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║ Serie A Season 2014-15 ║

Podolski

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Medel calls for aggressive Inter


14 April 2015

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Inter midfielder Gary Medel has urged his team-mates to be aggressive in the Milan derby at San Siro on Sunday.

Roberto Mancini's men are just a point and two places behind their city rivals in mid-table with eight games remaining.

Medel knows Inter need a win to keep alive their faint hopes of qualification for next season's UEFA Europa League alive, as well as having the bragging rights.

"I hope it will be a good atmosphere and a good game," he said.

"We want to get the three points to give joy to the fans and to ourselves.

"We have to be aggressive. I played one of the most heartfelt derbies in the world with the shirt of Boca [Juniors, against River Plate].

"I know what it means. Milan are strong and have had an irregular season, like us. We respect them, but we do not fear anyone.

"We know we can give more. Mancini has made it clear. We try to improve day by day and with the coach the situation is very good.

"There are still many games and we will give it our all to enter Europe. Wearing the Inter shirt is not simple because it is one of the biggest clubs in the world."


 

Mancini

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Pasqual extends Fiorentina stay

14 April 2015

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Fiorentina captain Manuel Pasqual has signed a one-year contract extension with the Serie A club.

The full-back's current deal was set to expire at the end of the season, but he has agreed fresh terms until June 2016.

Pasqual moved to Fiorentina in July 2005 and has made 330 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals.

The 33-year-old skipper has featured on 16 occasions for Vincenzo Montella's side in Serie A this term.


 

Inler

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Mentality key to Fiorentina recovery - Montella

15 April 2015

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Vincenzo Montella has challenged Fiorentina's players to demonstrate their mental strength against Dynamo Kiev in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

Back-to-back defeats against Napoli and Juventus have seen Fiorentina bow out of the Coppa Italia while losing momentum in their bid for a European qualification spot.

The Europa League is the club's only chance of silverware this term and Montella urged his players to bounce back in the first leg of their quarter-final.

"The causes are there, we have identified and we have worked to solve our problems," Montella said on Wednesday.

"For days in Florence we have talked about nothing else, we will continue to work on these problems.

"Our problems are not physical, something has happened in all of our heads. We understand where we went wrong and the game with Dynamo Kiev comes at the right time.

"We need to show maximum concentration to overcome adversity."

Striker Mario Gomez has come in for criticism of late, but Montella said all his squad needed to play their part.

"It is wrong to focus on a single player, I expect more from everyone, especially from the more senior players," he added.

"At this point, the Europa League is important to us, and we will play to the end. The league is still open in my opinion, anything could happen."


 

Michu

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Benitez wanted Wolfsburg trio

15 April 2015

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Napoli coach Rafael Benitez wanted to sign a Wolfsburg trio when he first took over at the Serie A club.

Ahead of the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg between the teams on Thursday, Benitez revealed he had his eye on several Wolfsburg players when he took charge at Napoli in May 2013.

Andre Schurrle, Ivan Perisic and Luiz Gustavo were all targets for Benitez, who was unable to sign any of that group.

"Wolfsburg are a great team," Benitez told a news conference.

"When we started our work here we were planning to bring in players like Andre Schurrle, Ivan Perisic and Luiz Gustavo.

"We were very interested in these players but there was nothing we could do. They would have been good for the team in terms of a more physical approach to games.

"We know them very well, and so we will have to do a good job both mentally and physically, because Wolfsburg have a lot of quality."

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has put the team into a permanent training camp ahead of the Europa League clash.

Benitez said he accepted that decision.

"Everyone has its own way to manage these kind of situations," the Spaniard said.

"I have respected the president's decision [to force a training camp] mainly because we still have 10 games to go and we can still do a very positive season.

"We must be united to make our fans happy."

 

Marchisio

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Parma handed further points deduction

16 April 2015

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Parma's faint hopes of surviving in Serie A this season have been dealt a huge blow after suffering another points deduction.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Thursday that Roberto Donadoni's side will be docked another four points as part of their punishment for not paying their players and subsequently being declared bankrupt with debts of €218million.

It is the third time this season that the beleaguered club have been punished by the FIGC and makes their relegation to Serie B almost inevitable.

The deduction sees Parma – who travel to Empoli on Sunday – fall 17 points adrift of safety with eight games remaining.

Back-to-back wins over Juventus and Udinese had briefly given Parma hope of completing a remarkable escape, but they now face an uphill battle to survive.


 

Klose

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Serie A Preview: Abate motivated for Milan derby, Juve face Lazio in table-topping clash

16 April 2015

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Milan full-back Ignazio Abate insists there will be no lack of motivation in Sunday's match against fierce rivals Inter.

The Milan derby is traditionally one of the most revered contests in world football due to the prestige and history the two Serie A giants boast.

However, this weekend's contest at San Siro has a somewhat underwhelming feel considering the struggles of both teams in the league this season.

Much was expected of Filippo Inzaghi's first season in charge of Milan, but they are seven points adrift of the UEFA Europa League places and some 28 off the pace of leaders Juventus.

Roberto Mancini's return to Inter has also as yet failed to yield a turnaround in fortunes and they are two spots and one point below their rivals in 10th.

Despite the sides' respective failures, Abate - who has been deputising as captain for the injured Riccardo Montolivo - says the burning desire to secure bragging rights remains as fierce as ever.

"It is not the same derby as a few years ago," he told Sky Sport Italia. "But there is still motivation [to win].

"We want to give satisfaction to the club and to the fans. They're a good team with good players and great strikers like Mauro Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio, so we'll have to be careful."

A day earlier Juve have the chance to respond to one of the biggest upsets in Serie A history in last week's 1-0 defeat to Parma when the champions play their top-of-the table encounter against Lazio.

Massimiliano Allegri's side saw a 20-match unbeaten league run ended at Stadio Ennio Tardini, but returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Monaco in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals first leg.

Lazio have proved to be no pushovers, though, and a run of nine wins in 10 league matches has seen them usurp city rivals Roma into second.

Roma could only muster a 1-1 draw against Torino last time out and they will attempt to get back on track against Atalanta, while fourth-placed Napoli will hope to capitalise on any slip-ups by beating relegation-threatened Cagliari.

Cesena are seven points adrift of safety and face a make-or-break encounter at Europa League hopefuls Sampdoria on Saturday.

Empoli and Verona are not fully out the mire yet. The former host Parma, while the latter visit Fiorentina on Monday.

In other matches, Sassuolo and Palermo are at home against Torino and Genoa respectively, while Udinese visit Chievo.




 

Klose

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Juventus v Lazio: Replicate Monaco win, urges Pirlo


16 April 2015

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Andrea Pirlo has called on Juventus to take confidence from the UEFA Champions League triumph over Monaco when they take on a Lazio side eyeing second spot in Serie A.

Arturo Vidal's second-half penalty gave Juve the first-leg honours in their quarter-final tie with Monaco - when Pirlo returned from a calf injury - and represented a strong response to last Saturday's shock 1-0 loss to rock-bottom Parma.

Massimiliano Allegri's side had previously gone 20 matches unbeaten in the league and Pirlo lauded the coach's impact ahead of Saturday's clash against Stefano Pioli's men at the Juventus Stadium.

"He [Allegri] has brought tranquillity," he told Sky Sport Italia. "He did not give too much importance to individual matches, as though we had to win them all to go forward.

"This gave us more confidence. The same attitude will also serve us well against Lazio."

Despite Juve's setback at Parma, they remain firmly on course for a fourth consecutive title, boasting a 12-point lead over Lazio with eight games remaining.

That Lazio are their nearest challengers is testament to the Rome club's remarkable form, which has seen them win eight top-flight games in a row.

With that in mind, Juve winger Simone Pepe is taking nothing for granted.

"We've got two important matches coming up in the shape of Lazio and Monaco, but we're focusing our attention solely on the former," he told the club's official website.

"We haven't won the Scudetto yet, but we'd like to do so as soon as possible. Due to our healthy advantage at the top, Saturday's game with Lazio could prove pivotal in the title race.

"This has been the most intense campaign I've ever played in, it’s vital we remain level-headed."

Lazio, who will also face Allegri's side in the Coppa Italia final on June 6, have a poor record against Juve and have not recorded a league win over them since December 2003.

Juve were 3-0 victors in November's return fixture, with a brace from Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez's strike doing the damage.

Lazio sat sixth after that result, but a return to the Champions League is now firmly on the agenda. If they do manage to qualify, it will be the first time they have taken a seat at European football's top table since the 2007-08 campaign.


 

Mancini

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Mancini: Liam Gallagher kissed me on the mouth after City triumph


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By Mark Doyle
Apr 16, 2015 14:57:57

The ex-Oasis frontman is a massive fan of the Eastlands outfit and was very keen to express his gratitude to the Italian for ending the club's title drought

Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed that rock star Liam Gallagher kissed him on the mouth after the club's 2012 Premier League title triumph.

The Eastlands outfit had not won the English title for 42 years when a dramatic 3-2 victory over QPR on the final day of the season saw the Sky Blues pip bitter rivals Manchester United to the title on goal difference.

Mancini remains understandably proud of the role he played in City's historic success but he has now joked that he was not initially aware of just how much it meant to the club's long-suffering fans.

"Winning the Premier League changed the history of Manchester City," the Italian coach told Sky Uno.

"When I was in my office after the decisive game, Liam Gallagher from Oasis came in. He's a big fan of City and he gave me a big kiss on the mouth. I didn't have time to react!"

Mancini, of course, is now back in charge of Inter, with whom he won three Scudetti (two on the field) during his previous four-year stay at San Siro between 2004 and 2008.

The former Italy international does not look like adding to his trophy haul any time soon, with the Nerazzurri currently languishing in 10th place in the Serie A standings.

However, Mancini remains upbeat about his chances of reversing the fortunes of a club that have been in a steady decline since their 2010 Champions League win, starting with this Sunday's derby with AC Milan.

Inter will be without Fredy Guarin and Marcelo Brozovic through suspension but Mancini is nonetheless confident that the Nerazzurri can give their supporters a timely lift.

"We have problems in midfield, given the absences, but we're working on solutions," he added.

"There'll be many fans at the stadium for the derby on Sunday. San Siro will be nearly full and we hope to help them enjoy themselves by giving them the gift of joy with a victory."


 

Vidal

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Tevez decision on Juventus future imminent

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By Romeo Agresti
Apr 16, 2015 20:02:15

The Argentine is set to give the Bianconeri the final word on whether he will stay in the next few weeks, with Boca Juniors standing by to swoop

Carlos Tevez is expected to make a decision on his future in the next few weeks, with Juventus stepping up their pursuit for Paulo Dybala in fear of losing their star striker this summer.

The Argentine has netted 25 goals this term, leading the Old Lady to the verge of the Champions League semi-finals as well as helping to open up a 12-point lead at the top of Serie A.

However, the former Manchester City man has already told club officials that his current deal - which expires in June 2016 - will be his last, due to his desire to end his career with his first club Boca Juniors.

It is understood Tevez has now confirmed to the club that he will give a definitive answer on his future by the first week of May, with a summer move a distinct possibility.

Tevez has been in regular contact with Boca in recent weeks as he prepares to come to a decision which could signal the end of his career in Europe, nine years after he shocked the world by joining West Ham United from Corinthians.

For now, Tevez is said to be focused only on winning Serie A and challenging for the Champions League, while he has also set his sights on the Capocannoniere award given to the league's top scorer.

His 46 goals in 86 games have made the 31-year-old a cult figure in Turin, with Juventus' improved fortunes in Europe this season having been largely linked to his own vastly improved form in continental competition.

Juve's interest in Palermo striker Dybala will now be ramped up as a result of the uncertainty over Tevez's immediate future.

While club executives are thought to be keen on snapping up the 21-year-old Argentine regardless of Tevez's decision, they are now set to make significant strides in their quest for a new striker in case they find themselves shorn of their figurehead frontman ahead of next season.


 

LAZIO

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset

Juventus 2 Lazio 0: Tevez inspires win over in-form visitors


18 April 2015

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Juventus made a mockery of second-placed Lazio's eight-game winning run in Serie A by beating them 2-0 at Juventus Stadium to go 15 points clear at the top of the table with just seven games remaining.

Carlos Tevez was at the heart of things for the defending champions, as he moved onto 18 league goals for the season - extending his lead at the top of the scoring charts.

Tevez's latest strike comes 24 hours after his agent hinted that the Argentine will leave Turin in just one year's time to return to boyhood club Boca Juniors.

There is no doubt the former Manchester City striker will be missed if that is the case, but central defender Leonardo Bonucci showed Juventus have goalscoring potential throughout their squad.

Picking the ball up on the halfway line, Bonucci was allowed the space to run to the edge of the Lazio penalty area, thanks in part to an unselfish run from Tevez, before powering a low shot into the net.

Lazio, who also had Danilo Cataldi sent off late on, rarely threatened from that point on despite battling hard, summing up Juventus' cruise towards another league title.

The physical intensity of the game was clear early on, with Arturo Vidal needing attention for a hip problem and Lucas Biglia getting his head bandaged inside the first 15 minutes.

Juventus were unperturbed, however, and opened the scoring with 17 minutes played as Tevez collected Vidal's flick-on, beating Lazio's dubious offside trap in the process, and sent a powerful low strike into the far corner of the net from 15 yards out.

Lazio's own in-form striker Miroslav Klose had an outstanding chance to level midway through the half, collecting a loose ball in the area but sending his right-footed shot well over from 12 yards.

The German was made to pay for his profligacy moments later as Bonucci made an extraordinary foray forward to double the home side's advantage.

Collecting Andrea Pirlo's pass on the halfway line, Bonucci drove through the heart midfield before slamming a low strike beyond Federico Marchetti from 20 yards.

It could well have been 3-0 before the interval, too, as Patrice Evra beat Danilo Cataldi to a Simone Padoin cross from the right, but sent his low header wide of the far post.

Lazio head coach Stefano Pioli brought on midfielder Antonio Candreva at half-time for left-back Edson Braafheid but the visitors could still not get in behind a stubborn Juventus defence.

Indeed, it was Lazio defender Mauricio who had to pull off a brilliant sliding tackle to stop Alessandro Matri from going one-on-one with Marchetti after a deflected pass from Vidal.

Lazio did go close soon after as Candreva smashed a free-kick towards goal from just outside the area that deflected off Tevez and onto the bar - proving once and for all that the little striker can do no wrong.

Another late foray forward from Tevez forced Cataldi into a cynical tackle from behind that earned him a straight red card, summing up the most frustrating of nights for the visitors.


 

Ranocchia

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Inter 0 Milan 0: Disappointing derby ends in stalemate


19 April 2015

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Inter and Milan played out a dreary 0-0 derby draw on Sunday that encapsulated their respective disappointing seasons in Serie A.

There was a notable lack of quality in attack for both sides, perhaps showcasing how the two giants of Italian football have fallen from grace in recent seasons.

That feeling was particularly evident in a first half that provided little in terms of goalmouth action, although Milan did see Alex have a goal ruled out for offside.

Inter, the designated hosts, improved after the break and Rodrigo Palacio had a goal of his own disallowed, before Roberto Mancini's men had penalty claims against Luca Antonelli turned away.

Milan's Philippe Mexes had his blushes spared with just under 20 minutes remaining when he turned into his own net, only for a foul off the ball to curtail Inter's celebrations.

A draw means that Milan stay one place and one point above their rivals in ninth.

Inter started at a quick tempo and Hernanes almost opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a spectacular 35-yard effort that Diego Lopez parried high to his left.

Milan grew into the game and Suso - making his first start since joining from Liverpool in January - twice tested Samir Handanovic with long-range shots.

Handanovic was then forced into a great save when Nigel de Jong met Suso's free-kick from the right at the back post, Alex slammed home the rebound but the whistle had already gone for offside against the defender.

It was Inter's turn to be denied by the offside flag after the break.

Hernanes led a swift breakaway and slipped a superb ball into the left channel for the quiet Mauro Icardi, but the forward had strayed offside and by the time he squared for Palacio to side-foot home, the whistle had already gone.

That marked the start of a spell of sustained pressure from Inter and Mexes had to be on hand to make a crucial block when Palacio had worked the angle to shoot past Lopez.

Inter saw appeals for a penalty dismissed after Hernanes' shot hit the hand of Antonelli.

And they were again up in arms when Mexes steered the Brazilian's cross past his own goalkeeper, only for the referee to blow for a foul from Palacio on Antonelli.

Mancini's side continued to press – Palacio forcing a point-blank stop from Lopez before Icardi lashed wide – but the contest ended in a goalless draw, arguably as much as either side deserved as the full-time whistle was met with frustrated whistles from the stands.



 

DeSanctis

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Sampdoria 0 Cesena 0 : Strugglers frustrate Mihajlovic´s men

18 April 2015

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Sampdoria failed to win for the third successive Serie A match as lowly Cesena claimed a goalless draw at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Home coach Sinisa Mihajlovic sent out an attacking line-up featuring four forward players but they were unable to find a way through against their third-bottom opponents.

Stefano Okaka passed up the chance to pounce on some slack Cesena defending inside the first minute, while Luis Muriel skied a Samuel Eto'o cutback from 10 yards.

Djamel Mesbah was the next Sampdoria player to prove wasteful with the goal at his mercy following promising work from Okaka, who was a touch fortunate to remain on the field when he was only booked for appearing to catch Massimo Volta with an elbow.

Cesena defender Stefano Lucchini made a brilliant goal-line clearance to deny Alessio Romagnoli with 15 minutes to play, before home goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano prevented Gregoire Defrel from stealing the points for the visitors.

Sampdoria lie fifth in the table, level on points with Napoli in fourth as they chase European football next term, while Cesena are six points from safety with seven games to play.


 

Podolski

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Tevez agent hits out at Boca

18 April 2015

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Carlos Tevez will see out his Juventus contract, his agent has confirmed, after Boca Juniors' president claimed they could sign him at the end of the season.

Daniel Angelici was quoted by Argentine media claiming "the door was open" for the striker to return to his boyhood club later this year if he could get out of his contract in Turin.

The striker's deal at Juventus Stadium expires at the end of next season, when he is widely expected to sign with Boca.

However, Tevez's representative Adrian Ruocco has called for Boca to allow him to focus solely on Juve as they close in on a fourth consecutive Scudetto, as well as chasing Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League glory.

"He is playing with the sentiments of the fans, as much the Boca supporters as the Juve ones," Ruocco told Radio La Red.

"The only guarantee is that Tevez wants to respect his contract with Juventus. We want to avoid further pressure on Tevez in a decisive moment of the season for him and Juventus.

"As everyone knows, Tevez will end his career at Boca, there are no doubts about that.

"However, he will return later on and we still need to see when, because he has a contract to respect. As of today, that contract is to 2016."


 

Inler

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Allegri praises high-flying Juve


19 April 2015

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Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri paid tribute to his team after a 2-0 win over Lazio saw them move 15 points clear atop the Serie A.

Carlos Tevez and Leonardo Bonucci scored first-half goals for leaders Juve, who bounced back after their shock loss to Parma last time out in the league.

Allegri lauded his team for their win over a Lazio outfit that had gone 10 games unbeaten in all competitions heading to Turin.

"I think we have to thank these players because they have played an amazing season. Tonight they played as a great team," he said.

"They know the skills of the opponent and the team conceded a few chances to them. In addition, we took advantage of our chances.

"It wasn't easy to win again the second in the league. This result is really important. We increased the gap to Lazio with seven games left.

"They won eight games in a row conceding only two goals and scoring 19 times."

Allegri has already turned his attentions to the UEFA Champions League, with Juve taking on Monaco on Wednesday while holding a 1-0 lead.

"I still haven’t decided my tactics for Wednesday night," he said.

"It will be a good game from a technical standpoint, but different from the first. We'll need to be at the races."


 

Michu

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Tevez rubbishes Juve exit talk


19 April 2015

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Carlos Tevez has denied reports that he is ready to leave Juventus and return to Boca Juniors at the end of the season.

The Argentina striker is contracted to the Serie A champions until the end of 2015-16, but it has been claimed that he is poised to turn his back on the Turin giants and head back to his homeland.

Boca president Daniel Angelici was quoted by Argentine media claiming "the door was open" for the striker to rejoin his boyhood club later this year if he could get out of his contract with Juve.

Tevez's agent Adrian Ruocco called for Boca to allow him to focus solely on Juve as they close in on a fourth consecutive Scudetto, as well as chasing Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League glory.

And the former Manchester City frontman stated after scoring in a 2-0 victory over second-placed Lazio on Saturday that he has no intention of cutting short his stay with Massimiliano Allegri's side.

He said: "All my thoughts are focused on Juventus, there's too much talk around. I want to enjoy this extraordinary moment here. People saying I'm going isn't right: when I decide to leave, the supporters will be the first to know."

Juve moved 15 points clear of Lazio, who will be replaced in second spot by arch-rivals Roma if they beat Atalanta on Sunday.

Tevez reflected on another impressive display by the runaway leaders before turning his attention to Wednesday's UEFA Champions League second leg at Monaco, when Juve will start with a slender 1-0 lead.

He added: "I'm happy, it was a great performance by a strong team. We'll need an equally top display against Monaco. I said after the Champions League draw that it won’t be an easy one for us."


 

Mancini

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Inter should have had a penalty, Mancini fumes

19 April 2015

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Roberto Mancini was left fuming that Inter were denied a penalty for a handball against Luca Antonelli in Sunday's derby versus Milan.

The encounter between the Milan giants largely reflected the inconsistent nature of their respective seasons that has left both teams languishing in mid-table.

However, Inter will feel they should have had the chance to earn bragging rights at San Siro when Hernanes' effort struck the arm of Antonelli in the second half.

Head coach Mancini claims he has had little to complain about this season, but was disappointed referee Luca Banti failed to point the spot.

"I think it is a clear penalty," he told Sky Sport Italia. "There is no uniformity of opinion [on these type of decisions].

"For 20 matches I have not complained, but [recently] things have gone against us."

Mancini, though, did not have any complaints that an own goal from Philippe Mexes was chalked off with just under 20 minutes remaining, conceding that Rodrigo Palacio had fouled Antonelli.

"The disallowed goal, there is the foul from Palacio," he added. "I saw the replay and it was a definitely a Palacio foul.

"I take comfort from the way we played in the first 20 minutes and entire second half."


 

Cavani

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Inzaghi praises Milan derby officials

19 April 2015

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Filippo Inzaghi backed referee Luca Banti's decision not to award a penalty against Milan's Luca Antonelli in Sunday's derby against Inter.

In a match that produced few clear-cut chances at San Siro, there was a flashpoint in the second half when Hernanes' effort struck the arm of Antonelli in the penalty area.

The decision not to award a spot-kick attracted the ire of Inter head coach Roberto Mancini, who felt Banti should have pointed to the spot.

Milan head coach Inzaghi agrees that similar incidents have been punished in the past, but felt it would have been a harsh decision.

"The penalty claim for Inter? It was involuntary [handball]," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"It's true that penalties have been given for less, but I would not give a penalty for that."

Inzaghi felt that a draw, which means Milan have now lost just one of their past nine Serie A matches, was a fair reflection of the game but rued the fact his side did not score during a promising spell in the first half.

"I expected more from Milan in the first half when we created several important chances," he added.

"The stakes for the game were high and the boys did their best. The draw is a fair result."


 

Rossi

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Inzaghi: I can take Milan back to the top


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By Rupert Fryer
Apr 18, 2015 22:37:00

The under-fire Rossoneri coach is convinced he and the current set-up at the club have what it takes to see the glory days return to San Siro

AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi believes the club have a set-up that can take them back to the top of European football.

The Rossoneri take on city rivals in Inter in the 162nd Milan derby on Sunday, with both having endured disappointing seasons thus far which looks set to see them miss out on European football.

But Inzaghi, who has faced intense speculation that he will be lucky to last past his first season as a head coach, believes he and current president Silvio Berlusconi have what it takes to get the seven-time European champions back on track.

"I want to see a Milan side back at the top and that wins," Inzaghi told a press conference.

"Football goes in cycles, but I am convinced that with this President and the club directors we will go back to the top and win again. I am very happy about the president’s confidence in me and I hope that we can win for him.

"I will continue on my path with the same spirit and always motivated. I have only just started my coaching career, I am very calm and will continue on this path. I hope to repay all of the faith that has been shown in me."

Milan trail Inter in the derby head-to-head by 60 wins to their 50, have won only one of their last seven games against Inter in Serie A (losing four), and have managed just two wins in their last six league games.

But Inzaghi says he has seen enough positives from his side to believe they can emerge victorious following last week’s 1-1 draw at home to Sampdoria.

"It is important for the league table and that’s not all. We’re taking on a great side, but we have to take to the pitch convinced that we can give a top performance," he said.

"Against Sampdoria we had 24 shots on goal. From those, 7 were on target but only one was a goal, which means that we have to improve… I am calm ahead of the match but it’s clear that the derby is a match that has to be won."

Inzaghi also revealed he was hoping to welcome back Keisuke Honda, who has been out with a foot injury since the middle of March.

"Honda has recovered," Inzaghi said. "He has been training since Tuesday and he has recovered 10 days ahead of schedule.

"In the final training session, I will see whether to start him or not. He still feels a bit of pain when he strikes the ball hard, but it’s normal."

Milan sit ninth in Serie A - seven points behind Fiorentina and a Europa League berth - just one point of Inter in tenth.



 

Marchisio

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Vidal: Juventus closer to title after 'perfect' performance against Lazio


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By Mark Doyle
Apr 19, 2015 12:26:37

The Bianconeri moved 15 points clear of Stefano Pioli's side at the top of the Serie A table thanks to a 2-0 victory over their second-placed opponents in Turin

Arturo Vidal admitted that Juventus are now on the verge of clinching their fourth successive Scudetto thanks to a "perfect" performance in Saturday's 2-0 win over title rivals Lazio.

The Biancocelesti had arrived in Turin on an eight-game winning streak that had propelled them into second place in Serie A, 12 points behind their hosts.

However, Juve effectively put the game to bed by the half-hour mark thanks to early goals from Carlos Tevez and Leonardo Bonucci.

Massimiliano Allegri's men still have seven matches to play but Vidal confessed that the Scudetto is now within touching distance.

“It was a perfect display by us tonight," Vidal is quoted as saying by his club's official website. "We played an incredible game against an extremely strong side.

"It’s an important victory and our fourth successive title is edging ever closer.

"We must win our next three games before we can definitely say it’s ours."

Roma can reduce Juve's lead to 13 points if they defeat Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.


 

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Garcia: I can only be angry at Roma

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Peter McVitie
Apr 19, 2015 20:16:58

The coach was infuriated by his team's attitude throughout their 1-1 draw with Atalanta, saying they fell asleep after taking the lead in the early stages

Rudi Garcia was disgusted with the attitude of his Roma team as they drew 1-1 with Atalanta on Sunday.

The home side, who would have reclaimed second place in Serie A with a win, took the lead in the opening minutes when Francesco Totti converted a penalty, awarded after a handball from Guglielmo Stendardo.

Atalanta were able to tie it up just 20 minutes later with a spot kick of their own as Davide Astori was tripped up Urby Emanuelson, with German Denis stepping up to slot past Morgan de Sanctis.

Roma tried to pile the pressure on their visitors as the game wore on but grew frustrated and even a change of shape from Garcia failed to have an impact. As a result, they are now even on points with fierce rivals Lazio.

"I can only be angry," Garcia said afterwards. "I saw a Rome team that didn't play well, especially in the first half.

"After Totti put us ahead, we fell asleep. At least we improved in the second half when Victor Ibarbo and Seydou Keita came on, but not enough to recover second place in the league.

"We played badly. Everyone did - including Atalanta and the referee. We have been doing well on the defensive side of things from the start of the season, although many players have changed, but we have to do more in attack.

"I cannot explain the attitude of the team. We had too many absent players so we were lacking some quality."



 
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