One way to look at the result against Bari on the weekend is to take Iván Córdoba’s approach and consider it another point gained and not two points dropped. Even though the comeback was impressive after being two goals down, it would definitely be putting a positive spin on things, because the truth is that the Bari game did, in fact, represent two points dropped for Inter and more importantly, two points of the deficit regained for the impressive-looking Milan.
In all honesty, the result was probably no more than a slight drop in form which, given the form Inter have been showing lately, is not a disaster. However, it is the Milan derby next weekend, and with the Rossoneri feeling like they have a point to prove after the 4-0 thrashing they received earlier this season, it is not the ideal time for Inter to be having any issues at all. The gap between the two Milanese sides is now down to six points, should la Beneamata lose the derby then the title race will be back on and, for the neutrals, exactly what is wanted. Conversely, should the Nerazzurri beat Milan again then the gap will move back up to nine points, and the title race will be looking like less of a race and more of a procession. Whilst Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani might be trying to play down the importance of the game, it is clear to everyone that this is the one chance Milan has to show that they can compete on the same level as their rivals.
One big worry for José Mourinho ahead of the derby is the current form of Ronaldinho. The former Barcelona playmaker has been playing brilliantly recently, and his performance against Siena on Sunday afternoon was nothing short of breathtaking. Edgar Álvarez gave Córdoba a torrid time on Saturday – imagine what Ronaldinho could do to an Inter defence if they show up in the same form. Containing the Brazilian has to be foremost in the mind of the Inter Coach, and it will be how he goes about that task that will be one of the most interesting factors in next weekend’s game. In both the Bari and Siena matches the defence has looked less-than impressive, and Milan will provide a much sterner challenge. Douglas Maicon was another Inter player who claimed that the Bari draw was good – and whilst Mourinho may support his players in public, he will be privately hoping his side do not get into the habit of needing dramatic escapes.
The positive news this week is that it looks as if Júlio Baptista’s proposed move to Inter is not going to happen. Now Football Italiano does not have anything personal against ‘The Beast’ but, as discussed in the last Inter Club Focus, the attacking midfielder would not be a very good fit for the squad and could well be another Amantino Mancini – in other words a player that is getting paid a lot of money to spend time on the bench. Inter were apparently unwilling to meet Roma’s demands for the player, and negotiations could not provide a resolution so the deal is now reported to be off.
A fresh rumour this week involves a long-time Milan transfer target, Wolfburg’s Edin Džeko. The striker has been attracting the attention of many of the continents biggest clubs, and Inter have now added their names to the list. A move would be unlikely to occur until the end of the season, but it could well spark another Milan derby, this time in the transfer market. If Inter could sign one of Cristian Ledesma, Aleksandar Kolarov or Džeko, they will have added another top class player to their squad, and reinforced their position as the top club in Italy on and off the pitch.
Inter Club Focus 2009/10
Pre-season
Another Scudetto for the Nerazzurri? – August 18, 2009
Week 1
A stuttering start, and a Portuguese explosion – August 25, 2009
Week 2
It’s derby time – August 28, 2009
A wonderful derby but the champions of Europe are waiting – September 1, 2009
All is well for la Beneamata – September 4, 2009
International week (Georgia-Italy, Italy-Bulgaria)
Friendlies, injuries and stolen boots… – September 7, 2009
Week 3
Nerazzurri look to the future as Ibra looks back – September 11, 2009
Inter get a point, but that’s not the point – September 18, 2009
Week 4
They never had a problem with ugly wins – September 22, 2009
Week 5
Partenopei are beaten Black and Blue – September 25, 2009
Week 6
Blucerchiati run rings round Inter – September 29, 2009
Champions League? You’re having a laugh – October 2, 2009
Week 7
I’d rather be lucky than good – October 6, 2009
The international break – October 6, 2009
International Week (Republic of Ireland-Italy, Italy-Cyprus)
Transfer Talk – October 13, 2009
Back to Genova – October 16, 2009
Week 8
The Puzzle continues – October 20, 2009
Week 9
What next? – October 23, 2009
Papering over the cracks – October 27, 2009
Week 10
The pressure is on as Inter almost throw it away against Palermo – October 30, 2009
Week 11
Judgement day awaits – November 3, 2009
Just in time – November 6, 2009
Week 12
A draw with Roma, but things look good – November 10, 2009
Week 13
Back to the day job – November 20, 2009
A Messi situation – November 24, 2009
It was embarrassing – November 27, 2009
Week 14
José gets ruffled – December 1, 2009
Week 15
Derby d’Italia – December 4, 2009
It could be worse – December 8, 2009
Week 16
Disaster averted – December 11, 2009
A missed opportunity? More for them than us – December 11, 2009
Week 17
Resolutions – December 18, 2009
How do you solve a problem like Mourinho [does]? – December 22, 2009
Winter break
Grazie Marco – December 29, 2009
Inter transfer rumours beaten black and blue – January 5, 2010
Week 18
Mario Balotelli, hero and villain – January 8, 2010
Wesley Sneijder: the human get-out-of-jail-free card – January 12, 2010
Week 19
A potentially beastly decision – January 15, 2010
Week 20
Bari wasn’t great, Milan must be better – January 19, 2010