Hello Interfriends,

Yet another draw for Inter today away to Cagliari. 3-3 is the final score and once again a point is all that is taken from the match. Some consolation can be found in the comeback as Inter were down 3-1 in this match with Martins scoring 2 goals late to save the point. With 10 draws in 12 games, Inter are even further from the top today as they fall -15 behind Juventus with a load of teams above them in the table.

Once again Inter had the upper hand in the match in all area's. 60% ball possesion, 10 corners gained and none against. Despite all the numbers in Inter's favor, the one that really counts is 3 goals against in this match making it 20 goals given up this year. The hardest pill to swallow is that Cagliari scored each time they attacked which just like last week was few and far between, but somehow get the breaks to beat our defence.

Mancini had many players out this week and tinkered with the line up making various changes like Cordoba at right back and J. Zanetti playing in the midfield just as two examples. This is one area where Iam not happy with Mancini. I don't think he has played the same formation twice this year and he really needs to settle players and positions soon.

It does not take a rocket scientist to see the pattern of this game. Right form the start Inter take control with Cagliari happy to absorb and hit back on the counter with Zola distributing and the speed of Esposito and Langella. The plan works to perfection at the 5th minute when Zola sends Langella into the box with a through ball. Langella makes it just a step quicker than Materazzi who does come into slight contact with the player and the ref points to the spot.

There was contact, but nothing malicious yet the penalty was given and was a bit harsh on Inter. Zola steps up and converts to make it 1-0 early in the game. Inter stays in the match and moves the ball very well out of defence and through the midfield but in attack they are met by a wall of Cagliari players sitting back. Unfortunatly Inter's midfield did well to move the ball but did little to beat players on the run making it tough to break thorugh.

Emre played wide on the left and really did not do much to create action on the wing while Stankovic playing in the center seemed to be isolated and also missed to scoring chances in the half. Again this is where Mancini is falling short. So far this year we have seen Stankovic on the left and Emre and the middle...why the switch today?? It made for Cordoba, J.Zanetti, Stankovic and Emre all playing out regular positions.

Up front Adriano plays closer to the midfield to leave Martins space up front to run into space. The result is Adriano playing too far from goal and being forced wide while Martins is left take on the defence alone. With Cagliari playing so deep, Martins is not as affective and with Adriano playing wide has little opportunity to put added pressure on the defence.

With 4 defenders playing deep, Cagliari do not suffer much and infact go up 2-0 the second time they go forward as Langella uses all his pace to burst by a slow Burdisso to run into the area and squeeze one past Toldo. Two shots, two goals for Cagliari and they lead 2-0 at the 33rd minute.

Luckily a great run 2 minutes later by Zanetti allows Stankovic to re-open the match as Zanetti runs to the by line and cuts the ball back to Stankovic who is waiting near the penalty spot. He puts a one timer high into the corner to make it 2-1. Mancini goes back to putting players in there normal positions and they all looked better for it. Stankovic moves back to the left and Emre comes back to the center and both add alot more substance to the team.

The second half begins with Inter going full force trying to get back into the game and again Cagliari absorbing and countering. Third time is a charm as Cagliari put together only there third attack and Langella burns by Materazzi wide on the right and crosses in to Esposito who puts a header by Toldo to make it 3-1 at the 16th minute of the second half.

Mancini decides to play his cards and brings on Karagounis for Burdisso and the move does add spark to the midfield. Cagliari decide to sit back now totally to defend the lead and take out the major threats of Langella and Zola.

Stankovic creates a great run cutting in from the wing and feeds Martins at the edge of the area. The youngster shows that he is coming back to form after his injury and controls well, turns and shoots a blast that goes straight into the top corner to make it 3-2 at the 30th minute. It reopens the match and Cagliari are shell shocked.

Mancini brings on ZeMaria and hopes for some good crosses to beat the back line. Martins ties the match at the 44th minute as he controls a clearance from a corner kick and puts another blast into the net to make the final 3-3 and earn a point.

Serie A takes a break next week and will come back with Inter taking on Juventus at home on November 28. Lets hope for some joy in that match and even though Inter would still be a long way back despite a win, nothing can spark the team more than a winning result against a hated rival.

Eddy Lio