MILAN – The Nerazzurri spent nearly two weeks in the United States, where they encountered strong support, hard work and high-level football on their 2014 summer tour. The interest is certainly on the rise in a country that is seeing soccer begin to challenge other national sports, thanks in part to an ex-Inter star like Jurgen Klinsmann who now coaches the U.S. national team.
The Nerazzurri felt right at home in this situation thanks to the three matches that Mazzarri’s side took part in: in Berkeley against Real Madrid; in Washington D.C. facing Manchester United; in Philadelphia taking on Roma. The results were positive, but what counted most of all was the steady progress of the players in pre-season. Now they’re getting two days off before heading back to work in preparation for the trip to Frankfurt, where an important test against Eintracht awaits.
Here at Inter we wish to thank everyone that we worked with and who contributed to the successful tour. First of all come those at Catholic University, where the Nerazzurri were able to work so productively. Thanks also go out to our fantastic partners, such as Brooks Brothers, Nike and Pirelli; travelling companions that supported us with events in a country in which we always feel at home.
NAGANO – Inter Academy technical director Marco Monti is in Nagano, a Japanese city of around 400,000 inhabitants in Ch?bu region where the Nerazzurri Summer Camps began on 30 July. With the help of football schools director Massimo Giuriola, Inter youth academy coach Matteo Traina and grassroots goalkeeping coach Gabriele Zanon, Monti will be teaching football with the same passion and professionalism as always to around 250 kids aged 7-12.
The budding footballers, half of which come from Inter’s own football schools, will take part in two 90-minute lessons a day, one morning and one afternoon, with some classroom time to break things up in between.
Joining Monti and his assistants on the pitch are Massimo Ciocci and Shoji Jo, the two technical directors of the Academy Japan project who together with local partners from the Black and Blue Stripes ensure the smooth running of all the sports activity.
WASHINGTON D.C. – With yesterday’s entertaining match against Roma signalling the end of their U.S. tour, Walter Mazzarri’s Inter are set to depart for Italy later today.
As programmed, the Nerazzurri players will enjoy two days off before meeting up again on the pitches of the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti on Thursday afternoon.
By Anna Italia
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Supports Serie A Teams in International Competition
AS Roma 0 – 2 Inter
. 45′ Nemanja Vidic
. 69′ Yuto Nagatomo
Inter Milan defeat AS Roma in the United States! Inter and Roma delighting Italian football fans in the International Champions Cup with the happiest being Inter fans seeing their team defeating the Roman gladiators on Saturday 2 August 2014 at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This field is home of the NFL team Philadelphia Eagles. Inter winning thanks to the goals of their 2 defenders Nemanja Vidic and Yuto Nagatomo. It’s quite an interesting game as neither strikers from both teams could score.
Undoubtedly, it is a mega victory for Inter Milan sending a direct message to the Italian Serie A teams that they are ready to battle for the Scudetto this year too. Inter and Roma will face each other in Serie A on Sunday 30 November 2014 at the Olimpico di Roma Stadium.
Inter opening the score in the 45th minute with defender Nemanja Vidic defeating AS Roma goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski with a headed shot in the top right corner. The assist by midfielder Dodo’.
Click the video to watch the goal by Nemanja Vidic against AS Roma
Roma unable to react despite battling, but not finding the way out.
Inter increasing the score in the 69th minute with defender Yuto Nagatomo defeating goalkeeper Skorupski with a right footed shot in the top right corner. Nagatomo was totally unmarked and without a doubt smacked that final shot to celebrate with teammates. The special dance celebration was between Nagatomo and Guarin.
Inter players congratulating Yuto Nagatomo after his goal against AS Roma
Team substitutions in the 65th minute.
AS Roma replacing defender Urby Emanuelson, midfielder Daniele De Rossi, Miralem Pjanic and forward Mattia Destro for Ashley Cole, Keita, Uçan and forward Francesco Totti.
Inter replacing Botta, Kuzmanovic, M’Vila, Dodo, Handanovic and Jonathan for goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo, Matteo Kovacic, Laxalt, D’Ambrosio, Fredy Guarin and Krhin.
Inter and AS Roma making more substitutions in the 72nd minute.
AS Roma replacing Mehdi Benatia, forward Adem Ljajic and Juan Iturbe for Romagnoli, Sanabria and Borriello
Inter replacing defender Andrea Ranocchia, defender Yuto Nagatomo and defender Nemanja Vidic for Andreolli, Mbaye and Silvestre
In the 81st minute, Inter replacing forward Mauro Icardi with forward Federico Bonazzoli
Roma captain Francesco Toti encouraging teammates to move forward. In the 85th minute, Totti providing the assist to forward Antonio Sanabaria delivering a right footed shot only to be saved by Inter goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo in the top right corner. Nothing is working for Roma and time running by.
In the 89th minute, midfielder Rene Krhin making the assist for midfielder Fredy Guarin seeing his left footed shot saved by AS Roma goalkeeper Skorupski in the center.
AS Roma having a final attempt for the honor goal in the 90th minute with forward Marco Borriello headed shot saved by goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo in the bottom right corner. Nothing to do for Roma, but conceding this victory to Inter and wait for their revenge when facing in the Serie A.
Here is AS ROMA official starting lineup by coach Rudi Garcia:
AS ROMA (4-3-3): Lukasz Skorupski, Florenzi, Astori, Castan, Urby Emanuelson, Miralem Pjanic, Daniele De Rossi, Radja Nainggolan, Juan Iturbe, Mattia Destro and Adem Ljajic.
Here is INTER official starting lineup by coach Walter Mazzarri:
INTER ( 3-5-2): Samir Handanovic, Andreolli, Vidic, Juan Jesus, Yuto Nagatomo, Jonathan, M’Vila, Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Dodo, Botta and Mauro Icardi.
Photo inter.it
Inter Milan official starting lineup against AS Roma in the International Champions Cup
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AS Roma coach Rudi Garcia and Inter Vice President Javier Zanetti saluting before the game
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Before the game Inter Milan Captain Yuto Nagatomo and AS Roma captain Daniele De Rossi exchanging banners and shaking hands.
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AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan in a duel with Inter forward Ruben Botta.
AS Roma coach Rudi Garcia and Inter Milan Vice President
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AS Roma “capitan futuro” Daniele De Rossi attempts a right footed shot while
AS Roma – Inter photos courtesy of asroma.it
Click the video to watch the highlights of the game, AS Roma – Inter Milan, Saturday 2 August 2014
2014 International Champions Cup
AS Roma 0- 2 Inter Milan
Saturday 2 August 2014
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
PHILADELPHIA – At the end of the Roma match at Lincoln Financial Field, Walter Mazzarri responded to reporters at a press conference. This is what the Nerazzurri coach had to say:
What does the team get out of a match against an Italian side?
“To build a mentality and get back to the top it’s important to have good performances and earn results. The victory helps the team’s self-esteem and does us good.”
Is it important to make it to the final and win it?
“We did everything we had to do. We’re pleased with the outcome: three games against high-level sides. It would be fantastic if we could win the tournament.”
Are you optimistic after the start of this pre-season?
“Yes, I am. Both the new players and the ones that were already here are already doing what I need from them. Vidic provides the team with confidence. After a full season we know each other better and that’s something positive.”
How did Roma seem to you? And any comments on Dodò?
“He showed up with the right attitude, and he’ll have a great future if he continues this way. We’re a tough team. Roma are still a great side with a squad that commands respect and an excellent coach. In the summer you can’t judge things the way you do during the season, but I think we did a good job.”
Thohir spoke about Hernandez. What do you think about that?
“I don’t talk about the transfer market so I certainly won’t comment on that. I don’t know what the situation is and I think it’s something for the president and our sporting director Piero Ausilio to discuss.”
Vidic was very dangerous. Did you also sign him for his aerial ability?
“That too. We knew he was a quality player and he’s showing it in many ways.”
