REPORT: CL - Inter 4 - 0 Artmedia

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Champions League Gp H - 23/11/05 (19.45)

Figo 27 (I), Adriano 42, 59, 70 (I)


Stadio San Siro

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Adriano has well and truly put his goal drought behind him with a hat-trick against Artmedia to qualify Inter top of Group H.

The Nerazzurri needed just one point to be sure of qualifying for the knockout round and also played their final game behind closed doors, as the ban for the crowd trouble that marred last season's quarter-finals expired.

Alvaro Recoba was chosen to partner Adriano, with Santiago Solari and Luis Figo on the flanks. Juan Sebastian Veron also started and hoped to do better than the last time he faced Artmedia, as he was sent off in that 1-0 win in Bratislava.

Fodrek's free kick caused a few problems before Julio Cesar got it under control, then Figo's left-foot shot was drilled over the bar.

On 13 minutes, Veron attempted a spectacular volley on Recoba's corner kick that skimmed the upright.

Soon after, Artmedia also went close with a Borbely header missing the target by inches, while Walter Samuel required a perfectly timed intervention to stop Obzera getting on the end of Halenar's assist.

Adriano's effort was charged down in the area, then the Brazilian had beaten Cobej on another Veron assist, but Borbely got back for a crucial goalline clearance.

Figo broke his Inter duck at the weekend and hit the back of the net again after 27 minutes. He waltzed on to Veron's through ball and kept his cool to dispose of the goalkeeper, controlling with his left foot before prodding in with his right.

Julio Cesar was tested by Kozak, who was left unmarked in the area, but the Nerazzurri doubled their lead just before the break. Adriano got on the end of a long Figo ball forward and struck a fierce left-foot drive for his first Champions League goal since August.

Nicolas Andre Burdisso replaced Figo at half-time, pushing Javier Zanetti into a right-midfield position.

Cobej smothered a powerful Recoba piledriver from the edge of the box and Solari's finishing left a lot to be desired, but Adriano was clearly buoyed by that goal and playing with a lot more confidence.

L'Imperatore netted his second of the match by exchanging passes with Recoba and sweeping home with the inside of his left foot from the penalty spot. It was only the fourth time this season Inter have scored three goals or more.

Adriano has well and truly broken his drought by completing his hat-trick. One of his trademark left-foot rockets across the face of goal left Cobej with no chance.

Foderk fired over the bar from distance and Adriano curled off target, but this match was over by a long shot.


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Inter: Julio Cesar; J Zanetti, Cordoba (C Zanetti 66), Samuel, Wome; Figo (Burdisso 46), Cambiasso, Veron (Stankovic 60), Solari; Recoba, Adriano

Artmedia Bratislava: Cobej; Petras, Debnar, Durica, Urbanek (Stano 79); Vascak (Mikulic 68), Kozak (Tchur 68), Borbely, Fodrek, Obzera; Halenar

Ref: Riley (Eng)

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Roberto Mancini, Adriano and Luis Figo believe Inter have turned a corner, while Massimo Moratti wants to face Real Madrid.

“It was crucial to ensure we were qualified tonight, as the last group game is just before the Milan derby, so we didn’t want any distractions,” said the Coach after their 4-0 thrashing of Artmedia. “It was fairly clear we were stronger than Artmedia, but you can never tell and it’s important to perform well and test some alternatives.”


Adriano had been struggling badly for form, but broke through his goal drought with a hat-trick – his first Champions League strikes since August.


“Adriano went through something that a lot of strikers suffer with at times in their career. I think his real problem was that he had been travelling so much he wasn’t able to train regularly. He managed that over the last couple of weeks and you can see the difference.”


There were also some tactical adjustments that allowed the forwards to find space in the Artmedia defence.


“I have always told our strikers that if they can understand the tactical movement I ask of them, it’s easier for them to get on goal. Adriano did it a few times tonight and Obafemi Martins would do well to learn, especially with his remarkable pace.”


Luis Figo was also on target with his second goal in as many games, opening the scoring at the deserted San Siro.


“I was happy to score, but the most important thing was that the team won and qualified for the next round,” said the Portuguese international. “I have always respected the decisions of my Coaches and tried to give my best for the side in whatever role that is.”


Figo has finally adapted to the Italian game and explained the differences between Serie A and La Liga.


“I think every team has its own philosophy of football. Inter have some great players and can do very well this season, but I think their style is closer to Real Madrid’s than Barcelona. The difference for me here is that there is more work on tactics and fitness training than in Spain. More is left to instinct and individual players to find their own form in La Liga.”


Adriano broke his goal drought in style with a well-taken hat-trick, his first goals in all competition in over a month.


“I wanted to thank Gianluca Vialli, as his open letter really helped me and gave me the strength to get back on track. I went through some very bad times, both psychologically and physically, but I now know I must train regularly throughout the week to stay at full fitness. The pressure is constant and I accept that responsibility, as I want to grow with Inter and to win with this club.”


The Brazilian also suggested that some of the credit must go to teammate Alvaro Recoba and the different tactical concerns that come with the various attacking options.


“I always play well alongside Recoba, as it means I can stay closer to the penalty area and concentrate on scoring goals.”


Patron Massimo Moratti was already looking forward to the second round draw and hinted at a reunion with Ronaldo.


“I think it’s always best to face the big clubs first, as that means you cannot lose concentration or underestimate your opponents,” said the oil baron. “Besides, Madrid is a beautiful city…”