The Bianconeri slip at Delle Alpi, defeated by Inter who successfully managed the only scoring occasion of the match. On 24’ minutes in the first half, Ze Maria charged down the right flank, served Cruz into the midfield and the latter headed the ball in. Capello’s squad couldn’t catch up, in spite of the crossbar hit by Emerson and a great shot by Birindelli in the first half and a siege upfront with at least three scoring occasions for Ibrahimovic in the second half. Milan, winners at Chievo’s home, reach the Bianconeri on top of the table.
Not much happens in the first 15 minutes, the tempo is low and some tension emerges. On 16’ minutes, Inter move forward with Martin, but his volley ends straight into Buffon’s arms. On 18’ minutes, a great occasion for the Bianconeri: after a fine pass between Zambrotta and Nedved, the Czech’s shot is deflected into corner by Cordoba. Following the corner shot, kicked by Nedved, Emerson’s header hits the crossbar. On 23’ minutes, a free kick by Zambrotta, Camoranesi serves Ibrahimovic, he shots on the turn but Toldo is ready. Just when Capello’s squad is doing best, Inter take the lead thanks to a header by Cruz, served from the left flank by Zé Maria (0-1). Juventus attempt on goal on 32’ minutes with Appiah from the long distance, on 36’ minutes with Del Piero on a free kick and on 44’ minutes with Nedved, but the most dangerous finish is unquestionably Birindelli’s who, on a free kick, forces Toldo to a difficult save.
The second half starts with Juventus in attack, looking for the draw with Ibrahimovic (2’ and 5’), while Inter try to manage the lead. Martins attempts on goal on 6’ minutes but his shot from the long distance misses the target. Then it’s Bianconeri’s monologue. Ibrahimovic, assisted by Del Piero, hits the post with a splendid drive (17’) while two minutes later Appiah shoots over the goalline. Capello’s squad is dangerous again on 29’ minutes when Ibrahimovic calls Toldo into action, the goalkeeper clears and Camoranesi tries to go on goal but defenders keep good guard. The Swedish striker gets dangerous on 34’ minutes but his right-footed kick is saved by Toldo into the corner. On 38’ minutes Camoranesi attempts on goal from the long distance but Toldo is ready.
JUVENTUS-INTER 0-1
GOALS: 24'fh Cruz
JUVENTUS: Buffon, Birindelli (11'sh Masiello), Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Appiah, Emerson (8'sh Blasi), Nedved, Del Piero (26'sh Zalayeta), Ibrahimovic. Manger: Capello. Substitutes: Chimenti, Masiello, Blasi, Tacchinardi, Kapo, Olivera, Zalayeta.
INTER: Toldo, Zanetti J., Cordoba, Mihajlovic, Favalli, Zé Maria, Zanetti C., Cambiasso, Kily Gonzalez (34'sh Stankovic), Martins (46'sh Karagounis), Cruz (31'sh Vieri). Manger: Mancini. Substitutes: Carini, Emre, Karagounis, Gamarra, Stankovic, Vieri, Andreolli.
REFEREE: De Santis
YELLOW CARDS: 14'fh Ibrahimovic, 21'fh Favalli, 22'fh Cordoba, 29'fh Appiah, 45'fh Cambiasso, 13'sh C. Zanetti, 26'sh Nedved, 35'sh Toldo
ATTENDANCE: 23.157
GATE TAKINGS: 629.809 €