Seven players back from international dutyAPPIANO GENTILE - The second training session of the week in preparation for Saturday's Serie A Week 2 home game against Udinese took place late this afternoon at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti.
After a warm-up the squad performed technical-tactical drills and played a mini-tournament on a small-sized pitch. Jonathan Biabiany, Coutinho, Samuel Eto'o, McDonald Mariga, Goran Pandev, Wesley Sneijder and Dejan Stankovic did light training on their return from international duty.
Maicon, Mancini, Thiago Motta and Nwankwo Obiora also trained apart.
Esteban Cambiasso, Cristian Chivu, Ivan Cordoba, Diego Milito, Walter Samuel and Javier Zanetti are due back from national team duty tomorrow.
Moratti: "Inter-Kaka? Not our idea"MILAN - Commenting on speculation linking Inter with Real Madrid and former AC Milan star Kaka, Massimo Moratti said: "I also read this news in the papers this morning. It could be a good idea, but it didn't come from us. Have I spoken to José Mourinho about this idea? Absolutely not."
The Inter president also commented on the remarks made by AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani, who said he would like to see Mario Balotelli with the Rossoneri. "Anything can happen," said Moratti.
Cordoba plays from start to finish in MonterreyMONTERREY - Inter's Ivan Ramiro Cordoba played the whole ninety minutes of Colombia's international friendly against Mexico at the Estadio Universitario in Monterrey on Tuesday night.
Mexico edged the South Americans 1-0 with a late goal from substitute Elias Hernandez in the 89th minute.
Ninety minutes for Zanetti, Cambiasso in big winBUENOS AIRES - Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso celebrated their recalls to the Argentina national team with a 4-1 victory over World and European champions Spain in an international friendly.
The Inter captain and Cambiasso played from start to finish, while Diego Milito and Walter Samuel were unused substitutes.
Argentina's goals were scored by Messi (10'), Higuain (13'), Tevez (34') and Aguero (90'), with Llorente (84') scoring a consolation for the Spaniards.
Coutinho sets up goal in Brazil friendlyBARCELONA - With Coutinho on the pitch for the first 45 minutes, Brazil beat Barcelona B 3-0 in a friendly match at the Catalan club's Ciudad Deportiva. The Inter midfielder assisted Pato for Brazil's second goal, which came in between first-half efforts from Robinho and Fernandinho.
Two wins, three draws in Euro qualifyingMILAN - The Nerazzurri away on Euro 2012 and Under-21 Euro 2011 qualifying duty notched up two wins and three draws on Tuesday night. Here's a round-up of the results:
Euro 2012 qualifying
Wesley Sneijder: 90 minutes in Holland 2-1 Finland (Huntelaar 7, pen 16, Forssell 18)
Cristian Chivu: 90 minutes in Belarus 0-0 Romania
Dejan Stankovic: 71 minutes in Serbia 1-1 Slovenia (Novakovic 63, Zigic 86)
Goran Pandev: 90 minutes in Macedonia 2-2 Armenia (Movsisyan 41, Gjurovski 42, Manucharyan 90, Maumoski 94)
Under-21 Euro 2011 qualifying
Jonathan Biabiany: 57 minutes in France 2-0 Malta (Kitambala 58, Yanga-Mbiwa 66)
Photos: ready to win with BenitezAPPIANO GENTILE - Technical director Marco Branca greeted Rafa Benitez and the players earlier this evening before watching the squad train ahead of Saturday's league visit of Udinese.
Photos: back to work ahead of UdineseAPPIANO GENTILE - The first full training session in preparation for Saturday's Serie A Week 2 match at home to Udinese took place earlier this evening at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti:
Training round-up: Mariga back to baseAPPIANO GENTILE - Kenyan midfielder McDonald Mariga trained with the squad on his return from international duty today. Also at work with their team-mates in the first full session of the week were Davide Santon and Julio Cesar.
The Nerazzurri kicked off Tuesday evening's workout with a warm-up and continued with a series of tactical practice matches on a small-sized pitch.
Maicon, Amantino Mancini, Thiago Motta and Nwankwo Obiora were put through individual sessions consisting of physiotherapy, cycling and exercises in the gym.
Three call-ups to Italy Under-16 squadMILAN - Our academy midfielders Alessandro Cannataro, Andrea Mira and Antonio Romano, all born in 1995, have been named to Antonio Rocca's Italy Under-16 squad for a training camp at the Coverciano training centre from 8 to 10 September.
Villa youngster Gardner shock Inter Milan target
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger
Inter Milan
Rafa Benitez
Aston Villa
Liverpool
Aston Villa youngster Gary Gardner is a shock target for Inter Milan.
The Daily Mail says Rafa Benitez trawled England for young talent towards the end of his reign at Liverpool - signing Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling among others - and it appears the Spaniard has passed on knowledge to his new employers.
Gardner is on his way back from a serious knee injury but has previously shown huge promise at England youth level, playing alongside Arsenal's Jack Wilshere in midfield.
Inter have also tracked Wilshere for more than two years, but know that prising the starlet from the Emirates Stadium will be impossible while Arsene Wenger continues to give him first-team opportunities.
While Gardner is a long-term target, Benitez has asked for new recruits when the transfer window opens in January.
Click here for the best Aston Villa coverage on the 'net. All your Villans news and gossip in one spot.
Man City signing Balotelli likened to Maradona
Diego
Inter Milan
Napoli
Manchester City
Former Inter Milan sports director Sandro Mazzola believes Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli can become a world star.
Mazzola has likened Balotelli to Napoli legend Diego Maradona.
He explained: "He reminds, if very distantly, of Maradona. Mario has the ability to be a champion.
"He is a player who has everything to be counted among the greatest: it depends only on what is in his mind."
Click here for the best Manchester City coverage on the 'net. All your City news and gossip in one spot.
Vieira defends Man City buying spree
Arsenal
Inter Milan
Chelsea
Manchester City
Patrick Vieira denies Manchester City's squad is overloaded.
Vieira, who won three league titles with Arsenal and four with Inter Milan, insists current Premier League champions Chelsea are proof that an extensive team is needed to secure silverware.
"When you look at the Chelsea bench they also have a good team on the sidelines," Vieira told the Manchester Evening News.
"But if you want to go from the start to the end you need everyone, and for everyone to be fully committed.
"Anything can happen in the first few months. Eleven players will start the first few games, but there are so many games to play, in so many competitions."
Inter Milan president Moratti planning sensational Kaka move
AC Milan
Inter Milan
Jose Mourinho
Kaka
Real Madrid
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti is planning to blow the January market wide open with a deal for Kaka.
Having seen AC Milan swoop for former Inter star Zlatan Ibrahimovic last week, Moratti isn't sitting on his hands and is drawing up plans to splash out for Real Madrid star Kaka.
Corriere dello Sport says Moratti has already spoken with Jose Mourinho about Kaka and knows a deal could be done for the winter market.
Real coach Mourinho is prepared to see Kaka sold, focusing on summer arrivals Sergio Canales and Mesut Ozil.
Everything will depend on Kaka getting over his knee surgery, but signs are that Moratti is prepared to shock his Rossoneri rivals by bringing the former World Player of the Year back to the San Siro - in Nerazzurri colours - in January.
Click here for the best Inter Milan coverage on the 'net. All your Nerazzurri news and gossip in one spot.
Bolton defender Cahill top target for Inter Milan
Arsenal
Inter Milan
Manchester United
Rafa Benitez
Bolton Wanderers
Liverpool
Tottenham
Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill is a target for Inter Milan.
Milan sources say Inter coach Rafa Benitez has the England international high on his shopping list for the January market.
The former Liverpool boss is keen to bring Cahill to Italy, particularly as he won't be Cup-tied from the Champions League.
The 25-year-old Bolton man is thought to be worth around £18m and is also of interest to Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham.
Click here for the best Bolton Wanderers coverage on the 'net. All your Trotters news and gossip in one spot.
Inter Milan boss Benitez will not give up on Liverpool midfielder Lucas
Barcelona
Inter Milan
Rafa Benitez
Javier Mascherano
Liverpool
Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez isn't ready to drop his bid for Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva.
It's been revealed Inter failed with a loan offer for the Brazil international on deadline day last week.
And Milan sources last night declared Benitez would attempt again to prise Lucas from Anfield in January.
After missing out on new Barcelona signing Javier Mascherano, Benitez still wants a defensive midfield signing and is focusing on Lucas.
While in charge of Liverpool, Benitez continually backed Lucas, despite the young midfielder being targeted by the Anfield boo-boys last season.
Click here for the best Liverpool coverage on the 'net. All your Reds news and gossip in one spot.
Ex-Inter Milan chief Mazzola: Napoli should not have sold Quagliarella
Inter Milan
Juventus
Napoli
Sandro Mazzola believes Napoli should never have sold Fabio Quagliarella to Juventus.
The former Inter Milan sports director, however, believes the Azzurri will enjoy a good season.
Mazzola said: "Buying Edinson Cavani is important, but I never would have sold Quagliarella, who with all the competitions they're in would certainly be useful - but there are also budgetary needs.
"Fabio is someone I've known for years who would have been happy in Azzurri.
"Napoli is a team that starts with many certainties, has changed little and the players know the methods of (coach Walter) Mazzarri, this year they will do very well."
Inter Milan president Moratti: Why the negativity?
AC Milan
Inter Milan
Robinho
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti is unhappy with the criticism over their lack of activity in the summer market.
With city rivals AC Milan acquiring the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho among their summer signings, the Nerazzurri supporters were disappointed with their club's low-key transfer dealings.
"We decided that to buy just for the sake of it was not worth it," said Moratti in an interview with Corriere dello Sport.
"We don't have an old team. We have won everything not 10 years ago but two months ago.
"I don't understand the pessimism of some people.
"Of course, if in January we need to intervene in the market, we will do it without a problem."
Last season's treble winning-team brought in youngsters Felipe Coutinho and Jonathan Biabiany as the only signings but did not make any significant additions to the squad.
Click here for the best Inter Milan coverage on the 'net. All your Nerazzurri news and gossip in one spot.
Bonucci confident with Juventus choice
Leonardo Bonucci is confident he made the right choice in signing with Juventus.
The young defender also was a summer target for Inter Milan.
“When I arrived I soon felt like I was in a family. Meeting an Agnelli there as President is the maximum,” Bonucci said. “The relationship with him seems as though it has lasted a lifetime.
“I know that I still must improve. The partnerships at Milan, Inter and Chiellini, the player, are all still superior without forgetting the duo of Burdisso and Juan.
“I will grow even more here and in 2012 I see myself together with Chiellini, Ranocchia and Bocchetti in forming the group of centre-backs at the next European Championship.
“My wish right now is to be Juve’s best signing [of the summer].”
Click here for the best Juventus coverage on the 'net. All your Juve news and gossip in one spot.
Sculli forgets Inter Milan to pen new Genoa deal
Giuseppe Sculli has performed a U-turn to sign a new five-year deal with Genoa.
The striker saw a move to Inter Milan fall through last month, despite saying an emotional goodbye to Genoa fans.
“There was interest from Inter and Roma, that is true,” said the 29-year-old.
“There is no one precise reason why the transfer to Inter didn't go through. It doesn't matter now, anyway.
"It is always pleasing to be appreciated by clubs like that, but at the end of the day I am here at Genoa and that’s what counts.
“I now consider this city to be my home, which the fans and club proved with their affection.”
Fiorentina, Arsenal chasing PSV Bosman prospect Afellay
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger
Fiorentina
Inter Milan
PSV
PSV Eindhoven
Robin Van Persie
Arsenal face a battle in their pursuit of PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Afellay.
Florence sources say Fiorentina are challenging Arsenal and Inter Milan for the Holland international, who is inside the final 12 months of his contract.
Robin van Persie is urging Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to move for Afellay, who can sign a pre-contract with a rival club from January 1.
Click here for the best Arsenal coverage on the 'net. All your Gunners news and gossip in one spot.
Agent: Man City deal for Balotelli an Italian sin
Inter Milan
Manchester City
Italian agent Moreno Roggi is disappointed seeing Mario Balotelli at Manchester City.
Roggi says the former Inter Milan striker should be playing in Serie A.
He said: "It is a great sin for Italian football to have lost such a talent, but it has only been made possible by the choice of Inter. England is an apt atmosphere for him and he will demonstrate to all his true value."
Click here for the best Manchester City coverage on the 'net. All your City news and gossip in one spot.
Inter Milan president Moratti cools talk of Cassano bid
Inter Milan
Roberto Mancini
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has poured cold water on the prospect of reviving a bid for Sampdoria star Antonio Cassano.
Moratti admits they did consider the Italy striker when Roberto Mancini was in charge.
"He has always been a good boy, now with the maturity to prove his talent. He is good for the national team, but as far as Inter we did not think about him," he said.
"There was a time when we were thinking with Mancini, but we did nothing more than talk about it."
Click here for the best Inter Milan coverage on the 'net. All your Nerazzurri news and gossip in one spot.
AC Milan striker Inzaghi happy with positive spirit of Ibrahimovic
AC Milan
Inter Milan
Pippo Inzaghi
Robinho
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Pippo Inzaghi is delighted with the positive impact new AC Milan signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already made.
His arrival, coupled with Robinho's signing, has reinforced Milan's already powerful attacking line.
"I have been struck by Ibrahimovic's enthusiasm," said Inzaghi. "He has come to the right team to win the Champions League.
"Now we are on the same level as Inter Milan.
"There is a lot of enthusiasm on and off the pitch."
Click here for the best AC Milan coverage on the 'net. All your Rossoneri news and gossip in one spot.
Inter Milan captain Zanetti unhappy with Ibrahimovic jibes
Inter Milan
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti is unhappy with Zlatan Ibrahimovic over comments made after signing with AC Milan.
The pair won the Scudetto together at Inter.
Zanetti said. “The two games with Milan are already in the diary. But I must clarify one thing here: Ibra was offended by a criticism that I never made.
“In Monte Carlo, I was asked for my opinion on his transfer, and I replied that there was a lot to expect from Milan after an important signing.
“Well, instead someone said that I expected his betrayal. He then followed suit [criticising me], and it was something that bothered me a lot.”
Click here for the best Inter Milan coverage on the 'net. All your Nerazzurri news and gossip in one spot.
Inter Star Maicon Doubtful For Udinese Clash - Report
Inter may not take any chances with Maicon in the match against Udinese on Saturday..
Rafael Benitez Is Fully Focused On Giving His Best For Inter - Agent
Inter's Rafael Benitez won't let a poor start disrupt his plans for this season, his agent claimed.
Massimo Moratti: Real Madrid's Kaka To Inter Is A Nice Idea, But Not Ours
Inter president Massimo Moratti has taken a 50-50 view of Kaka's potential to join his club.
Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini Claims Kaka Would Do Well At Inter, But Ernesto Paolillo Shoots Down Idea
Maurizio Zamparini tells Inter to sign Kaka, but Ernesto Paolillo backs off.
Inter To Get One Over On Milan By Signing Kaka From Real Madrid - Report
Inter plan Kaka move to get Milan back in the transfer war after the Rossoneri signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Inter To Launch Bid For Gary Cahill In January - Report
Inter could try to sign some promising Premier League players when the transfer window reopens in January.
Mario Balotelli Should Have Joined Napoli, Not Manchester City - Inter Legend Sandro Mazzola
Sandro Mazzola feels Mario Balotelli would have been better off staying in Serie A.
Milan Overtake Inter In Top Wage List - Report
Milan are ahead of Inter in the wage bill league table, claims La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Inter Eye Tottenham's Gareth Bale For January Transfer Window - Report
Tottenham wide man Gareth Bale is on Rafael Benitez's Inter transfer list.
Agent Moreno Roggi Believes Milan Will Challenge For The Scudetto After Successful Summer Transfer Campaign
Moreno Roggi believes that Milan can give Inter a run for their money in Serie A.
Inter President Massimo Moratti Insists Rafael Benitez Will Prove His Detractors WrongInter president Massimo Moratti is certain coach Rafael Benitez will do well with the Nerazzurri.
Inter Have Never Thought About Signing Antonio Cassano - Massimo MorattiMassimo Moratti claims Inter are unlikely to sign Sampdoria ace Antonio Cassano.
Udinese's Gokhan Inler Not Affected After Missing Out On Inter Move
Inler is not bothered after missing out on the chance to join Inter.
Spending On Transfers Would Have Been A Waste - Inter CEO Ernesto Paolillo
Inter's CEO Ernesto Paolillo has defended the club's decision to keep fists clenched.
Inter & Juventus Are Interested In Anderlecht Striker Romelu Lukaku - Agent
Romelu Lukaku's agent has added Juventus and Inter to the list of admirers.
Parma Defender Luca Antonelli Unsure As To Why He Did Not Join Inter
Parma wing-back Luca Antonelli still does not understand why he did not join Inter during the summer.
