Italians Unimpressed With Performances of Inter, Juventus
Copyright � 1998 Nando.net
Copyright � 1998 Reuters
ROME (Oct 1, 1998 - 12:03 EDT) - Italian critics were once again unimpressed by crack sides Inter Milan and Juventus in their Champions League matches on Wednesday.
Inter Milan were last minute 1-0 home winners against Austrian side Sturm Graz while Juventus were held to a 1-1 away draw by Norwegian team Rosenborg.
"Juventus In Trouble, Inter With Anger" read the headline in Thursday's sports daily Corriere Dello Sport .
Two weeks ago, both sides were heavily criticised after their opening Champions League ties when Inter lost 2-0 away to Real Madrid while Juventus were held 2-2 at home by Galatasaray.
Amidst much negative comment on Thursday, two players were singled out for praise - Inter's French midfielder Youri Djorkaeff, scorer of the last minute winner, and Juventus reserve goalkeeper Michelangelo Rampulla, who saved a penalty.
"Light a candle to Rampulla, Djorkaeff Yes," headlined Gazzetta Dello Sport, going on to comment:
"In the very last moment of the game, Inter climbed back on board the Champions League boat, a boat that was already headed for other shores and other destinies..."
Rome daily La Repubblica was likewise unimpressed by both Italian sides, commenting re Inter:
"This Sturm Graz wasn't up to much...yet even against a modest team like this...Inter struggled desperately."
Commentators acknowledged that Italy's teams are still far from fully competitive given the Serie A season started only in mid-September.
Gazzetta Dello Sport further argues that Inter were doubtless penalised by the injury-enforced absence of Brazilian star Ronaldo, adding:
"It may be banal to write this but, with Ronaldo on the pitch last night, the demons would have been seen off long before that final glorious second."
