Juventus Visits Inter Milan

Tonight’s match featured two of storied sides in Juventus and Internaziole. Pre-match previews surely focused on Quagreglia and Sneijder but neither showed up in the first half. Tactically, the match played like chess with the sides trading shots throughout.

The first half left Juventus fans frustrated. The visitors were up to the challenge of playing away from home however the La Vecchia Signora could not take the lead. A Milos Krasic cross found Iaquinta's feet and the net. The goal was called back quickly after the linesman saw the striker was offside. The sides went into half time level and each side hopeful.

In the 57^th minute, Samuel Eto’o imposed his presence with a 90-yard run that beat three defenders and ended with a disappointing lack of support. Two minutes later, Krasic nearly added to his recent form with a blistering shot from 30 yards out. A sprawling Julio Cesar parried the effort wide.

Alessandro Del Piero’s 65^th minute appearance made Quagliarella the primary forward target minute. The introduction infused bianconeri supporters with enthusiasm and his side with confidence but Juventus still lacked the scoring touch.

A 67^th minute Sneijder free kick provided a rare flashpoint as Storari fell victim to Lucio’s misaimed kick. Samuel Eto’o quickly lowered hot tempers and continued proceedings. Quagliarella took issue, after beating a high defensive line, to nearly put his ahead through a firm, low shot.

The 78th minute added to Diego Milito’s goal-scoring frustrations as Estaban Cambiasso chipped a delightful ball over the Juventus defense. The Argentina’s first touch complemented the effort but the second was wanting.

In the 80^th minute, Alberto Aquilani made way for the hard man Momo Sissoko to indicate Juventus’ comfort with a draw. Despite having 60% of the ball possession, Inter obliged to usher the match towards the final whistle quietly.

Starting XI:

Juventus

Storari, Chiellini, Bonucci, Grygera, Melo, Marchiso, Aquilani, De Ceglie, Krasic, Quagliarella, Iaquinta,

Inter Milan

Julio Cesar, Lucio, Chivu, Cordoba, Maicon, Cambiasso, Stankovic, Coutinho, Sneijder, Bianbany, Eto’o

AC Milan v S.S. Lazio Match Report

Roman Club S.S. Lazio hosted AC Milan in a clash with several story lines flowing through the fixture. A resurgent Zlatan Ibrahimovic started for the visitors, Lazio's stadium formerly hosted events during the 1960 summer Olympics, and AC Milan new boy Robinho graced the field. It was a game of two halves with the first proving to be more pedestrian than the second.

After a slow start, the second half was full of flair. In the 66th minute, Ibrahimovic opened the scoring as the Lazio defence were beaten by the Swede's speed. He beat a desperate tackle from the keeper and poked the ball in from 12 yards out. Following a pair of goals in the Champions League Milan supporters will be encouraged seeing his third goal in three matches.

Lazio were not to be outdone. Hernanes sped passed Thiago Silva and Nesta to cross a perfect ball to a streaking Floccari. The 81st minute goal threatened to turn the game on its head as the Romans searched for a second goal.

In the 88th minute, Zambrotta delivered a powerful shot that struck the underside of the bar and bounced out. Moments later, Lazio responded in kind with a Floccari effort that beat Abbiati but trickled just wide.

Robinho's late introduction did not provide the desired impetus as Milan settled for a 1-1 draw. Lazio deserved the resulted. Still, the Rossoneri will have to sort out how they let the game slip away.

Have your say: Is this result the first crack in AC Milan's armor?

Goals:

Ibrahimovic 66'

Floccari 81'

Starting XI

AC Milan

Abbiati, Thiago Silva, Nesta, Zambrotta, Abate, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Boateng, Ronaldinho,

Ibrahimovic

S.S. Lazio

Maslera, Dias, Biava, Radu, Ledesma, Brocchi, Floccari, Hernanes, Foggia, Cavanda, Mauri

Substitutions (In/Out):

AC Milan:

Flamini/ Gattuso 69'

Antonini/Abate 83'

Robinho/Sedorf 87'

S.S. Lazio:

Rocchi/Foggia 74'

Zarate/Mauri 79'

Lichtsteiner/ Cavanda 87'