Internazionale -v- Chelsea Match Thread

CHD

TALKING POINTS
The leaders from two of Europe's strongest leagues come together this evening, and recent history favours the boys from Blighty. English teams have seen off Internazionale in this round the last two seasons, and the last English side they beat at San Siro was Ipswich Town, way back in December 2001.
Chelsea may have only won one game on Italian soil in nine attempts, but are unbeaten on our last two competitive visit to San Siro - both 1-1 draws against Inter's fierce rivals and stadium-mates AC Milan. The most recent Italy trip was a 2-2 draw with Juventus in Turin last year that secured passage to the quarter-finals by a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.
KEY STAT
Chelsea have reached the semi-finals of this competition in four of the last five campaigns; Inter have been knocked out at this stage in each of the last three.

The British media are portraying this as a one-plot storyline: to them the tie is all about Jose Mourinho as if the Prodigal's return presents something of a quandary for lovelorn Chelsea fans. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Blues fans respect what the Portuguese brought to us and the stellar history he helped author, but time and supporters have moved on from the Special Era, and new chapters are being written in the Chelsea story. Winning the FA Cup under Guus Hiddink showed there was life after a Special One.
Jose's team are now simply the latest obstacle and he the latest adversary. It will be wonderful to see him at the Bridge again in three weeks' time, but it will be even nicer to knock his current team out of this competition and lay the past to sacred memory.
One thing we do know, Jose will have something up his sleeve for the media ahead of the return leg at his old home, and what it consists of will be determined entirely by the outcome of tonight's game.
Chelsea hold no surprises, he has said, with tangible respect and affection. No one knows better than his former manager how unstoppable Didier Drogba can be, and across Europe no player is in hotter form than the Chelsea striker, who following the Wolves game has now scored 25 goals in all competitions.
The Ivorian has already Drogba-ed several of the current Inter backline and will be aware how important his physical presence will be at either end of the pitch.
While in charge of AC Milan, Carlo Ancelotti won 10 of 18 competitive games against Inter, losing five. Two of the three draws were in the 2002/03 Champions League semi-final, Milan progressing on away goals after drawing 1-1 in Inter's home leg and going on to lift the trophy to give Ancelotti his first Champions League crown as coach.
Honours were even when Ancelotti and Mourinho went head-to-head in Serie A last season, Milan and Inter each winning their 'home' game. The present Chelsea boss also got the better of Inter's current manager in the 2003 Uefa Super Cup when Milan beat Porto 1-0.
Just to add to the city rival connotations, Chelsea will take to the field in all-white kit - the classic colours of AC Milan, of course.
This is actually the second time Mourinho has faced his former team since his switch to Italy. The summer preseason match-up in the USA, which Chelsea won 2-0, may not give much of an indication of the likely outcome tonight, but another 30-yard strike like Didier Drogba's early opener would be welcome. We'd settle for another Frank Lampard penalty in the quest for the precious away goal that could swing the tie.

1-0 Chelsea imo

CHD

John Terry was training as a left back last night in the San Siro. He has been impressive going forward and linking with Cole this season. Alex and Carvalho in the middle and Terry LB could be a stroke of genius.

DazMarz

I'm not sure of the scoreline, to be honest. But once Chelsea grab an away goal or two, I'll be thoroughly happy.

The absence of a proper left back is worrying to me, and a wily manager like José will know exactly how to exploit that. Could be cause for concern. Tho perhaps Belletti will be up for it.

Should be a good match all the same!

mike65

0-0 you read it here first.

jaykay74

3-3 draw, a rollercoaster ride with thrills and spills.

Think I'II back 0-0 in this one.

Damn beaten to it...

DazMarz

CHD wrote: »

John Terry was training as a left back last night in the San Siro. He has been impressive going forward and linking with Cole this season. Alex and Carvalho in the middle and Terry LB could be a stroke of genius.

Really?! Jesus, that would be a sight to behold really... Could be an utter stroke of genius... or an absolute disaster... But I'd trust Carlo if that's the way he goes.

Can't see it all the same tho.

---

Cech

---

-Belletti---Carvalho---Terry---Ivanovic-

---

Mikel

---

---

Malouda----Ballack----Lampard

---

---

Anelka----Drogba

---

That's my prediction for the line up

Dont be at yourself

CHD wrote: »

John Terry was training as a left back last night in the San Siro. He has been impressive going forward and linking with Cole this season. Alex and Carvalho in the middle and Terry LB could be a stroke of genius.

Maybe he'll steal Bridge's England position too!

I normally hate watching Chelsea play in Europe, as they really stifle the life out of the game. Tonight should be an interesting game though, both sides are very similar in quality and in style. A nice, cagey 1-0 to either team, I reckon.

CHD

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

Maybe he'll steal Bridge's England position too!

I normally hate watching Chelsea play in Europe, as they really stifle the life out of the game. Tonight should be an interesting game though, both sides are very similar in quality and in style. A nice, cagey 1-0 to either team, I reckon.

Not too similar these days. Chelsea definetly have more quality. I can see a loss for us here but nothing that we can't turn around at the Bridge. If we had Essien available I think this would be handy enough. Hopefully Mikel does a job.

Mr. Presentable

Chelsea are ropey enough away from home. Inter should be able to manage Drogba and have enough from Balotelli (if he plays), Sneijder, Eto'o, Pandev, Milito to get a 2-0.

CHD

nipplenuts wrote: »

Chelsea are ropey enough away from home. Inter should be able to manage Drogba and have enough from Balotelli (if he plays), Sneijder, Eto'o, Pandev, Milito to get a 2-0.

Have you watched Serie A lately? Have you watched Inter lately? Very uninspiring. United beat AC while playing terribly. I really don't get the love for the Italian teams who are now consistently failing in Europe.

Mr. Presentable

CHD wrote: »

Have you watched Serie A lately? Have you watched Inter lately? Very uninspiring. United beat AC while playing terribly. I really don't get the love for the Italian teams who are now consistently failing in Europe.

Yes I have, have you? They (Inter) are like Chelsea of five years ago. Last week they held out for a draw with nine men from the 39th minute.

As for Utd v Milan, I don't recall either of them being involved in this tie, but I think even the most rabid reds fan would agree they were more than lucky to get the win.

It's neither about love for poor Italian sides in Europe, it's about opinion.

CHD

I have seen them, they are nothing special. Chelsea will go through without to much trouble.

DazMarz

I wouldn't be so cocky/optimistic about this tie. I do believe that Chelsea will go through, but it will be neither easy nor pretty. And no one would rather dump Roman's Blue Army out of Europe than The Special One.

Inter are no slouch team and they will not be easy.

pistolpetes11

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

Maybe he'll steal Bridge's England position too!

I normally hate watching Chelsea play in Europe, as they really stifle the life out of the game. Tonight should be an interesting game though, both sides are very similar in quality and in style. A nice, cagey 1-0 to either team, I reckon.

Although Inter are a decent side domestically I dont see where you are getting your similarity's in quality in the teams ?

I am hoping for a 0-2 to Chelsea but would take a score draw if it came down to it .

Away goal is crucial .

pistolpetes11

nipplenuts wrote: »

Yes I have, have you? They (Inter) are like Chelsea of five years ago. Last week they held out for a draw with nine men from the 39th minute.

As for Utd v Milan, I don't recall either of them being involved in this tie, but I think even the most rabid reds fan would agree they were more than lucky to get the win.

It's neither about love for poor Italian sides in Europe, it's about opinion.

Well if its not about poor Italian sides in Europe its most definitely about Inters poor form in europe under the special one himself .

dyl10

jaykay74 wrote: »

a rollercoaster ride with thrills and spills.

With Cech playing, I don't doubt it...

Nalz

wow

Kess73

Jose's run of undefeated home league games with the last three teams he managed is very impressive. It has been over 8 years since a team he was managing lost a home league game.

Although that record does not cover the European games that he has managed in during that time, it really does show how big a job Chelsea have tonight. Jose really does create a home fortress mentality in his teams, and his win % with those three clubs at home in all comps is very impressive too.

Very hard game to call as both sides have the quality to win, and there seems to be a bit of genuine needle between the managers too.

Have a feeling that come the final whistle Chelsea will be the happier team after getting a 2-2 away draw.

SlickRic

1-1.

i'll be shocked if Inter lose at home to Mourinho's ex-wife.

CHD

look at al those bans waiting to happen...

pistolpetes11

CHD wrote: »

look at al those bans waiting to happen...

Cue Drogba rolling around the deck all nite !

Hopefully not though ! he seems to be a changed man this season

Johner

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

Maybe he'll steal Bridge's England position too!

I normally hate watching Chelsea play in Europe, as they really stifle the life out of the game. Tonight should be an interesting game though, both sides are very similar in quality and in style. A nice, cagey 1-0 to either team, I reckon.

We've been involved in some crackers in Europe in recent years. :cool: They've mainly been against Liverpool but still. :P Juventus away last year was a very good game to watch. Essien.

Anyway I think it will be 1-1 tonight, which wouldn't be a bad result at all.

DazMarz

Good few Inter boys looking at bans, so they gots to be more careful. Very strong Chelsea side, should win, but will be needing a rub of the green to be honest.

CHD

pistolpetes11 wrote: »

Cue Drogba rolling around the deck all nite !

Hopefully not though ! he seems to be a changed man this season

They will pick up one or two. Impossible not to foul Anelka and Drogba a few times

Gonzovision

I think we will win both legs fairly comfortably. Inter are not a great team no matter what anyone says.

DazMarz

gonzovision wrote: »

I think we will win both legs fairly comfortably. Inter are not a great team no matter what anyone says.

Not a great team by any stretch, but then nothing will be easy. San Siro is not a pleasant place to visit for anyone. It won't be all that easy, IMO.

dyl10

pistolpetes11 wrote: »

Hopefully not though ! he seems to be a changed man this season

He was a changed man last season!

GavRedKing

Ive said it already on the Chelsea thread, I expect Chelsea to win 2-1 in this game. Not taking anything away from Inter but they are just not good enough to beat us over the two legs. I woul dhappily take a 1-1 draw in the San Siro though and take our away goal back to the Bridge.

Carry on:pac:

redout

I reckon Chelsea will not win tonight.

Sneijder if he turns up could cause problems.

DazMarz

redout wrote: »

I reckon Chelsea will not win tonight.

Sneijder if he turns up could cause problems.

I don't know, doubt it, tbh... Can't see Inter winning, draw, tbh...

keane2097

Fancy Chelsea strongly.

Inter have been very bad in Europe for the last number of years. Against United last year they were pathetic.

This Chelsea team was robbed by Barcelona last year in the semi-final don't forget.

OhNoYouDidn't

I think Inter will be too strong for a disjointed Chelsea team in decline.

I hope they hammer them and inflict more misery on the tainted Chelsea 'brand'.

This is aristocrats versus chav upstarts at a number of levels, and class tends to shine through.

CHD

:pac:

smuckers

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

I think Inter will be too strong for a disjointed Chelsea team in decline.

I hope they hammer them and inflict more misery on the tainted Chelsea 'brand'.

This is aristocrats versus chav upstarts at a number of levels, and class tends to shine through.

A team in decline??? top of the leaguue, yea right whatover, Jesus wept :rolleyes:


I Think it will be tight I'm going for 2-1 chelsea

keane2097

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

I think Inter will be too strong for a disjointed Chelsea team in decline.

I hope they hammer them and inflict more misery on the tainted Chelsea 'brand'.

This is aristocrats versus chav upstarts at a number of levels, and class tends to shine through.

Why the fcuk are Inter aristocrats?

kryogen

i love the above post, Above CHD now that is i just love it, makes not too much sense

but i just love it!

CHD

deisedevil

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

I think Inter will be too strong for a disjointed Chelsea team in decline.

I hope they hammer them and inflict more misery on the tainted Chelsea 'brand'.

This is aristocrats versus chav upstarts at a number of levels, and class tends to shine through.

OhNoYouDidn't!!!

DazMarz

Think poor CHD has pissed off a few too many people on here......:D;)

OhNoYouDidn't

smuckers wrote: »

A team in decline??? top of the leaguue, yea right whatover, Jesus wept :rolleyes:

Ahead of a Man United who are a shadow of their former selves, a shambolic Liverpool and an uncompetitive Arsenal.

This Chelsea team is nothing like what it was 5 years ago when they threatned to be a genuine force. Only world class thing about them these days is their manager.

kryogen

DazMarz wrote: »

Think poor CHD has pissed off a few too many people on here......:D;)

so is his work complete now?

can he go away?

kryogen

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Ahead of a Man United who are a shadow of their former selves, a shambolic Liverpool and an uncompetitive Arsenal.

This Chelsea team is nothing like what it was 5 years ago when they threatned to be a genuine force. Only world class thing about them these days is their manager.

Ancelotti?

joke manager tbh

cup specialist and always will be

next you be telling me Mancini is world class

deisedevil

kryogen wrote: »

so is his work complete now?

can he go away?

Never get that lucky! Some people thrive on it.

OhNoYouDidn't

keane2097 wrote: »

Why the fcuk are Inter aristocrats?

Second most supported team in Italy, two European Cups, invented the catanaccio system, consistantly at the top of the Italian pile since they were founded etc.

I appreciate none of this is on Sky Sports, so might be beyond most of the barstoolers on here, but they will be still a force long after Chelsea slide back to being a yo-yo club.

OhNoYouDidn't

kryogen wrote: »

Ancelotti?

joke manager tbh

cup specialist and always will be

next you be telling me Mancini is world class

So what does that say about the Chelsea side? You cannot tell me that as a footballing entity they are progressing?

DazMarz

Ah here now............ Remember the ad for the beer, some Spanish beer it was, and it had the phrase ''Pássíon sin razón/Passion beyond reason''... that sums up a lot of the posts in here... Don't be picking on my buddy!!! I know I said it, but I friggin regret it now! Hahahaha.:D

deisedevil

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Ahead of a Man United who are a shadow of their former selves, a shambolic Liverpool and an uncompetitive Arsenal.

This Chelsea team is nothing like what it was 5 years ago when they threatned to be a genuine force. Only world class thing about them these days is their manager.

You can only go on current standards, none of the so called top four have been consistent this season and Chelsea have been the most consistent so far and have the chance of winning the league in their own hands. That's a genuine force in fairness.

Oh god why am I biting, lol!

keane2097

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Second most supported team in Italy, two European Cups, invented the catanaccio system, consistantly at the top of the Italian pile since they were founded etc.

I appreciate none of this is on Sky Sports, so might be beyond most of the barstoolers on here, but they will be still a force long after Chelsea slide back to being a yo-yo club.

My hands aren't big enough for the facepalm you deserve sir.

*slow clap*

kryogen

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Second most supported team in Italy, two European Cups, invented the catanaccio system, consistantly at the top of the Italian pile since they were founded etc.

I appreciate none of this is on Sky Sports, so might be beyond most of the barstoolers on here, but they will be still a force long after Chelsea slide back to being a yo-yo club.

i love you man

you made me smile so much in this thread!

Inter top of the italian pile since they were founded?!!! i love it! and the massive two european cups they have, **** me, better tell AC Milan to be careful so as they might over take them sometime in the next centuary or so!

CHD

deisedevil wrote: »

Never get that lucky! Some people thrive on it.

Still crying?

OhNoYouDidn't

keane2097 wrote: »

My hands aren't big enough for the facepalm you deserve sir.

*slow clap*

Feel free to dispute any of it.

Are you seriously going to argue that Chelsea have the same pedigree as Inter? That their 'brand' is as strong?