After their 1-0 victory at home in the first leg, Inter showed personality and experience which now seems to be a part of the Inter DNA unlike earlier times. On Tuesday the 13th, the Stadium Artemio Franchi of Fiorentina welcomed the second leg with great expectations and hopes to qualify for the Finals firstly to mark the first achievement under the Della Valle- Prandelli- Corvino influence and secondly to secure a qualification for the Uefa European cup next season.
The first half was gave hopes for the home side since there were frequent threats at the Inter goal specially with Jovetic and Vargas who were controlling the Viola(Fiorentina) attacks. Gilardino fought fiercely like a wounded tiger between the insuperable defense Lucio- Samuel. Gila almost opened the score sheet when he beat Inter's keeper Julio Cesar placing the ball between his legs but Lucio was right on time to clear the ball before passing the goal-line.
After the first 45 minutes it looked like a completely different match. Fiorentina were unrecognizable, not finding the control of the game they attained before the first half whistle. Inter was not waiting on their half for Fiorentina to make the first move anymore and after a couple of close calls, Inter midfielder Motta sent a delicious lob over the defense who found themselves unprepared, leaving Eto' alone in front goal with just the keeper to beat. The puma of Cameroon did was merciless, 1-0 and all the hopes for a home win disappeared into thin air. There was no more say for Fiorentina in the game and Inter completely took over.
Not long ago, there were frequent critics on Inter, describing them as a team that doesn't even have one Italian player in the starting line-up, that wins even without playing well and just due to the money spent by president Massimo Moratti, have they such a huge squad to permit themselves many solutions. Well things seem to be changing now, the president is the same good old Moratti, the team always remains without an Italian in the starting line-up but with the blessing of the Special One, Inter have a new identity, Inter have a wonderful game play, Inter are the only Italian side in the semifinal of the Champions League. The public even with their critics, have begun to understand that this team is passing a great moment and is proving to be coping with any typre of situation.
Yes, this is an Inter which could make history, a new era for Jose Mourinho and his boys that could send a clear message to all their rivals. Even if Inter did spend more than other teams this season, we must even recognize their achievements. How about Real Madrid far instance? After spending over a 200 million mark for adding to their splendid arena players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka' and yet risking to loose the clash with Barcelona for the Spanish La Liga and already been pulverized by Lyon in the Champions League quarter finals.
The truth might lie in finding a balance. From the expenditure, to the dedication to the game, to the team...a balance which the right coach can bring out of the team..a coach that probably this year can be called Jose' Mourinho, guiding the Nerazzurri and all the supporters to the best you can ever get. As Jose's recently published book says, Or Everyhting or Nothing.
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