subject: Italian Serie A- Fc Internazionale Draw With Atalanta [print this page] In the sixteenth round of the Italian Serie A, the FC Internazionale managed to extend its difference in the standings, even if they only attained a measly draw 1-1 in their visit to Atalanta.
With this result, Inter obtained one more point to stay atop of the Italian league with 36 points. One factor that helped them in this rising was the poor performance from both of their closest contenders, Milan (31) and Juventus (30). Juventus lost 3-1 to Bari, while Milan lost 2-0 at home to Palermo.
This match started in a very particular way. From the first minute Atalanta tried to show that they would be a tough opponent to beat. They begun strong and fast, and created dangerous plays over the lateral zones while proving quite effective.
Julio Cesar, Inter goalkeeper, managed to deflect a bad pass from his teammate Esteban Cambiasso, when it seemed that the game was in the hands of the Orobici, but it wasnt.
In the middle of a quick action Argentine striker Diego Milito received a pass from Wesley Sneijder and quickly entered the rivals area. From there, he beat three opponents skillfully, kicked a strong right shot, and with that amazing play he sent the ball to the back of the net of Ferdinando Coppola at minute 15, to open the score.
Those directed by Jos Mourinho, appeared to be in control of the game. This made them feel a bite too confident: and because of that, the team lost its focus and was unable to overcome the good game that Atalanta played on the sidelines.
This caused the game to develop in an interesting way. While the locals were devoted mainly to playing in the sidelines, the visitors were taking advantage of this by attacking in the midfield. The balls possession switched constantly between both teams.
The superiority of the Nerazurri gave them more opportunities to score, but they were unable to seize them. Thus, the first half ended 1-0.
The second half started with the same rhythm, but unexpectedly, 65 minutes into the game, Sneijder was penalized with a red card and Inter was left with a numerical disadvantage. By having fewer men, the Beneamata changed its game strategy trying to remain a little more in their own area, in order to defend better. This gave the opportunity to Atalanta to move forward easily, but it was a situation that they didnt take advantage of.
At this point, most of the Inters game was falling upon Argentinean Milito, who shined due to his great contribution. However, his effort wasnt enough and when he showed clear signs of fatigue he had to be replaced by Thiago Motta.
With the departure of Milito, the local team felt a little more confident to attack freely, and this gave them good results. 81 minutes into the game, the striker Simone Tiribocchi launched a precise shot to put the score 1-1.
Towards the end of the game, Internazionale was using all its physical power and technique to find another goal. But without achieving it, the match ended with a team that didnt show all its dominance. However, despite of the final score they were capable of defending their leading position.
