Post by Taxigirl on Sept 26, 2005 8:46:41 GMT
www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/sep25i.html
Roberto Mancini has singled out Luis Figo for praise after his performance against Fiorentina, assuring the veteran still has what it takes to succeed in Serie A.
“The team played very well, including in defence, as Luca Toni barely got a touch tonight,” he said after the 1-0 victory. “The important thing is to create plenty of scoring opportunities, even if we weren’t able to convert many of them. That is my only regret from this evening, as we struggled more than we should have.”
This victory puts Inter just three points adrift of leaders Juventus and they have the chance to catch them in next Sunday’s Derby d’Italia.
“We are going to Turin looking for all three points – that is beyond dispute. Before looking at that game, though, we have to think about the Champions League test with Glasgow Rangers. With the tie behind closed doors, it will be a strange match and anything could happen.”
An Obafemi Martins goal after seven minutes proved enough to ensure the win, although there were some promising opportunities for Luis Figo, Dejan Stankovic and Adriano.
“I think that Figo can be of real help to this squad, a lot more than I was when I went to Lazio towards the end of my playing career,” noted Mancini. “He proved tonight that he can still play like a champion.”
Figo played his best game so far in a Nerazzurri jersey and has his eyes on the Scudetto. “I am happy because we played like a great team tonight,” said the former Real Madrid man. “It was important to get close to the leaders and we’ve achieved that. It’ll be tough to beat Juventus and the title race is going to be tight.”
Fiorentina failed to net for the first time this season and it was only thanks to Sebastien Frey that the scoreline was so slender.
“Inter took control and they are a great side,” conceded the goalkeeper who began his Serie A career with the Nerazzurri. “For many of my teammates it was their first time at the San Siro and that perhaps made them a little nervous. We’ll try to get back on track against Livorno next week and pick up as many points as possible, but we must only talk of our ambitions after ensuring safety from relegation.”
Roberto Mancini has singled out Luis Figo for praise after his performance against Fiorentina, assuring the veteran still has what it takes to succeed in Serie A.
“The team played very well, including in defence, as Luca Toni barely got a touch tonight,” he said after the 1-0 victory. “The important thing is to create plenty of scoring opportunities, even if we weren’t able to convert many of them. That is my only regret from this evening, as we struggled more than we should have.”
This victory puts Inter just three points adrift of leaders Juventus and they have the chance to catch them in next Sunday’s Derby d’Italia.
“We are going to Turin looking for all three points – that is beyond dispute. Before looking at that game, though, we have to think about the Champions League test with Glasgow Rangers. With the tie behind closed doors, it will be a strange match and anything could happen.”
An Obafemi Martins goal after seven minutes proved enough to ensure the win, although there were some promising opportunities for Luis Figo, Dejan Stankovic and Adriano.
“I think that Figo can be of real help to this squad, a lot more than I was when I went to Lazio towards the end of my playing career,” noted Mancini. “He proved tonight that he can still play like a champion.”
Figo played his best game so far in a Nerazzurri jersey and has his eyes on the Scudetto. “I am happy because we played like a great team tonight,” said the former Real Madrid man. “It was important to get close to the leaders and we’ve achieved that. It’ll be tough to beat Juventus and the title race is going to be tight.”
Fiorentina failed to net for the first time this season and it was only thanks to Sebastien Frey that the scoreline was so slender.
“Inter took control and they are a great side,” conceded the goalkeeper who began his Serie A career with the Nerazzurri. “For many of my teammates it was their first time at the San Siro and that perhaps made them a little nervous. We’ll try to get back on track against Livorno next week and pick up as many points as possible, but we must only talk of our ambitions after ensuring safety from relegation.”