Inter Milan have won the Coppa Italia at the Stadio Olimpico against Roma in the final. While the 1-0 score-line might suggest a boring and defensive game, the match was full of excitement even after the 90 minutes.

The first few minutes of the match were characterized by Sneijder coming off injured after a heavy challenge from Nicolas Burdisso (on loan to Roma from Inter) and being replaced by Balotelli. After that Inter were always attacking, creating plenty of chances, and having a goal ruled invalid for a very close offside, Inter Milan eventually found the breakthrough. Diego Milito was released into the box and with three defenders on him he lashed a shot into the top left corner. The match was opened and full of action after the half with Juan missing an open goal, and other chances put to waste. Eventually in the 88th minute, the pressure was to much for Totti, and as Balotelli was cutting in towards the box, the Roma captain decided to kick the young Italian (with force) from behind. This resulted in Totti’s direct expulsion which he didn’t contest, Inter Milan finished the match off and claimed their 6th Coppa Italia in Roma’s stadium. Plenty of action happened after the match too, a fan ran onto the pitch and tried to attack Cambiasso, but was quickly stopped, and it was revealed that Balotelli had been provoking Totti during the match, causing the Roma captain to hoof the Inter Milan player.

With one down and two to go, it seems like Inter can really pull the treble off, all that’s missing is the scudetto and the Champions League. The title race is relatively straightforward for Inter Milan, as long as they win the remaining two matches then the title is theirs. The Champions League on the other hand is very different, Inter have to face a strong Bayern Munich team in Madrid, and although it will be difficult, it seems possible for Inter Milan to win the treble and make history.

Hands down the goal of the week goes to Francesco Valiani of Bologna FC for the winner against AC Milan at the San Siro.

(AC Milan 1 – 2 Bologna FC)

Goalscorers – Di Vaio 18 (B), Ambrosini 42 (M), Valiani 79 (B)

Line Ups

Milan: Abbiati; Zambrotta, Maldini, Kaladze, Jankulovski (Shevchenko 46); Flamini, Pirlo, Ambrosini (Emerson 85); Seedorf, Ronaldinho; Inzaghi (Pato 69)

Bologna: Antonioli; Zenoni, Moras, Terzi, Bombardini (Castellini 88); Mingazzini, Volpi; Adailton (Marazzina 60), Amoroso (Mudingayi 60), Valiani; Di Vaio

Goal Highlights

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Now for the Mourinho Hour (Mourinho hits back at recent attacks on Serie A by English media)

I’ve been reading about the English press bad talking the Italian game (sounds more like sour grapes, especially since a majority of top talent has been making it’s way to Serie A) but guess who has put on his shining armor to come to the rescue?  That’s right it’s The Special One, read More… 

I think Mourinho will quickly discover this ain’t going to be a walk in the park. Serie A will test his metal. Looking at total attacking output of match day one, Serie A trumps the Premier League

Goals,   Serie A 26 - 24 Premier League

Sampdoria 1 – 1 Inter

channel4 Football Italia – President Moratti, “The team played relatively well in what is always a very tricky arena and we can consider that a good result,” said the President.“It’s not like England here, there is always this constant level of pressure and no easy games, but I think Mourinho dealt with it. It could be a good lesson for him.”

New Mourinho gets his man, Ricardo Quaresma meets the press today after his medical and final paperwork