Internazionale Milano 2009-10 - Campioni d'Europa!!!!

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:

stinger wrote:

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:

stinger wrote:

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:Zanetti = amazing.

I really apologize, but I just could't resist

Are you referring to his gaffe over the weekend? I thought that was more Cordoba's fault.

Yes I do, and for me it was more of Zanetti's fault. Nevermind.

Yeah, I see what you mean. But Cordoba ducks. Weird.

It was a mix up between them, a communication problem if you may. Zanetti should get part of the blame for that, but it is so rare for Zanetti to make a mistake that almost everyone is just blaming Cordoba!!

Anyways, Zanetti still had a good game as usual inspite of that.

Jose Mourinho claimed he earned €14m a year two weeks ago, that was quickly denied by Inter. However, Il Corriere Dello Sport is leaning towards the coach as they believe he was right when revealing the figures...

Speculation has been rife over how much the 'Special One' earns in a year at the Nerazzurri with a number of conflicting reports around the peninisula.

Il Corriere claims the coaches' contract stipulates he will earn €33m over the next three seasons, that sum is without tax but it is not his net pay.

Inter will pay Mourinho €5.2m after tax per season for the next two years which corresponds to him earning €10.5m before tax.

His final year will see him take home €6.2m from the club after deductions. These figures exclude sponsorship rights as well as bonuses which he may get depending on the success of his side domestically and in Europe.

The coach revealed he earned €3m in bonuses but it's believed he will earn double that amount if he wins the Champions League.

The Italian sports paper calculated all the numbers and they claim Mourinho actually earns €14m per season which is what the coach had revealed initially before his club stepped in to rubbish the salary talk.

TM wrote:
The Italian sports paper calculated all the numbers and they claim Mourinho actually earns €14m per season which is what the coach had revealed initially before his club stepped in to rubbish the salary talk.

We all knew he didn't come cheap... But if thats what he earns every year he wins the scudetto and the CL, then it is money very well spent!!

I am happy with contracts which have big bonus amounts - you should always link money with performance...

Crespo: Inter ruined my career
Saturday 11 October, 2008
Hernan Crespo has blasted Inter for effectively freezing his career for six months, but won’t blame Jose Mourinho.

The Argentine was left off the Champions League list and has so far played for only 21 minutes this season.

“I am not angry with Mourinho. He is a great Coach, it’s just that my case should’ve been dealt with better, there’s no doubt about that” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Nobody explained to me the reasons behind my exclusion from the Champions League side. I am not a kid and can understand things.

“I train every day, put the effort in and try to get the attention of the Coach. Then he makes the choices and I respect them, because that’s the way I was taught.

“I have never dreamed of protesting against a tactician’s decisions and I’m not going to start now. Having said that, I would like to play a few more minutes of football.”

Crespo had already run into problems with Mourinho when they were at Chelsea, but his escape to Inter for more playing time backfired when the Portuguese boss took over.

“I like Mourinho, he is a great teacher of football, just like Marcelo Bielsa was for me in Argentina. Bielsa was less of a showman than Mourinho, but they have similar characteristics in that they continually rehearse movements and tactics.

“Mourinho isn’t my ideal Coach, no, but he is good. My ideal tactician, and everyone knows it, is Carlo Ancelotti. I have a rapport with him that goes beyond football. I like the way he faces each situation and treats the squad after every win or a defeat.”

Crespo turned down Milan to join Inter after his brief return to Chelsea, but he seems set to move on again mid-season with Roma and Sampdoria possible candidates.

“We’ll see what happens, I’ll make my decision in January. I am 33 years old, so I have to consider many elements. I certainly still feel like a player and therefore want to play. If I am locked down here, then I’ll seek another solution.

“I don’t know about clubs interested in me and don’t want to talk about it right now. The only thing I will say is that I don’t want to be in the stands any more. That’s not too much to ask, is it?”

----

I have to agree. Inter have treated Crespo like complete $h!t. As usual, Inter show no compassion towards their players or coaches. Why is that? This is not a wind-up. It is a serious question. Why is it when Mancini leaves, Ibra, whom Mancini improved as a player, blasts him?

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:I have to agree. Inter have treated Crespo like complete $h!t. As usual, Inter show no compassion towards their players or coaches. Why is that? This is not a wind-up. It is a serious question. Why is it when Mancini leaves, Ibra, whom Mancini improved as a player, blasts him?

Nice try, Forza. As a club, Inter have a lot of compassion towards its players, sometimes a bit too much - look at Recoba, Kanu, Ronaldo, Dalmat, etc - the list is endless. IMO Inter have more compassion for its players than most clubs, definately more than Juve (who are so professional that it borders on ruthless sometimes) and even Milan. Remember, Inter kept Ronaldo for 3 years when he was injured, paying him his full salary even when it looked like he may never play again... what did Milan do?

Just coz Ibra can be an idiot sometimes, means nothing... you must have read Cordoba's reaction to Ibra's comments, and Cordoba is certainly more representative of Inter.

Back to Crespo's case, its sad. He is a great player, and he obviously liked the club enough to come back... its just that he is not in Mourinho's plans. We have too many options, with Ibra, Adriano, Cruz, & Crespo fighting for 1 spot.... we have 9 quality strikers fighting for 3 spots, and obviously some of them will not even make the bench. From what I understand, Crespo was aware of this situation and given an option to transfer this summer, but he chose to stick around and fight for a spot. With the form Ibra and Adriano are in at the mo, it looks like Crespo will not get a chance. That happens, what can you say but bad luck (for Crespo). Mourinho is only playing the best possible line-up according to his formation, and I don't see a reason why any coach should do otherwise. Cruz and Obinna are also missing out, but I don't see them complaining (yet).

I like Crespo, and hope he moves to Roma/Sampdoria this winter, for he will definately get more chances to play there.

bluenine wrote:

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:I have to agree. Inter have treated Crespo like complete $h!t. As usual, Inter show no compassion towards their players or coaches. Why is that? This is not a wind-up. It is a serious question. Why is it when Mancini leaves, Ibra, whom Mancini improved as a player, blasts him?

Nice try, Forza. As a club, Inter have a lot of compassion towards its players, sometimes a bit too much - look at Recoba, Kanu, Ronaldo, Dalmat, etc - the list is endless. IMO Inter have more compassion for its players than most clubs, definately more than Juve (who are so professional that it borders on ruthless sometimes) and even Milan. Remember, Inter kept Ronaldo for 3 years when he was injured, paying him his full salary even when it looked like he may never play again... what did Milan do?

Just coz Ibra can be an idiot sometimes, means nothing... you must have read Cordoba's reaction to Ibra's comments, and Cordoba is certainly more representative of Inter.

Back to Crespo's case, its sad. He is a great player, and he obviously liked the club enough to come back... its just that he is not in Mourinho's plans. We have too many options, with Ibra, Adriano, Cruz, & Crespo fighting for 1 spot.... we have 9 quality strikers fighting for 3 spots, and obviously some of them will not even make the bench. From what I understand, Crespo was aware of this situation and given an option to transfer this summer, but he chose to stick around and fight for a spot. With the form Ibra and Adriano are in at the mo, it looks like Crespo will not get a chance. That happens, what can you say but bad luck (for Crespo). Mourinho is only playing the best possible line-up according to his formation, and I don't see a reason why any coach should do otherwise. Cruz and Obinna are also missing out, but I don't see them complaining (yet).

I like Crespo, and hope he moves to Roma/Sampdoria this winter, for he will definately get more chances to play there.

Moratti kept Ronaldo because no one wanted to buy a crocked version, and because he was a superstar (he was portly then, but he was in good form--now he is an abomination). Would Man U or Milan not stick by Ronaldo and Kaka in similar circumstances? Should we sing Moratti's praises for doing what most people would do? Also, Ronaldo completely betrayed Moratti, showing again that Inter players can be a strange, ungrateful breed.

You do not show more compassion towards your players than Milan. We have Dida on a ridiculously lucrative contract, and we stuck by Cafu and Serginho, just to use two examples, for a long long time (perhaps too long). When Simic grumbled about playing time we asked him point blank whether he wanted to leave, but he said no. All players and coaches (even non-Milan ones) gush over Milan's structure and warm atmosphere. Admit it--Crespo was treated poorly. He still has a contract with Inter I believe (?)--Ronaldo's came to an end, and we chose not to continue. We didn't keep him in limbo.

You wrote: From what I understand, Crespo was aware of this situation and given an option to transfer this summer, but he chose to stick around and fight for a spot.

I haven't seen any evidence of this.

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:

bluenine wrote:

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:I have to agree. Inter have treated Crespo like complete $h!t. As usual, Inter show no compassion towards their players or coaches. Why is that? This is not a wind-up. It is a serious question. Why is it when Mancini leaves, Ibra, whom Mancini improved as a player, blasts him?

Nice try, Forza. As a club, Inter have a lot of compassion towards its players, sometimes a bit too much - look at Recoba, Kanu, Ronaldo, Dalmat, etc - the list is endless. IMO Inter have more compassion for its players than most clubs, definately more than Juve (who are so professional that it borders on ruthless sometimes) and even Milan. Remember, Inter kept Ronaldo for 3 years when he was injured, paying him his full salary even when it looked like he may never play again... what did Milan do?

Just coz Ibra can be an idiot sometimes, means nothing... you must have read Cordoba's reaction to Ibra's comments, and Cordoba is certainly more representative of Inter.

Back to Crespo's case, its sad. He is a great player, and he obviously liked the club enough to come back... its just that he is not in Mourinho's plans. We have too many options, with Ibra, Adriano, Cruz, & Crespo fighting for 1 spot.... we have 9 quality strikers fighting for 3 spots, and obviously some of them will not even make the bench. From what I understand, Crespo was aware of this situation and given an option to transfer this summer, but he chose to stick around and fight for a spot. With the form Ibra and Adriano are in at the mo, it looks like Crespo will not get a chance. That happens, what can you say but bad luck (for Crespo). Mourinho is only playing the best possible line-up according to his formation, and I don't see a reason why any coach should do otherwise. Cruz and Obinna are also missing out, but I don't see them complaining (yet).

I like Crespo, and hope he moves to Roma/Sampdoria this winter, for he will definately get more chances to play there.

Moratti kept Ronaldo because no one wanted to buy a crocked version, and because he was a superstar (he was portly then, but he was in good form--now he is an abomination). Would Man U or Milan not stick by Ronaldo and Kaka in similar circumstances? Should we sing Moratti's praises for doing what most people would do? Also, Ronaldo completely betrayed Moratti, showing again that Inter players can be a strange, ungrateful breed.

You do not show more compassion towards your players than Milan. We have Dida on a ridiculously lucrative contract, and we stuck by Cafu and Serginho, just to use two examples, for a long long time (perhaps too long). When Simic grumbled about playing time we asked him point blank whether he wanted to leave, but he said no. All players and coaches (even non-Milan ones) gush over Milan's structure and warm atmosphere. Admit it--Crespo was treated poorly. He still has a contract with Inter I believe (?)--Ronaldo's came to an end, and we chose not to continue. We didn't keep him in limbo.

You wrote: From what I understand, Crespo was aware of this situation and given an option to transfer this summer, but he chose to stick around and fight for a spot.

I haven't seen any evidence of this.

Well, yeah. Milan are also quite compassionate about their players. As for Crespo, throughout the summer he saw who all Inter were buying, he knew the competition he would have, and he knew Mourinho's formation. So you can't say he did not know what he was in for. While there are a lot of bad things written about Mourinho, he hasn't been accused for misleading players - he is said to be very straight with them one-on-one. Read Crespo's interviews of last summer, you will see him saying that he wants to stay and fight for his place. Also his agent had revealed that Crespo refused a transfer - it was widely reported in the media that Crespo refused to accept the paycuts required to move to Lazio/Doria. Not blaming Crespo, obviously he expected more playing time than he is getting, but I guess in a squad with 9 quality strikers, you can easily get frozen out without a chance. If Adriano had failed, then Crespo would have got his chances... but the way it happened, Adriano is playing quite well and even if I were Mourinho I would not field Crespo over Adriano at the mo. These things happen.

I am quite sure Inter will sell Crespo in the winter, specially after this outburst.

Crespo, Benega swap?.

The Argentine striker has been left to rot on the bench by Jose Mourinho and he is desperate for some first team action.

Crespo
has even warned that he may walk out on the club if he doesn't play.
Valencia may provide the answer to the striker's woes as, according to
Sportmediaset, the Spanish giants have made enquiries for the Argentine
hit-man.

Argentina legend Diego Maradona has even advised Inter
chief Massimo Moratti to go through with the deal. Banega is one of the
hottest midfielder's around and he would be a welcome addition to the
Nerazzurri.

The deal will see Crespo head to the Mestalla with Inter paying the Spanish side €12m and take Banega to San Siro.

The
move depends on whether the striker would like the idea of moving to La
Liga. Roma are also interested in the former Lazio man but that may not
happen as the Beneamata are not keen on allowing one of their players
to move to a direct Scudetto rival.

Messiah wrote:Crespo, Benega swap?.

Hmmm... is Banega really as good as the media makes him out to be... I haven't seen much of him, would love to hear views from people who have.

Is Banega a better option than Di Maria?

Well, they're totally different players. Di Maria is a bit like Joe Cole - small, skillful, left sided attacking player. Would fit in well in Mourinho's 4-3-3.

Banega is a central midfielder, usually playing a bit deep. He's no Muntari, but would be a very good addition to the midfield 3. Somehow I don't see him as a typical Mourinho signing though. And if I was him, I would try to settle down in Atletico, win a first team spot, and improve my game, since Spain is probably a more suitable league than going to Italy so quickly.

Banega's a better player than Di Maria imo, but like Kas say's they play in different positions.

here's a clip of Banega

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWOiOLST_mM

Anyway, I agree with Kas, with the likes of Cambiasso, Muntari, Viera he probably isn't needed at Inter.

Related Vids:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rF_Sd01RxWI&feature=related

De maria would fit Jose's 4-3-3 formation a lot better, but benega has talent bursting out the seems, he will be what gago should have been.

Messiah wrote:De maria would fit Jose's 4-3-3 formation a lot better, but benega has talent bursting out the seems, he will be what gago should have been.

Argentina is such a gold mine for talent... they have taken over from Brazil in the recent years... how do they generate so much talent??? Banega, Messi, Di Maria, Zarate, Aguero, Lavezzi ..... the list is endless!

Anyways, its time Inter got a fresh injection of young argie talent

We have been hearing these rumours for a while now. While there are a lot of positives re a new stadium - better atmosphere, more conducive for families, not dependent on council, and most importantly, getting away from that dangerous injury prone pitch..... but I doubt Moratti will be willing to make such a huge investment in these days of financial turmoil.

Most likely, these rumours are just intended to make the city council more attentive to the Guiseppe Meazza problems.

Moratti plans new Inter stadium
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There are reports that Inter chief Massimo Moratti wants to move the Nerazzurri out of San Siro to a new home by 2012. In the peninsula, stadiums are generally owned by city councils and leased out to the clubs. Strangely, one of the exceptions to that rule is the Stadio Giglio, which is owned by Lega Pro sleeping giants Reggiana.

But now La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Inter President Moratti is tired of sharing the Stadio Meazza with city rivals Milan and is ready to propose a plan for a new stadium just for the Beneamata. The new ground would probably be further out of the city with one possible site being the Rho-Pero region, which has excellent transport links. Moratti is said to be an admirer of Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena and Ajax's Amsterdam Arena and reports suggest the new ground would be a 60,000-seater arena.

A number of restaurants, hotels and other shops would also be built to turn the area into a hub of activity even on non-match days. Over the next two months, Moratti will be finalising the financial plans and the formal proposal should be made in December. If the go-ahead is received, the new stadium could be open for action in 2012

The next 3 games will shape the season for us. Three tough ones against teams in form... we host our arch-enemies Juve next week, then host the ambitious Napoli and then travel to Rome to face in-form Lazio.

Juve-Napoli-Lazio, hmmm... exciting times...

We need to get at least 5-6 points from these 3 games in order to remain favourites for the scudetto. Any less, and teams will stop being scared of us and the media will start talkin of a crisis to put additional pressure. Any more, and this season is as good as won!

This is the time of calling, this is the time which will define our season. Lets hope we get through this stronger than we are now!

Forza Internazionale!

bluenine wrote:The next 3 games will shape the season for us. Three tough ones against teams in form... we host our arch-enemies Juve next week, then host the ambitious Napoli and then travel to Rome to face in-form Lazio.

Juve-Napoli-Lazio, hmmm... exciting times...

We need to get at least 5-6 points from these 3 games in order to remain favourites for the scudetto. Any less, and teams will stop being scared of us and the media will start talkin of a crisis to put additional pressure. Any more, and this season is as good as won!

This is the time of calling, this is the time which will define our season. Lets hope we get through this stronger than we are now!

Forza Internazionale!

9/9 from the above phase!!!

Now we have 3 "easier" games till mid-season, lets hope for another 9/9!

I hope you fail against Siena.

Pras84 wrote:I hope you fail against Siena.

Keep hoping!

Mou has already declared his line-up - something you usually don't do in Italy. But there are no surprises here, Mou has only not said who will partner Ibra in the attack:



My guess is Balotelli, or it could be a rare start for Crespo.

bluenine wrote:

Pras84 wrote:I hope you fail against Siena.

Keep hoping!

Mou has already declared his line-up - something you usually don't do in Italy. But there are no surprises here, Mou has only not said who will partner Ibra in the attack:

Cesar
Maicon - Cordoba - Samuel - Maxwell
Zanetti - Muntari - Cambiasso
Stankovic
Ibrahimovic - Striker??

My guess is Balotelli, or it could be a rare start for Crespo.

This is Inter line-up from almost week after week. So there's nothing special when Mou declared it earlier. I hope it's Balotelli to partner Ibra, because he didn't play well in Inter v Siena game last season. Scored 1 one goal but missed a lot of chances.

Pras84 wrote:

bluenine wrote:

Pras84 wrote:I hope you fail against Siena.

Keep hoping!

Mou has already declared his line-up - something you usually don't do in Italy. But there are no surprises here, Mou has only not said who will partner Ibra in the attack:

Cesar
Maicon - Cordoba - Samuel - Maxwell
Zanetti - Muntari - Cambiasso
Stankovic
Ibrahimovic - Striker??

My guess is Balotelli, or it could be a rare start for Crespo.

This is Inter line-up from almost week after week. So there's nothing special when Mou declared it earlier. I hope it's Balotelli to partner Ibra, because he didn't play well in Inter v Siena game last season. Scored 1 one goal but missed a lot of chances.

Sorry, I wrote Stankovic by mistake... Mou said Jimenez start in that role, which is what is new.... Mou is finanlly trying out to see if Jimenez is his new Lampard.

Balotelli has started alongside Ibra!

Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho has revealed he would not stand in Adriano's way if the striker asked to leave the San Siro.The Brazilian frontman has been plagued by personal problems during the last two seasons it appears that his manager is now willing to let him go if he wants to.
After Inter signed the player in 2001/02 he enjoyed successful spells on loan at Fiorentina and most noticeably with Parma.The Serie A champions responded by signing the 26-year-old to a four-year contract but after an explosive 2004/05, which yielded 28 goals in all competitions, Adriano has come in for criticism for his erratic lifestyle.With just 29 goals in the last three-and-a-half seasons it now seems that Adriano is surplus to requirements at Inter.
"Club president Massimo Moratti and I want him to stay. However, if he asked me to leave I would not oppose it," explained Mourinho. "He has 10 years of football left to play."

I have been trolling a bit of Inter forums and I see a bit a fear and alot of respect for us which I appreciate(lots of concern about Maxwell and lot of hopes in Mourinho) , I have to say tactically SAF isnt that great and we may struggle and we havent been the best this season so I am expecting a good game rather then the result , whatever happens after a good game I think I will accept.

DS wrote:I have been trolling a bit of Inter forums and I see a bit a fear and alot of respect for us which I appreciate(lots of concern about Maxwell and lot of hopes in Mourinho) , I have to say tactically SAF isnt that great and we may struggle and we havent been the best this season so I am expecting a good game rather then the result , whatever happens after a good game I think I will accept.

Thats what I want as well. A good game - as long as Inter play well, I will accept any result.

If we come to the pitch like zombies, like the last 3 seasons, that would really really piss me off. I want to see effort, organisation and some good football from Inter. Thats all. ManU are a great opponent, and I rather they beat us than we lose to them.

bluenine wrote:

DS wrote:I have been trolling a bit of Inter forums and I see a bit a fear and alot of respect for us which I appreciate(lots of concern about Maxwell and lot of hopes in Mourinho) , I have to say tactically SAF isnt that great and we may struggle and we havent been the best this season so I am expecting a good game rather then the result , whatever happens after a good game I think I will accept.

Thats what I want as well. A good game - as long as Inter play well, I will accept any result.

If we come to the pitch like zombies, like the last 3 seasons, that would really really piss me off. I want to see effort, organisation and some good football from Inter. Thats all. ManU are a great opponent, and I rather they beat us than we lose to them.

Don't worry, it will happen both ways

Pras84 wrote:

bluenine wrote:

DS wrote:I have been trolling a bit of Inter forums and I see a bit a fear and alot of respect for us which I appreciate(lots of concern about Maxwell and lot of hopes in Mourinho) , I have to say tactically SAF isnt that great and we may struggle and we havent been the best this season so I am expecting a good game rather then the result , whatever happens after a good game I think I will accept.

Thats what I want as well. A good game - as long as Inter play well, I will accept any result.

If we come to the pitch like zombies, like the last 3 seasons, that would really really piss me off. I want to see effort, organisation and some good football from Inter. Thats all. ManU are a great opponent, and I rather they beat us than we lose to them.

Don't worry, it will happen both ways

Interesting survery results... we did a WPOTY style poll at Interlist to find out the best Inter player for this season so far. The results are quite intriguing, listed below are the percentage points each player has got so far:

1 Maicon 30.0%
2 Ibrahimovic 24.4%
3 Cambiasso 16.7%
4 Zanetti 11.7%
5 Stankovic 10.0%
6 Cesar 2.8%
7 Samuel 2.2%
8 Muntari 1.7%
9 Maxwell 0.3%
10 Cordoba 0.3%

Maicon beats Ibra to it as Inters MVP this season!! I am also surprised to see Stank so low, I expected him to finish 3rd - but I guess people have not yet forgotten his poor form last season. Cesar got so few votes coz of his shaky performances lately, while for Samuel interlisti sighted the reason that he hasn't played enough games even tho he has been fantastic.

Clearly the top 5, maybe 7 when in form/fitness, represent the core of the Inter team. In that, we got definative results.

The others categories included:

- The player who exceeded your expectations - Stankovic won that by a big margin over Samuel.

- The best summer recruit - Muntari by a landslide

- The biggest summer flop so far - Quaresma beat Mancini to it, though most people felt that he will come good later this season.

oh Cr@p!!! If this is true, then his career at Inter is over... i hope there is a better reason than one drink too many...

Adri goes AWOL again Friday 2 January, 2009
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Adriano didn't arrive at training with the rest of Inter's players this morning, prompting fevered speculation about his future. The former Parma enigma has been at loggerheads with Coach Jose Mourinho over the last few months due to his attitude to training and lack of first-team football.

Many pundits predicted that Adri would be sent out on loan during the winter transfer window. However, Inter have repeatedly denied that L'Imperatore is headed for the exit. But this morning the rest of the Nerazzurri players congregated for their post-Christmas meeting at Appiano Gentile and Adriano wasn't present.

Adri's compatriots Julio Cesar, Maxwell and Amantino Mancini arrived at Malpensa Airport at 10am, but there was no sign of the troubled striker. While some sources suggest that Adriano is undergoing medical tests after damaging his thigh last month, there has been a silence from Inter and the mystery deepens.

Maicon is probably the best RB around atm.

This is one of the worst excuses I have heard, somethung Ronaldo used to pull at Inter.... I have had it, I hope Mourinho sacks his drunk ass out of Milan.

Adriano And Mourinho Squabble Over Inter Late Coming
Mourinho has demanded answers from Adriano after another comedy of errors... Inter striker Adriano and coach Jose Mourinho were involved in a bitter squabble during this morning's training session, according to a report. The Brazilian striker turned up at Appiano Gentile a day late for training. Mourinho, of course, was not a happy man after the latest debacle. Il Corriere Dello Sport claims that Adriano and Mourinho, who wanted an explanation, broke away from the rest of the squad in order to settle their differences.

As the men spoke, they covered their mouths in an attempt not to give anything away to the media filming the session. Then, after a five minute ticking off, Mourinho told his striker to go off with the fitness coach to train on his own. Inter have been made to carry the can over Adriano's lateness, and his representative Flavio Pinto has blamed Il Biscione for not doing enough to make sure the player returned on time.

"There was a mix up between Adriano and the club," Pinto told Globoesporte.com "Inter didn't book him a return ticket, which is what usually happens. "Therefore, Adriano didn't have a place on the flight home and he had to buy his own ticket." The soap opera, like Adriano on the pitch, continues to twist and turn as everyone plays pass the buck.