Inter Milan versus Palermo – Copa Italia final: First half review (Part 2)
Palermo went onto dominate the opening exchanges of the first half after their strong start to the Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan. Their dynamism in the midfield area caused the former European Cup winners trouble as their offensive lynch pin, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Giampaolo-Pazzini-c14802’s lack of control.
The former Sampdoria striker was unable to collect the ball cleanly as Sirigu came out cleared up the danger for the Coppa Italia final underdogs. It was soon evident why Inter were having a difficult time in the centre of the park. Their full backs were not getting forward in support of the midfield trio and thus they were short of width in the final third of the field. With no wide players of noticeable fame on the field, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 found it hard to stretch Palermo’s back four.
In the 17th minute, Rosanero had a great opportunity to take the lead due to Pastore’s brilliant passing display outside the Inter Milan penalty area. The Argentinean midfielder played a delightful one-two pass with Ilicic but his first touch while collecting the return pass was a heavy one which allowed http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Julio-Cesar-c19961 to come out of his six yard box and collect the ball.
Shortly after, Pastore had another clear cut goal scoring chance as he cut in from the left hand side and unleashed a left footed drive towards Inter Milan’s goal. However the skilful midfielder was wayward with his shot which missed the target by a few inches. In the 21st minute, Palermo were dealt a blow due to Goain’s injury.
The Rosanero centre back went down in a heap after colliding with Pazzini and thus was duly substituted as Carrozzieri came on to take his place in the Palermo http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Defence-c38904. Goain’s substitution had a negative impact on Palermo’s momentum in the match as a mistake in their defence allowed Samuel Eto'o to sneak through in the 26th minute with the first goal of the match for Inter Milan.
The goal came through because of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Luca-Toni-c22526.
In the 39th minute, Palermo were denied a penalty claim when Ranocchia tripped Ilicic inside the Inter Milan penalty area. There was definite contact between both the players but replays showed that Ilicic went down too easily as Ranocchia’s challenge was a weak one at best rather than a forceful one. The first half thus came to an end with the score line at 1-0 in favour of the Coppa Italia holders, Inter Milan. Leonardo’s men got their only goal of the first half thanks to a brilliant finish from Eto'o as Palermo failed to capitalize on two clear cut opportunities in the early stages of the first 45 minutes.
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