Inter wins derby as Milito denies Milan top spot
Source: Agencies |
January 17, 2012, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
INTER Milan denied AC Milan a chance to take top spot in Serie A by winning 1-0 in the city derby on Sunday from Diego Milito's second-half goal.
After Juventus' 1-1 draw with Cagliari, Milan had the chance to lead by two points in the standings but Milito struck in the 54th minute in front of a sellout crowd at the Stadio San Siro to dash those hopes.
Milan enjoyed several good opportunities in a vibrant first half, including Mark Van Bommel striking the crossbar in stoppage time, but Inter defended deeply after taking the lead to prevent the defending champions from winning a fourth derby in a row.
It is Inter's sixth win in a row and leaves Claudio Ranieri's team six points behind Juventus, which leads by a point. It is also the clearest affirmation yet that Inter has returned to form following a dire start to the season.
"A derby win is always pleasing, I'm happy for the fans," Ranieri said.
"'We're taking giant steps at the moment. It was important to beat Milan, it gives us even more confidence.
"We're playing well, making ourselves proud again. I'm still not talking about the Scudetto, now we're just looking at the Champions League qualifying places.
"We started late but if the others trip up then we have to be ready to take advantage.
"That's why we have to keep fighting. It's fundamental that we get into the Champions League and then we'll see."
Udinese lost 2-3 to 10-man Genoa.
Lazio remains fourth following a 2-0 victory at Atalanta.
After Juventus' 1-1 draw with Cagliari, Milan had the chance to lead by two points in the standings but Milito struck in the 54th minute in front of a sellout crowd at the Stadio San Siro to dash those hopes.
Milan enjoyed several good opportunities in a vibrant first half, including Mark Van Bommel striking the crossbar in stoppage time, but Inter defended deeply after taking the lead to prevent the defending champions from winning a fourth derby in a row.
It is Inter's sixth win in a row and leaves Claudio Ranieri's team six points behind Juventus, which leads by a point. It is also the clearest affirmation yet that Inter has returned to form following a dire start to the season.
"A derby win is always pleasing, I'm happy for the fans," Ranieri said.
"'We're taking giant steps at the moment. It was important to beat Milan, it gives us even more confidence.
"We're playing well, making ourselves proud again. I'm still not talking about the Scudetto, now we're just looking at the Champions League qualifying places.
"We started late but if the others trip up then we have to be ready to take advantage.
"That's why we have to keep fighting. It's fundamental that we get into the Champions League and then we'll see."
Udinese lost 2-3 to 10-man Genoa.
Lazio remains fourth following a 2-0 victory at Atalanta.
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