retired_puly1364

23rd of August 2013

European Supercup was up for grabs on that sunny Friday in Monaco as Inter and Bayern met in the big battle in front of 18 000 people. Inter's plans for this year are to get the crown of Europe, but to do that, you have to beat Bayern, owner of 5 CL's in past 7 years. Emanuele La Rocca was out on injury.

European Supercup
Inter 3:2 Bayern (6., 29. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 62. Adriano)

It surely was a big battle. No team wanted to give up in anything and that forced the statistic after the game to be very equal, most notably posession 50-50 and shot attempts 18-16. But Inter came out on top as Pazzini and Adriano showed their abilities in fantastic attacking display.

26th of August 2013

Serie A season kicked off on 26th of August as I prepared to face off with Parma in sunny Monday. I was ofcourse wondering have they gone through any developement in summer since last year I owned them pretty hard in both occasions. Emanuele La Rocca was out and also Arjen Robben as I was put into difficult situation.

Italian Serie A, Week 1
Inter 0:0 Parma

New season certainly did not get off to a perfect start. We lacked the creativity of Arjen Robben in the right wing and Pazzini was very clumsy upfront. Eventhough we had 16 shots, we couldn't score that one single goal. Parma finally had a decent goalkeeping and some luck. Eventhough, we only let them have 2 shots.

29th of August 2013

I finished my summer transfers with a French right-back Kevin Afougone. It was a must signing since idiot Carlos Mango doesen't want to sign a new contract and because of that, I will sell him in january transfer window. Afougone is 22-years old and costed us 15 millions and came from PSG. He's very talented and already has 12 caps for his country.

1st of September 2013

Cork In August

retired_puly1364

11th of September 2013

Inter and me returned to Champions League after a season long break as we travelled to last year's finalists Schalke. I had few injuries and most important of them was Arjen Robben. Therefore I picked Afougone to make his Inter debut on right-back and Carlos Mango moved to midfield.

Champions League Groupstage, Matchday 1
Schalke 1:5 Inter (21., 40., 70. pen., 73., 84. Adriano)

There was only one player on pitch. Adriano made the difference in a match that Inter very slightly dominated. My right wing worked perfectly despite Robben missing and 2 assists came from there. Anyway, a return to CL was done in fashion and it was a good sign to other teams who are running for the title.

But after the match, I watched the tape of Cork's game. I asked Maria to record it at home. In first screen I already saw a small Turner's Cross packed up in a great night for Irish football. It was Ireland vs. England as Cork prepared to face Aston Villa. Villa had been one of English top clubs for past 3-4 years and regular in CL for a long time.

The game itself was very interesting with both teams not happy to give up anything. Aiden McGeady had returned to the first team line-up from a long injury and he certainly made the difference. After Cork's cross in 54th minute, Villa couldn't clear the ball and it fell to McGeady who slotted it home from a small deflection from Villa's defender. Though the lead lasted for around 20 minutes and then a brilliant shot from Villa's midfielder found the upper corner of the goal. But Cork holded on and even created couple of chances. Game ended 1:1 and the players did enough to be proud of themselves as they were a match for Aston. Almost same number of shot, 50-50 possession.

15th of September 2013

Finally Serie A football returned for Inter as around 75 000 people in Giuseppe Meazza were prepared to see us playing with Torino. Robben was back on bench, but I sterted with the same line-up as I did againist Schalke.

Italian Serie A, Week 2
Inter 4:1 Torino (27., 63. Adriano, 13. og. Jose Manuel Rodriguez Sanches, 68. Arjen Robben)

Lads played a great match and conceeded a late goal that didn't gave us the clean-sheet. Adriano continued his good form and Robben celebrated his come-back with a nice goal. Eventhough, I wanted to see a bit better match from Pazzini and some midfielders.

18th of September 2013

I was prepared for a though away encouter with Palermo who had given me quite a trouble in last years matches. I was espescially aware of a guy named Andrea Caracciolo. Mango fell on bench, as impressing youngster Kevin Afougone played as right-back and Robben on right wing.

Italian Serie A, Week 3
Palermo 1:3 Inter (35., 57. Adriano, 90. Daniele De Rossi)

Very nice victory eventhough we played last 20 minutes with 10 men as I had already made my 3 subs when left winger Martins got injuried. Adriano is reaching his last season best form and it's certainly a plus for me as other strikers are not thinking about getting better unfortunately.

22nd of September 2013

Weaks are busy for Nerazzurri and on Sunday another Serie A game was up for grabs. I met with The Flying Donkeys. Martins was already back and ready to play and no injuries were annoying me. Except the strikers who couldn't score.

Italian Serie A, Week 4
Inter 2:0 Chievo Verona (69. Adriano, 90. Graziano Pelle)

It took very long for our strikers to get going again, but fortunately we managed to get the win as Adriano scored his 5th Serie A goal of the season and Pelle opened is goalscoring tally becoming the 3rd Inter striker to score this season. We also conquered the first place from Fiorentina and also have 1 game in hand.

23rd of September 2013

From Channel4.com

retired_puly1364

24th of September 2013

Inter prepared 2 days for a tricky tie againist Fenerbache in Champions League. Arjen Robben was out with an injury yet again and it put me considering about signing a new right winger in January as Carlos Mango who's currently first choice cover for both right-back and left-back will move in winter.

Champions League Groupstage, Matchday 2
Inter 2:0 Fenerbache (39., 86. Adriano)

Inter played very well and collected it's 2nd consecutive clean-sheet. Adriano is the only guy who has scored in our CL campaign at the moment, but who can whine if we have scored 7 goals in 2 games. Fenerbache only created chances at the start of the first half, but then we took over.

Robin called me from Holland as they (CORK) had lost to Feyenoord 0:1 in one-sided encouter. As I watched the match later on, I could agree with the one-sided talk as Cork only had 1 chance in whole 90 minutes and even more.

29th of September 2013

We travelled to Cesena to ensure we will remain in top of the Serie A for longer than one match. Robben was still out and Martins was frozen out of the squad as Jacopo Ricci and Pelle were our bench strikers.

Italian Serie A, Week 5
Cesena 0:3 Inter (39., 47., 52. Adriano)

Adriano confirmed that he still hasn't lost anything with summer taking his goalscoring tally to 15 and with 8 games he's played, it almost makes 2 goals per match. Our lead went bigger with 1 point.

1st of October 2013

Cork City In September

2nd of October 2013

Before the international games, we faced a tricky test in Rome as Roma was hungry to turn around their bad start to the season. Robben "once again" returned to the starting line-up and I had full squad fit and ready to play. I was hoping that we don't put in that ugly-ass attacking performance again though, since it was getting very dangerous.

Italian Serie A, Week 6
Roma 1:4 Inter (20., 37., 78. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 45. Adriano)

Inter had a great match and Roma could only get into match for very short periods of time. Pazzinis first goals in Serie A came in right time. Eventhough it was unplayed match, our lead remained the same, since behind us was Milan who also had their 2nd Week game rescheduled. Though gap with 3rd place growed. One of the suprising things in table are exactly the positions of Juventus and Roma who both played againist Milan teams. Juve is sitting 14th with just 7 points and Roma is 15th with the same amount, but with worse goal difference.

retired_puly1364

15th of October 2013

CL was surely not stopping for Inter or Cork as they took on Rangers and Benfica. Both teams had home games. Inter was playing without Leandro Gioda & Leo Messi who were out on international duty, but I was sure Rangers will be beatten.

Champions League Groupstage, Matchday 3
Inter 3:2 Rangers (3. Daniele De Rossi, 16. Rey Volpato, 55. Carlos Mango)

We deserved our win as Rangers had barely any chances in the game and got 1 okay goal with addition of very lucky goal thanks to defence **** up. Emanuele La Rocca just couldn't pass the ball correctly.

Though non-positve news arrived from Cork. Cork had lost an even match on match posession 0:2 to Benfica. Later "analyzing" the game, I figured out that we were ****-poor upfront and we lacked the 2nd great striker next to Duffy who I have cried for since the transfer window closed.

19th of October 2013

Inter prepared for a very tough Florence trip. Fiorentina had been one of the suprise package's of this years Serie A and I was well ready for possible upset as Gioda was tired from Argentina game. I opted for the same backline, but Messi did take back his place behind the strikers.

Italian Serie A, Week 7
Fiorentina 2:5 Inter (3., 36. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 17., 47. Adriano 67. Jacopo Ricci)

Leo Messis presence was felt in brilliant display of attacking football and he started lots of our moves. The man of the match for me was Pazzini though, who gave 2 assists also. I was very happy when Jacopo Ricci scored, he's Inter youth product who got a stay in our team after season long loan to Atalanta. He's been on bench in most games.

23rd of October 2013

I promised to the media that I'll eat my hat if we'll lose our home game againist Catania. I had to play my 4th choice centre-back since Leandro Gioda was still tired and his first replacement Mirko Stefani got a red card againist Fiorentina. He's name is Marco Trotta if I'm not mistaken and he's just 19 years old, but very promising talent.

Italian Serie A, Week 8
Inter 9:0 Catania (7., 42. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 9., 27., 43., 50. Adriano, 52., 56. Graziano Pelle, 65. Leo Messi)

I would've died to see some more goals after 65th minute after legendary performance from the lads, espescially 4 days before Milan derby. Adriano is already leading the goalscorers stats with a mile or something near that, Pazzini is 3rd. Pelle also made sure I don't have to worry with the frozing out of Obafemi Martins as he showed he's capable of being a lethal striker.

27th of October 2013

Milan derby promised to be a very good as my day had started with the news about Cork City beating Shelbourne in Irish Senior Challenge Cup Final. Gioda returned to the line-up for the derby, otherwise I choosed the same team who played againist Catania.

Italian Serie A, Week 9
Milan 4:2 Inter (41. Adriano, 43. Martins)

So finally, that day came. Who else than our sweet little neighbours. This game made sure Inter will sign a world class centre-back next season since Gioda is the only guy who can put in classy performances every day from the centre-backs. Though, the hero & the villain of this game were the goalkeepers. Sebastien Frey put in one of best ever goalkeepin pefromances in first half till the 41st minute. He made saves I've never seen. If it wouldn't been him, the destroying of 2nd half would've been prevented. But in 2nd half, we gave away the game thanks to Gianluca Curci. When Inter was 2:1 up, he decided to dribble past Carlos Tevez, that obviously didn't go as he wanted. Considering that he could've saved all 3 other goals, he was the villain of this game by a mile and left the stadium with boo's from Curva Nord. 44 games we were unvinceable in Serie A. I did a mistake in this match though. A clear one, my decision to bring in Rey Volpato for Leo Messi ended our attacking activity.

retired_puly1364

30th of October 2013

I had no time to look back at Milan game when I had a chance to secure my place in next round of Champions League againist Rangers at Ibrox. The weather was bad and it was raining as usual. I decided not to change my starting line-up except Leandro Gioda's partner. I started 19-year old Marco Trotta instead of Emanuele La Rocca.

Champions League Groupstage, Matchday 4
Rangers 3:3 Inter (20., 37., 45. Adriano)

Ugly ugly ugly defending. My choice of choosing Trotta was a big mistake as he couldn't come up with anything but a red card in middle of first half.
Adriano was the only one who was up to his usual level in "aftermath of the derby".

And I better not talk more about Cork's ass getting whooped by Benfica. Only positive thing in the 6:1 loss was that we scored our 2nd goal in groupstages, which was by Aiden McGeady agian.

From Goal.com

1st of November 2013

Cork City In October

3rd of November 2013

Now it was make it or break it in league. We had to win againist one of the biggest title contenders this season, Lazio, at home. Otherwise we would've fallen behind rest of the leaders. Emanuele La Rocca took back his place in line-up, while I had finished the talks with my new world-class centre-back, whos club will also give us a great great striker in exchange for Obafemi Martins.

Italian Serie A, Week 10
Inter 2:0 Lazio (40., 41. Adriano)

2 minutes of pure magic from Adriano and we were up 2:0. Finally our defence holded their heads clear after I had really been angry at them during the week. Even in media. We shutted down Lazio's most important players and rised back to the first place we had lost.

6th of November 2013

We finally used the game in hand against Sampdoria as Giuseppe Meazza was almost full to see us rising 4 points clear at the table. I picked the same line-up as I did againist Lazio and I had no reasons to change it either.

Italian Serie A, Week 11
Inter 5:0 Sampdoria (13. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 51., 63., 69. Adriano, 90. Arjen Robben)

Inter now confirmed that it was just a bad run they were going through as we got our second consecutive clean sheet againist great opponent. Later on I recieved praise from Sampdorias longserving manager Novellino. Adriano is 31, but no signs of tirement yet as he's kicking even harder than last season. His goal tally is almost 2 goals per game after 18 games he has played.

retired_puly1364

16th of November 2013

It was a big day for Inter ant it's fans as there is nothing better than beating Juventus for me! Espescially in away game. Though, I had to overcome lots of obstacles even before the game. Leo Messi & Martins were injuried so I had quite a headache selecting midfielders.

Italian Serie A, Week 12
Juventus 4:6 Inter (9., 25., 48., 55. Adriano, 46. Arjen Robben, 89. Graziano Pelle)

Playing half-fit Gianluca Curci with our current defence wasn't a good move, though our attack made it up with a brilliant game. Adriano's goal ensured that he's average this season is over 2 goals in a game at the moment. Juventus got very easy goals as thanks to the big bad of our defence or a shaky move by Curci.

19th of November 2013

European football returned and Inter was feeling very safe already so I decided to make couple of changes in the first team line-up for this game. One of the changes was on bench. I decided to give a hot Estonian star a try if we'll be leading the game after first half. This star is a striker Sergei Saar, who snapped up in last winter. He didn't become to Inter just because he's Estonian. At the year of 18, he's one of the most talented and promising players in U20 league of Italy and has almost single-handedly scored Inter to the first place in the league. In 10 matches, he has 7 goals, and adding there 2 goals for Estonian U21 and 2 for U19, it's quite a number at that age.

Champions League Groupstage, Matchday 5
Inter 3:0 Schalke (5. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 68., 70. Sergei Saar)

It didn't took him long to break the headlines. Almost perfect debut from him gave Inter a place in 1/8 of the CL. Saar came on for Pazzini in half-time and I never could've predicted such game from him atleast now. Immediately after the game, he secured a deal till 2018 with Inter.

Cork's misery of Europe continued in England though. They played 50 minutes with 10-man and when it seemed like they may snatch a draw, they conceeded 3 goals with the last 15 minues and lost 0:3 to Aston Villa.

25th of November 2013

Inter wanted to secure it's lead in Serie A standings as second placed Parma slipped up and gave Inter a chance to make a 6-point gap. Leo Messi and Martins who missed the game againist Schalke also returned, though, Martins didn't make it straight into first team as Rey Volpato had shined in past 2 games. Sergei Saar was back in the U20 though, since I need him to play regulary in order to develope.

Italian Serie A, Week 13
Inter 8:0 Cagliari (4. Leo Messi, 16., 37., 39. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 2., 45., 83. Adriano, 90. Jacopo Ricci)

We were very close to the repeating of Catania as it's our second amazing match in Serie A of the season. Adriano's form this season has been amazing, with exactly 2 goals per match in all competitions his Serie A stats are 28 goals from 13 games and last years amazing goalscoring record is waiting for beating.

27th of November 2013

Sergei Saar was picked as a starter next to Jacopo Ricci in our second string squad who played a Coppa Italia game againist Lecce. In the starting line-up there were just 3 non-Italians.

Coppa Italia 2nd Round, Leg 1
Inter 1:1 Lecce (2. Sergei Saar)

Eventhough, we put ourselves into difficult situation ahead of the Via del Mare trip in Leg 2, I was happy about Sergei Saar again, who proved his talent yet again and when the developement continues at the current pace, he may become Inter's starter in 3-4 years. He's surely becoming the second Estonian footie superstar in countries small history. He takes a place right after me.

1st of December 2013

Cork City In November

Irish Premier Division 2013

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | C | Cork City | | 33 | 22 | 8 | 3 | 76 | 26 | +50 | 74 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Shelbourne | | 33 | 19 | 11 | 3 | 46 | 14 | +32 | 68 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Bohemians | | 33 | 19 | 9 | 5 | 58 | 30 | +28 | 66 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Drogheda Utd | | 33 | 17 | 5 | 11 | 49 | 41 | +8 | 56 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Longford | | 33 | 13 | 7 | 13 | 45 | 50 | -5 | 46 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Bray Wanderers | | 33 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 39 | 40 | -1 | 44 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | St. Pat's Athletic | | 33 | 13 | 4 | 16 | 48 | 56 | -8 | 43 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Derry City | | 33 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 35 | 38 | -3 | 42 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Shamrock Rovers | | 33 | 11 | 7 | 15 | 38 | 54 | -16 | 40 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Dundalk | | 33 | 8 | 7 | 18 | 42 | 54 | -12 | 31 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | Pl | Dublin City | | 33 | 6 | 8 | 19 | 30 | 59 | -29 | 26 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | R | Sligo Rovers | | 33 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 20 | 64 | -44 | 13 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_puly1364

1st of December 2013

My road towards Serie A victory continued in Empoli. I faced off with one of the strugglers of the league. Saar was back in U20 despite his third goal in 2 matches and Adriano-Pazzini started the game.

Italian Serie A, Week 14
Empoli 0:3 Inter (11., 45., 78. Adriano)

Adriado crushed gutless Empoli side. We should've got more goals as Empoli didn't create absolutely anything. (I've got much to comment, sicne I forgot about what happened in this game... )

4th of December 2013

My second string squad prepared to take on the only team who hadn't got points in my CL group - Fenerbache. I started with Pelle - Ricci attack with Saar on bench. Only few players from regular line-up started.

Champions League Groupstage, Matchday 6
Fenerbache 3:3 Inter (47. Graziano Pelle, 57. Martins, 69. Sergei Saar)

Inter made a great come-back coming down from 0-3 down as their GK was a tough nut to crack. Saar once again proved his talent while Pelle is clearly claiming for some more playing time. Overally players did perfectly except the defence and GK Russo who gave them some easy chances.

Meanwhile, Cork was powerless to avoid yet another defeat in the hands of Feyenoord at full house Turners Cross.

8th of December 2013

Adriano and Pazzini both got injuried in training therefor, Saar remained with the first team and I had to make a rather strange line-up for Serie A game. Pelle's parter was Obafemi Martins, who was frozen out of the squad, but I decided to give him a "goodbye" match.

Italian Serie A, Week 15
Inter 4:0 Brescia (33. Daniele De Rossi, 47., 81. Graziano Pelle, 78. Sergei Saar)

Eventhough, not doing very much, Obafemi Martins got a standing ovation after the match since everyone knew it was his last. The substiution was sort of symbolizing. Player grown up by Inter, player who was with us for more than 10 years got replaced by Sergei Saar who just broke through to the Inter squad after producing brilliant displays in Primavera, just like Martins did in 2002/2003. We can only wish that Sergei Saar turns out to be as great player as Martins, who stated after the match that it isn't hard to leave now after winning the Scudetto. His dream came true. While the possible future of the team, Sergei Saar, once again turned quite few head with his 5th goal for Inter in just 1 full and 4 sub apperances. The result speaks enough about how the game looked.

11th of December 2013

Despite being in danger of falling out of the Coppa Italia, I gave our second XI a chance to shine. Ricci - Pelle started once again and Saar was on bench with Pazzini.

Coppa Italia 2nd Round, 2nd Leg
Lecce 2:1 Inter (80. Leo Messi)

Inter got kicked out of the Coppa Italia as our second choice strikers made an utter crap performance in front of the goal and defence wasn't much better either. There we let the treble of CL, Coppa and Serie A go. But luckily, we've still have the 2 big cups.

13th of December 2013

We got confirmation that our road to the CL quarterfinal will be easy as we got Rennes in 1/8 of Champions League.

15th of December 2013

It was already time for a revenge from Lecce. In an away match, I had my first team starting, except for Arjen Robben who's injury made the week even more perfect and Dutchman's 3rd injury of the season puts him out till mid-January.

Italian Serie A, Week 16
Lecce 1:3 Inter (45. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 77., 90. Adriano)

We got our revenge, but not as embarassing for Lecce as we wanted. Lead in league is growing as Milan, Parma & Lazio are failing to make constantly good performances. Adriano's striking record in Serie A is loveable.

18th of December 2013

Reggina came for a visit at Giuseppe Meazza. I was unsure what moves should I make in the right wing after Afougone wasn't really promising in his games againist Lecce, but I still decided to choose him at the right-back and Carlos Mango continued as Robben's replacer at right wing.

Italian Serie A, Week 17
Inter 2:2 Reggina (32. Adriano, 40. Martins)

Brazilian striker Schumacher who I almost made a bid for in summer with Cork destroyed our defence, with 2 goals coming from idiotic plunders from once Curci and the second time defence. Though, that does not take less blame away from our attacking display what couldn't produce it's regular amount of goals. Mostly thanks to Pazzini whose headers were Serie D class.

21st of December 2013

I wanted to get back on track fast again as I prepared to kick some ass againist Bologna. Robben was still out, but despite the Reggina draw, no other changes were made.

Italian Serie A, Week 18
Bologna 2:4 Inter (7. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 39., 47. Adriano, 90. Carlos Mango)

So we went to christmas break with a nice lead in the league. (9 points) Bologna gave us lots of trouble thanks to the Arjen Robben injury that made me push my right-back Carlos Mango go to midfield and error-prone Kevin Afougone didn't really do a great job in defence. But Mango is leaving with Martins and one other player in January transfer window, so it was great that his last game in Inter ended with a goal. Adriano has already secured himself Serie A's golden boot and Pazzini is 2nd in the standings with the Reggina guy who scored 2 goals in wednesday.

retired_puly1364

26th of December 2013

After finishing my christmas in Estonia with Maria, she and my little son went back to lake Como, but I took a visit to Cork. I arrived there at lunch-time and planned to have a meeting with John and Robin. First I went to John's house and talked about the possible future.

"Ok... Going to talk about my plans at the moment. First, how far is the new training ground building?"
- "It's almost finished. Everything is in, world class and money is being invested into youths also."
"That's fine. I'll check the place later, but now. The stadium - they're working on it right?"
- "Yes."
"Nice. Anyway, how big will it be? 20 000 as I wanted?"
- "No, somewhere around 18 000. Otherwise they couldn't get it finished before the start of the season."
"Well, 18 or 20... not much of a difference. We only need a big venue for European games and if we play 6 games there in a season then that 2000 doesen't make a big difference."
- "No, it doesent. But we've built out some business schemes to get people on the stadium in league games."
"Very good. Hope it works out because we need to keep on getting monthly profit."
- "True."
"But now, you've already invested last years money right?"
- "Yes, into stadium and training ground and wages."
"Ok, basically is there anything left?"
- "Around 5 millions."
"Well, that's pretty much. Anyway, this year I'm planning a bit smaller investment. 20 million, mostly on transfers again."
- "Well, that's fine for me. You want your own players again?"
"Yeah. Mine and Robin's."
- "Well, it's your money anyway."
"Yes. But have you get the Brazilian striker?"
- "You mean Carboni? Yes, for 2 millions. He'll come in 3rd."
"Very good."

So we talked about new plans. Mostly about CL since we want to get atleast 3rd place in the groupstages. Unless we don't make it into there.

Later on, I visited Robin. I was a bit angry on his CL adventures where he conceeded 16 goals in 6 games. Though, that didn't mean he's getting fired, but I said unless he doesen't deliever the 3rd place atleast, I will search for someone new.

1st of January 2013

Inter made it's transfers. Obafemi Martins will now play with Real Madrid shirt as he was part of swap deal with other striker Federico Moretti. I paid 7,75 millions + Oba for the 25-year old striking talent. Ofcourse he's Italian.

With Oba leaving, I need a new Inter grown player in the team. Therefore I bringed back Matteo Momente. 26-year old striker costed me 2 millions after being Perugias top scorer.

My defender was the biggest name of the transfers. American Nik Besagno joined from Real Madrid for 12,5 million pounds. My relationship with Real strenghtened surely after such cheap talent. Centre-back is 25-years old.

Other guys who left were two fullbacks. Brazilian Carlos Mango left to Lazio for 7,5 millions since I didn't want to leave him on free transfer. The other guy who jumped the ship was benchwarmer Lorenzo De Silvestri. Everton paid 7 millions for him + 20% of the next sale. Quite good deal for a guy who set his foot on pitch for around 5 times in this season.

Cork In December

5th of January 2013

Nik Besagno was the only guy who was starting from the new buys as Federico Moretti was sitting on bench and Matteo Momente watched the game againist Messina on stands. I tested new tactics in training before and I decided to give it a shot in league also.

Italian Serie A, Week 19
Inter 3:0 Messina (12. Adriano, 23. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 40. Leo Messi)

Eventhough we got a great victory, I was from happy with our display. I decided to leave that experiment there and go on with the old Inter tactic. Nik Besagno was solid in his defensive debut and he and Gioda cutted down Messina's attacking players. Moretti came on in second half, but was lost in pitch unfortunately.

Serie A Table After Half Season

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Inter | | 19 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 72 | 18 | +54 | 50 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Lazio | | 19 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 35 | 14 | +21 | 41 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Roma | | 19 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 30 | 18 | +12 | 39 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Parma | | 19 | 10 | 9 | 0 | 22 | 9 | +13 | 39 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Milan | | 19 | 12 | 3 | 4 | 32 | 15 | +17 | 39 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Palermo | | 19 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 25 | 15 | +10 | 37 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Sampdoria | | 19 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 29 | 18 | +11 | 31 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Reggina | | 19 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 27 | 20 | +7 | 29 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Juventus | | 19 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 24 | 21 | +3 | 25 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Messina | | 19 | 7 | 2 | 10 | 17 | 27 | -10 | 23 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Bologna | | 19 | 6 | 4 | 9 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 22 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Fiorentina | | 19 | 6 | 4 | 9 | 21 | 27 | -6 | 22 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Chievo | | 19 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 17 | 25 | -8 | 20 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Torino | | 19 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 24 | 34 | -10 | 19 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Catania | | 19 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 38 | -25 | 17 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Cesena | | 19 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 16 | 24 | -8 | 17 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Lecce | | 19 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 13 | 30 | -17 | 14 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Brescia | | 19 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 12 | 28 | -16 | 13 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Empoli | | 19 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 21 | 39 | -18 | 13 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Cagliari | | 19 | 2 | 5 | 12 | 16 | 41 | -25 | 11 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_puly1364

I wanted to post it last night, but lost my internet till now. But now I'm back with 2 updates tonight. This is the 1st one.

8th of January 2014

I paid a visit to one my biggest "threats" - Parma, who had tragically improved comparing to last season and gave me a shock draw in first game of the season. I hoped to take a sweet revenge for that in Ennio Tardini though.

Italian Serie A, Week 20
Parma 2:5 Inter (6.,51. Adriano, 36., 84. Leo Messi, 81. Nik Besagno)

Even though, new defenders, we still managed to conceed 2 goals. You can write those goals on Curci's account though since defence barely did anything wrong. First goal went a half meter past standing Curci from outside of the area and on the second one, he moved totally towards wrong direction from another long shot. But Parma's pathetic GK was back as 3 of our goals were sort of a joke.

11th of January 2014

3rd placed Roma was set to give us a tough time at Giuseppe Meazza, but I hoped to own them instead. I had the same line-up as I had againist Parma so not much to comment without any injuries.

Italian Serie A, Week 21
Inter 4:2 Roma (8. Leo Messi, 34. Arjen Robben, 76., 79. Adriano)

Great match from the lads, except one thing that explains our yet another 2 goals conceeded -

From Calciomercato.it

15th of January 2014

I went to Turin. Not to meet Juventus though, but their city cousins, more respected team of the city - Torino. I won the last match 4:1, but I never feel safe againist those unconsistent teams. All players were avaible, except the banned Nik Besagno.

Italian Serie A, Week 22
Torino 1:4 Inter (35., 37., 63. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 45. Leo Messi)

Pazzini's goals gave Inter a nice victory. The match was under our control for 90% of time and Torino didn't pose much threat. Pazzini raised to the 2nd place in goalscoring standings while Messi scored in 3rd consecutive game.

19th of January 2014

In busy month, our next opponent was Palermo who were having a very good season this term and were fighting for European places. Nik Besagno returned to partner Leandro Gioda in defence and Emanuele La Rocca went back to bench eventhough he did very well againist Torino.

Italian Serie A, Week 23
Inter 4:1 Palermo (6., 17. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 61. Daniele De Rossi, 73. Graziano Pelle)

Great performance from the lads made Palermo look like a joke and eventhough Adriano haven't scored in last 2 matches, we've got new banger in Pazzini. I was glad to see Graziano Pelle score again to confirm his 4th place in our striker hierachy behind Adriano, Pazzini & Moretti.

retired_puly1364

26th of January 2014

After a nearly week long rest, Inter welcomed Cesena at Giuseppe Meazza. All players were available again. Though, without goal conceeding problems solving, I found a new mistake in my tactical scheme which I worked out. Since lots of the goals I conceeded were counter-attacks I asked Gioda and Besagno to stay more back.

Italian Serie A, Week 24
Inter 2:0 Cesena (8. Adriano, 64. Federico Moretti)

Finally Moretti scored after he came off the bench on this match and Adriano also returned to the goalscoring. We were all over them in the match and they only had 3 shots as my defence did exactly what I wanted them to do.

1st of February 2014

I faced another tough trip to Verona in Serie A. Chievo were making uncosistent performances this year, so I couldn't feel very safe ahead of the game, but I hoped defensive scheme works out again.

Italian Serie A, Week 25
Chievo 0:2 (83., 87. Adriano)

My defence worked well once again and we got our well-deserved win with 2 late goals from Adriano, who is getting closer and closer to beating his last years Serie A scoring record of 53 goals. Though in bad news, Robben got yet another injury and he'll be out for 2-3 weeks.

Cork City In January

8th of February 2014

I hoped not to fall into the trap in Genova as Sampdoria had robben points from lots of big teams in Luigi Ferraris. Robben was obviously out at the moment and I had to bring in youngster Matteo Salvati for first team football.

Italian Serie A, Week 26
Sampdoria 1:2 Inter (54. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 81. Federico Moretti)

It took a big changes in half time to get us a hard fought win. My friend Novellinos team owned the first half and we were lucky not to lose the match with those 45 minutes as Curci and defence were on their toes all the time, but luckily, we put in totally different performance in second half and Moretti scored his most important Inter goal up to this point and gave us another 3 points that take us closer and closer to the title.

15th of February 2014

In next league game, we were preparing to face Fiorentina who was another one of those teams with ups and downs. Eventhough I won againist them earlier this season 5:2, I wasn't sure could I create enough chances without Robben in team.

Italian Serie A, Week 27
Inter 3:0 Fiorentina (34. Gianpaolo Pazzini, 58. Daniele De Rossi, 74. Leo Messi)

Overally a great display from Inter and Pazzini really is making his former clubs life tough with his 4th goal in 2 matches againist them this season. Luckily for Fiore, they don't have to meet him again.

19th of February 2014

Champions League football finally returned for Inter. My first match in 1/8 of CL was in France againist defending champions Rennes. Robben returned to bench, but youngster Matteo Salvati got his 3rd consecutive Inter start after impressing in 2 earlier occasions.

Champions League First Knockout Stage, Leg 1
Rennes 2:2 Inter (8. Adriano, 10. Daniele De Rossi)

Two great Inter goals early in the match were canceled out by Rennes who took advatage of Nik Besagno being unregistred in CL thanks to him playing European football earlier this season with Real Madrid. Emanuele La Rocca who replaced him turned in another joke of a performance that puts us into difficult situation before home leg.