First Leg Action

Flashback to March 3rd , away to Sampdoria in the first-leg, scudetto leaders (winners to be) Inter Milan were given a right beating when the 'Goal Twins' from Genoa Cassano and Pazzini, combined for all 3 goals to Inter 's NIL.

Yes it was game-set-match by the time the half time whistle blew as the Sampdorian war machine was in full gear already up by their 3, without breaking a sweat, against the mighty Inter Milan all-stars lead by maestro Mourinho.

Inter was so lethargic in the first leg that even after Sampdoria went down to 10 men for the final 30 minutes, with defender Daniele Gastaldello shown his second yellow, the Nerazzurri could not capitalize. Clearly the advantage for both Sampdoria and Lazio has been the Cup represents their best, if not only, hope of qualifying for Europe next season. Both Inter and Juventus should easily qualify, while Inter pretty much have Serie A wrapped up as well.

Inter coach Jose Mourinho has already admitted that his side have little chance of progressing on Thursday. "Three-nil is 3-0, it's very, very difficult. We'll try but it will be very difficult."


Late yesterday we learned one Italian giant Juventus, was not going to make the Coppa Italia final, after losing to underdogs Lazio in their 2nd leg semi-final match (whew). This was no surprise to me as Juve's form of late has fallen ever since the defeat to Chelsea during the final 16 of Champions League.

Moving to today's Coppa match the next obvious questions is,... could today's action mean the same for Internazionale? If it doesn't, then we are in for a high scoring match as the Nerazzurri need 4 goals to beat visitors Sampdoria to the final for their five consecutive appearance. I give it to Sampdoria 2-1, keeping it simple and following the same scoreline as today so bet the over amigos.

(In domestic play the Bianconeri have claimed 5 points in the last 4 Serie A matches and with all hopes of catching leaders Inter over, they have also slipped to third behind that other Milano outfit, AC Milan. )


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