NO WORRIES FOR FIGO
August 30, 2005
LUIS Figo may not have been on form but Inter-Milan got off to a
flying start in the new Serie A season with a 3-0 trouncing of
newly-promoted Treviso.
Figo, making his League debut following his transfer from Real
Madrid, was far from impressive and missed an easy chance before
the break.
But Inter coach Roberto Mancini is not worried because he knows
Figo will deliver the goods at the right time.
Asked about Figo's lacklustre display, Mancini said: 'He's still
not in the right shape to be the Figo we all know, but when he gets
the ball and runs, he's always dangerous.'
Mancini saluted Figo's 'professional attitude' since he moved over
to the Serie A.
'He always gives his best in training and there's no questioning
his technical value,' he said.
Figo pleaded for patience from the Inter fans.
'I need to quickly adapt to the Italian philosophy. I'm doing all
that I can to help the side and win what is winnable,' he
said.
'Football is about the present and I am here to demonstrate my
worth, no matter what my past suggests.'
Treviso, playing in the top division for the first time, rarely
threatened and were hopelessly outclassed by Inter, who last won
the League title in 1989 but are among the favourites for the
Scudetto.
But Mancini sang praises of Brazilian striker Adriano, who scored a
hat-trick.
HAT-TRICK HERO
Adriano, nicknamed 'The Emperor', broke the deadlock for Inter in
the 32nd minute with a flashing drive before doubling his tally
with a cool finish midway through the second half.
The 23-year-old Brazil international's trusty left foot drilled in
a third goal 10 minutes from the final whistle.
'He's a player that makes the difference,' he said.
'Perhaps we weren't in top condition at the start, but in the last
eight days we have played three difficult matches - this match, the
Italian SuperCup and the Champions League Qualifier - so maybe that
showed a bit.
'We did a lot better after the first goal and I saw some positive
things.'
- Reuters.