Thursday, February 28, 2008

Inter in high spirits

Inter coach Roberto Mancini saw his side grab a 1-1 draw against the Giallorossi on Wednesday night after Javier Zanetti struck late to cancel out Francesco Totti's earlier goal.The Nerazzuri were below their best in the game, but remain unbeaten to hold on to their nine-point lead over the Eternal City giants with 13 games remaining."I am satisfied with the result," said Mancini, whose team were forced to play the final 20 minutes of the game with 10 men after Maxwell was injured following his third and final substitution."This draw tastes like a victory especially considering how the gae developed."We were a goal down, we had to play at a numerical disadvantage for the last 20 minutes of the game, risking another goal. But we showed character and we were able to equalise."Now nine points are many and if they haven't beaten us with the many problems we had it's a good sign."Roma go into their clash at home to Parma crying foul over the referee's decision to send off Philippe Mexes for two yellow cards minutes before Zanetti's equaliser.Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said: "It was absolutely not a foul."

Totti, who ended his goalscoring drought on Wednesday, added: "This wasn't just a little help that Inter got by the referee, it was a huge present."Third-placed Juventus will be hoping top scorer David Trezeguet will have recovered from a virus in time to take his place for the home match against Fiorentina as they attempt to return to winning ways.Trezeguet has missed the past two encounters with the flu and in his absence the Bianconeri lost at Reggina before being held to a goalless draw by city neighbours Torino in midweek.Fiorentina are just four points behind Juve.

A defeat for the Viola would be a blessing for AC Milan provided they beat Lazio at the San Siro on Saturday.The Rossoneri are just two points behind Fiorentina, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.Sixth-placed Udinese will be desperate to bounce back from defeats against Genoa and Parma when they entertain Atalanta.e Friuli outfit will be under pressure to win their first game at home since December with Sampdoria and Genoa just one point behind them in the table.

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