Hello Interfriends,

Inter wins 1-0 over Bolton with a goal by Adriano at the 65th minute. With Obefemi Martins unable to play today, due to a slight strain in training, Mancini starts the match with Recoba and Ventola in attack at the Reebok Stadium. Adriano arrived in Manchester yesterday and has been added to the squad, though he takes a seat on the bench in the first half.

Toldo in goal with Zanetti, Cordoba, Materazzi and Favalli made up the defensive line while Van Der Meyde and Stankovic play on the wings with Cambiasso and Veron in the central midfield positions. Bolton get the first chance of the match right from the start as Davies sends a right foot shot just past the post with Toldo beaten.

Inter do however settle down and continue to show signs of progression. Short passes, ball on the ground and quick exchanges allow Inter to have more of the ball and move it around well. It works but only until the last third of the pitch as Inter struggle to make that push to goal. Both Stankovic and Van Der Meyde need to provide more width and support on the wings.

Inter do have three chances to score in the first half with Ventola who is stopped by a defender at the last moment as he tries to convert a low cross from Recoba. Stankovic gives a great assist to Recoba, who had a few occasions but is blocked twice by Jaaskelainen. Van Der Meyde made a run along the right side and made it into the box only to shoot high and wide. Maybe a pass to Ventola who was in a better position could have been made.

Bolton on the other side also had there chances and tests the Inter defence who looked a bit sluggish from all the training. Speed and Bridges were the two main threats but with good organization by the Inter defence they were left making long range shots.

Toldo made a great save on Okacha while Speed also had a chance but shot central allowing Toldo to make the easy save and end the first half at a scoreline of 0-0.

The second half starts with Adriano making his 2004-05 debut as he comes in for Stankovic. Adriano partners with Ventola up front and Recoba moves to the left wing. 5 minutes after the restart, Ventola beats N'Gotty and plays the ball to Adriano in the box who is all alone in front of the keeper but some how puts his touch wide of the goal.

Bolton respond as Gardner hits the crossbar and later Ivan Campo just misses the far post. At the 15th minute mark Davids makes his debut for Inter as he comes in for Van Der Medye. Davids plays on the left and Recoba moves to the right wing. Pasquale comes in for Favalli and at the 20th minute Inter are in the lead 1-0.

Recoba sends in a great pass for Adriano who controls in and dribbles the goalie to score the go ahead goal of the match. Adriano comes close on two other occasions but just misses each time. The rest of the match is full of substitutions, a few free kicks from Veron and some missed chances by Ventola.

Overall it was a very good match for Inter and with only 10 days to the Champions League clash with Basilea, the team is on the right track.

Eddy Lio