
 
Hey, now, a close up from CARLO ANCELOTTI, and wow, guys, for a second my heart beats ROSSONERO while watching Ancelotti!!!! I still struggle to see Ancelotti with another Jersey....

In the 55th minute, a great save by FC Inter goalkeeper Belec with his feet when Nicolas Anelka challenges Inter with a powerful shot. way to go Belec. Hey, at least we are seeing more action from Inter too in this second half. Yet, is not enough, Chelsea is super fast and Inter seems slow.

Well, in the 60th  Mourinho seems to make some changes because Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Amantino Mancini are standing side by side waiting for the substitution.  Thiago Motta and Cristian Chivu are out.  Well, guys, it might be the last time we see Ibrahimovic playing for Inter if his transfer is completed in the next few hours. So, enjoy his last moments as an Interista.


Another chance for Inter in the 70th minute with Mario Balotelli... though the ball went too high!!!

The situation is getting so desperate....

In the 72nd minute, Diego Milito had a chance to shorten the distance with a long shot.... though... ending in the arms of the goalkeeper. I can't believe neither Milito or Ibrahimovic could not score. We have the two top scorers of the Serie A but no way to see those goals here!!!!  Ibrahimovic who was the top scorer with 25 and Milito with 24 are not finding their way to score.  Well, maybe Ibrahimovic is saving those goals for Barcelona????

In the 78th minute  Mourinho  trying "desperate" measures to  save some face and revert the result makes 2 substitutions: Mario Balotelli out and Ricardo Quaresma in; Esteban Cambiasso out and the turn for Rene Kehin.


In the 80th minute, Quaresma bringing some fresh energy tries a shot but  ends too high too. 

Ten more minutes to end the game and I am having a cold glass of water waiting for Inter to react........  Once again,  in this race between Mourinho and Ancelotti, the leader is Ancelotti.  Wonder what Mourinho must be thinking right now seeing his ex team giving him a "tough love lesson."

In the 83rd minute, Ibrahimovic  with a chance to score and such a bad luck because the ball went wide.

Oh my gosh, guys, neither the charismatic Inter Captain Javier Zanetti could save the sinking ship....


It's been disappointing guys, seating here in the media box observing this FC INTERNAZIONALE unable to show a good football.  We are talking about Italy's Champions, but becoming a somber  with this second defeat in the 2009 World Football Challenge.  Future not looking so bright for Inter...  now they have to prepare for the MILAN DERBY against AC Milan and the morale is not at the top. 




2009 World Football Challenge

Chelsea FC v Inter Milan

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 
Rose Bowl
Pasadena, California
8 pm PST

Scorers: Didier Drogba 11, Frank  Lampard (pen) 50.

FC Inter: Belec; Santon, Ivan Cordoba, Nicolas  Burdisso, Cristian Chivu (Mancini 60); Javier Zanetti, Vieira, Cambiasso (Krhin 80), Obi (Milito 46); Thiago Motta (Ibrahimovic 60); Mario Balotelli (Quaresma 80).

Subs not used: Orlandoni, Materazzi, Destro.

Coach: José Mourinho.

Chelsea: Cech (Turnbull 64); Ivanovic (Mancienne 62), Carvalho (Alex 46), Terry, Cole (Hutchinson 79); Essien (Belletti 64), Obi Mikel, Malouda (Deco 46); Lampard (Di Santo 88); Drogba (Anelka 46), Kalou (Sturridge 46).

Subs not used: Hilario, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Sinclair.

Coach: Carlo Ancelotti.

Referee: Ricardo Salazar (USA).

Booked: Nicolas Burdisso 49, Ivanovic 59.

Atendance.: 81,224.

Game over and you could see from here the Rose Bowl stadium packed with an attendance of 81, 224!!!!  I will go now to the mixed zone" to interview some of the players and see how Inter fans feel about this defeat.   So, come on guys, follow me and let's  continue supporting our Italian team FC INTER and also congratulate Ancelotti, hello after all he is an Italian coach too.





I love this INTER FAN wrap with a giant INTER FLAG waiting to see  his players. He was yelling and yelling while Inter players were making their way to the bus.  I love this type of fans, always cheering for the squad whether winning or losing. That's the spirit.!!!

Chelsea 2 - 0 Inter Milan Tuesday, July 21, 2009  Rose Bowl Stadium Pasadena, California 8 pm PST Chelsea          STATS       FC INTER
2	Goals	0
21	Shots	10
4	Corner kicks	3
4	Saves	7
20	Fouls	9

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What do you think of the result?  Are you satisfied with your team? Were you rooting for Chelsea or Inter and why?

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