Brazilian Adriano: who controversially put the ball
into the back of the net with the assistance of his arm.
Prior to the
commencement of this contest, many believed that the eventual
result would have a major impact in the race for this season’s
Italian championship. Heading into the match, Inter were eight
points clear of their neighbouring rivals, and six clear of
Juventus, a team that managed a disappointing 1-1 home draw against
Sampdoria earlier in the day.
The Nerazzurri were dealt a massive blow on Friday, as their right
back Maicon was ruled out through injury, however incredibly he was
declared fit to play prior to this match, meaning that the only
absentee was Mario Balotelli who was suspended. Jose Mourinho opted
to start Adriano alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack, whilst the
impressive Davide Santon was handed another start at
left-back.
Meanwhile, Milan had a number of problems to deal with in the lead
up to this contest, as Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Marco
Borriello, Emerson and even Kaka, who was given a chance earlier in
the week, all missed through injury. In addition to this, Daniele
Bonera was forced to miss through suspension, whilst Kakha Kaladze
made a timely return from injury, and earned a start along side
Paolo Maldini in the centre of defence.
However it was Inter that took
the lead completely against the run of play, when Adriano headed
home the first of the night. Maicon’s glorious ball into the area
was met by the Brazilian at the back post, who controversially put
the ball into the back of the net with the assistance of his arm.
It was 1-0 to Inter after 29 minutes of play.
The red half of Milan tried to respond immediately, however they
failed to find the target through the likes of Pato, Seedorf and
Jankulovski, all of whom unsuccessfully tested their luck from the
edge of the area, following Adriano’s controversial opener.
Inter doubled their advantage through Stankovic after 43 minutes,
as the Serbian managed to get on the end of an Ibrahimovic header
and smash the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
Muntari’s long ball in was met by the Swede, who out muscled
Kaladze to head the ball on to Stankovic, who then made no mistake
from close range, to all but end Milan’s hopes of emerging
triumphant in the 270th Derby della Madonnina.
TEAMS
Inter (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Samuel, Chivu,
Santon; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Muntari (Maxwell 88’); Stankovic
(Burdisso 84’); Adriano (Vieira 80’), Ibrahimovic
Milan (4-3-2-1): Abbiati; Zambrotta, Kaladze
(Senderos 77’), Maldini, Jankulovski; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Beckham
(Inzaghi 57’); Seedorf, Ronaldinho; Pato
GOALS
29’ Adriano (Inter)
43’ Stankovic (Inter)
70’ Pato (Milan)