Friday, February 22, 2008

Inter target a return to winning ways

he Nerazzurri went down 2-0 to Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, late goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard giving the hosts a commanding lead to take to the San Siro for the return.

Inter pointed to the harsh dismissal of defender Marco Materazzi after 30 minutes as the reason behind the setback.

"Marco's sending-off changed things dramatically," said Inter coach Roberto Mancini."It is hard enough to play at Anfield with 11 men, but with 10 it is very tough.

"But I will not concede that the task is now beyond us. We have another 90 minutes on our own ground."

Despite the slip, Inter president Massimo Moratti was proud of his team's performance.

"For 86 minutes, the team has played with heroics," said Moratti.

"I cannot criticise Mancini or my players.

"In fact, I have told my team not to be down, we have played a great game and we have shown a lot of character."

Inter's European struggles are in stark contrast to their dominance domestically.

Mancini's side are 11 points clear at the top of Serie A and will look to maintain that advantage over Roma at the weekend.

The Eternal City giants host fourth-placed Fiorentina in buoyant mood after their 2-1 home triumph over nine-time European champions Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The Giallorossi will be looking to make amends for their 1-0 slip at Juventus last weekend which hampered their Scudetto ambitions.

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