'End of an era' as Roma's 'beating heart' Daniele De Rossi set to leave club after 18 years

Inter Milan moved above city rivals AC Milan into third place in Serie A with an exhilarating 3-2 derby victory at San Siro that ended a five-match winning run for Gennaro Gattuso's hosts.

Matias Vecino’s goal gave the Nerazzurri a deserved halftime lead before Stefan De Vrij and Lautaro Martinez, with a penalty, struck after the break, while goals from Milan's Tiemoue Bakayoko and Mateo Musacchio kept the Rossoneri in the game.

Inter coach Luciano Spalletti was facing increasing pressure after his side were knocked out of the Europa League in the last 16 by Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

However, he was left delighted as his team stretched their unbeaten Milan derby run to six games, their best spell since 1999, and moved to 53 points, two clear of fourth-placed Milan.

“We need to say well done to Lautaro for the penalty, well done to (Ivan) Perisic for the runs, well done to everyone for all you did. Bravo, bravo to everyone in that dressing room," Spalletti told Italian broadcasters.

“I thought Milan put in a very strong performance and Gennaro Gattuso ought to be proud of his players. When it’s this open and exciting, anyone can win or lose.

"The city of Milan earned this Derby della Madonnina and were rewarded with a wonderful night of football. We both honoured the derby.”

Inter went in front within three minutes when Martinez rose at the back post to head Ivan Perisic's cross into the six-yard box, where Vecino was on hand to smash home from close range.

They doubled their lead in the 51st with De Vrij's superb header beyond keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma but Milan took six minutes to pull a goal back as Bakayoko headed his first goal since joining on loan from Chelsea in the close season.

Milan substitute Sami Castillejo then tripped winger Matteo Politano and Martinez converted the penalty in the 67th.

But Inter were pegged back four minutes later when Musacchio scored from the rebound after keeper Samir Handanovic parried a goal-bound deflection from team mate Danilo D’Ambrosio.

There was controversy in the final few minutes when Milan substitute Andrea Conti got a straight red card for a tackle on Martinez, only for the referee to downgrade his punishment to a booking after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

Spalletti was furious and got sent off for his protests, but his side held on thanks to a late goal-line block by D’Ambrosio from Patrick Cutrone’s goal-bound effort.

Inter Milan moved above city rivals AC Milan into third place in Serie A with an exhilarating 3-2 derby victory at San Siro that ended a five-match winning run for Gennaro Gattuso's hosts.

Inter Milan moved above city rivals AC Milan into third place in Serie A with an exhilarating 3-2 derby victory at San Siro that ended a five-match winning run for Gennaro Gattuso's hosts. Matias Vecino’s goal gave the Nerazzurri a deserved halftime lead before Stefan De Vrij and Lautaro Martinez, with a penalty, struck after the break, while goals from Milan's Tiemoue Bakayoko and Mateo Musacchio kept the Rossoneri in the game. Inter coach Luciano Spalletti was facing increasing pressure after his side were knocked out of the Europa League in the last 16 by Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday. However, he was left delighted as his team stretched their unbeaten Milan derby run to six games, their best spell since 1999, and moved to 53 points, two clear of fourth-placed Milan. “We need to say well done to Lautaro for the penalty, well done to (Ivan) Perisic for the runs, well done to everyone for all you did. Bravo, bravo to everyone in that dressing room," Spalletti told Italian broadcasters. “I thought Milan put in a very strong performance and Gennaro Gattuso ought to be proud of his players. When it’s this open and exciting, anyone can win or lose. "The city of Milan earned this Derby della Madonnina and were rewarded with a wonderful night of football. We both honoured the derby.” Inter went in front within three minutes when Martinez rose at the back post to head Ivan Perisic's cross into the six-yard box, where Vecino was on hand to smash home from close range. They doubled their lead in the 51st with De Vrij's superb header beyond keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma but Milan took six minutes to pull a goal back as Bakayoko headed his first goal since joining on loan from Chelsea in the close season. Milan substitute Sami Castillejo then tripped winger Matteo Politano and Martinez converted the penalty in the 67th. But Inter were pegged back four minutes later when Musacchio scored from the rebound after keeper Samir Handanovic parried a goal-bound deflection from team mate Danilo D’Ambrosio. There was controversy in the final few minutes when Milan substitute Andrea Conti got a straight red card for a tackle on Martinez, only for the referee to downgrade his punishment to a booking after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. Spalletti was furious and got sent off for his protests, but his side held on thanks to a late goal-line block by D’Ambrosio from Patrick Cutrone’s goal-bound effort.

Inter edge Milan in five-goal derby thriller to go third

Inter Milan ended a turbulent week by beating Sampdoria 2-1 in Serie A on Sunday under the gaze of injured top scorer Mauro Icardi.

The Argentine striker was stripped of the captaincy on Wednesday amid protracted negotiations over a new contract and he refused to travel for their Europa League fixture against Rapid Vienna the following day.

The club subsequently announced Icardi would miss the visit of Sampdoria through injury and the 25-year-old watched from the stands at San Siro as new captain Samir Handanovic led out the team.

Danilo D’Ambrosio and Radja Nainggolan struck for the Nerazzurri either side of Samp substitute Manolo Gabbiadini’s goal in the space of five second-half minutes.

The victory relieved the pressure on coach Luciano Spalletti as Inter restored a four-point cushion over rivals AC Milan in third place with their second consecutive league win.

Spalletti had a message for his star striker after the game.

“I very much appreciated that he was in the stadium and I would’ve appreciated it even more if he had come into the dressing room afterwards to celebrate with us as it was a very important victory for the team and he is part of this group,” he told Italian broadcasters.

“There are more steps to be made, which are for him to come to the dressing room, to enjoy being a part of this very good group, to relish wearing the glorious jersey of a club like Inter, that sort of thing.”

It took 73 minutes for the first goal to be scored and it came from an unlikely source as fullback D’Ambrosio poked in Ivan Perisic’s low cross to score his first goal of the season.

The lead lasted three minutes before substitute Gabbiadini scored with his first touch, the striker profiting from some hesitant defending to finish into the corner.

Nainggolan restored Inter’s lead two minutes later with a well-taken finish from the edge of the area.

Inter remain in third place on 46 points, while Sampdoria are 10th on 33 points having won just one of their last six Serie A matches.

Inter Milan ended a turbulent week by beating Sampdoria 2-1 in Serie A on Sunday under the gaze of injured top scorer Mauro Icardi. The Argentine striker was stripped of the captaincy on Wednesday amid protracted negotiations over a new contract and he refused to travel for their Europa League fixture against Rapid Vienna the following day.

Inter Milan ended a turbulent week by beating Sampdoria 2-1 in Serie A on Sunday under the gaze of injured top scorer Mauro Icardi. The Argentine striker was stripped of the captaincy on Wednesday amid protracted negotiations over a new contract and he refused to travel for their Europa League fixture against Rapid Vienna the following day. The club subsequently announced Icardi would miss the visit of Sampdoria through injury and the 25-year-old watched from the stands at San Siro as new captain Samir Handanovic led out the team. Danilo D’Ambrosio and Radja Nainggolan struck for the Nerazzurri either side of Samp substitute Manolo Gabbiadini’s goal in the space of five second-half minutes. The victory relieved the pressure on coach Luciano Spalletti as Inter restored a four-point cushion over rivals AC Milan in third place with their second consecutive league win. Spalletti had a message for his star striker after the game. “I very much appreciated that he was in the stadium and I would’ve appreciated it even more if he had come into the dressing room afterwards to celebrate with us as it was a very important victory for the team and he is part of this group,” he told Italian broadcasters. “There are more steps to be made, which are for him to come to the dressing room, to enjoy being a part of this very good group, to relish wearing the glorious jersey of a club like Inter, that sort of thing.” It took 73 minutes for the first goal to be scored and it came from an unlikely source as fullback D’Ambrosio poked in Ivan Perisic’s low cross to score his first goal of the season. The lead lasted three minutes before substitute Gabbiadini scored with his first touch, the striker profiting from some hesitant defending to finish into the corner. Nainggolan restored Inter’s lead two minutes later with a well-taken finish from the edge of the area. Inter remain in third place on 46 points, while Sampdoria are 10th on 33 points having won just one of their last six Serie A matches.

Inter Milan edge past Sampdoria as Icardi watches from stand

Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti said on Friday it was time to say "Enough" to racism and hatred in soccer following incidents before and during Wednesday's 1-0 win over Napoli.

Inter fans made animal noises and racist chants at Napoli’s Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly during the match, while one fan was killed when he was hit by a car during a violent clash near the stadium before kickoff.

Other coaches also condemned the incidents although they had differing opinions on how to stop the problem.

Inter, who visit Empoli on Saturday, have been ordered to play their next two home games behind closed doors because of the incidents involving Koulibaly.

"I condemn (what happened) with no ifs and buts," Spalletti told a news conference.

"It's the moment to say 'Enough' to hatred in football, 'Enough' to racism and any form of discrimination in the stadium," he said.

"'Enough' to those who celebrate the Heysel or Superga disasters," he added, referring to the Brussels tragedy in which 39 people, mostly Juventus fans, died in 1985, and the 1949 air crash where Torino players and officials were among the 31 dead.

"'Enough' to jeering a coach or a player for 90 minutes... 'Enough' to hatred in football in general. That is the main thing."

Spalletti said that Inter were "with Koulibaly, as we are at the side of all those who are targeted during the games".

"It's very disappointing not to play in front of our own crowd but, if it's the price we have to pay to win this battle, we'll do it willingly," he added.

AS Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco agreed with Napoli's Carlo Ancelotti, who said on Wednesday that his team will walk off the pitch if there is a repeat of the incident.

"I fully agree with what he says," he said. "If the state cannot deal with the problem, then it is up to us to give an important response."

AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso also backed Ancelotti.

"We just need to have the courage to do it," he said. "If the coach has the courage, then it becomes easier for everyone else.

"But this isn't just a problem in our country, because I've seen bananas thrown into the pitch in others."

Education needed

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri, however, said he did not believe that stopping matches was the answer.

"I don't tolerate any form of racism or insults about tragedies and deaths, but we should not stop games," he said.

"We need to educate children when they start school. And we, presidents, coaches and players, need to be aware that our words carry weight and influence people. We must be more responsible."

Former Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri, now with English Premier League side Chelsea, remembered that two matches were interrupted because of racist incidents when he was in charge of the team.

"I'm really very sorry for Kalidou because he is a wonderful man," he said. "I'm sorry for him but I think in Italy we can do something more about this problem."

Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti said on Friday it was time to say "Enough" to racism and hatred in soccer following incidents before and during Wednesday's 1-0 win over Napoli.

Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti said on Friday it was time to say "Enough" to racism and hatred in soccer following incidents before and during Wednesday's 1-0 win over Napoli. Inter fans made animal noises and racist chants at Napoli’s Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly during the match, while one fan was killed when he was hit by a car during a violent clash near the stadium before kickoff. Other coaches also condemned the incidents although they had differing opinions on how to stop the problem. Inter, who visit Empoli on Saturday, have been ordered to play their next two home games behind closed doors because of the incidents involving Koulibaly. "I condemn (what happened) with no ifs and buts," Spalletti told a news conference. "It's the moment to say 'Enough' to hatred in football, 'Enough' to racism and any form of discrimination in the stadium," he said. "'Enough' to those who celebrate the Heysel or Superga disasters," he added, referring to the Brussels tragedy in which 39 people, mostly Juventus fans, died in 1985, and the 1949 air crash where Torino players and officials were among the 31 dead. "'Enough' to jeering a coach or a player for 90 minutes... 'Enough' to hatred in football in general. That is the main thing." Spalletti said that Inter were "with Koulibaly, as we are at the side of all those who are targeted during the games". "It's very disappointing not to play in front of our own crowd but, if it's the price we have to pay to win this battle, we'll do it willingly," he added. AS Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco agreed with Napoli's Carlo Ancelotti, who said on Wednesday that his team will walk off the pitch if there is a repeat of the incident. "I fully agree with what he says," he said. "If the state cannot deal with the problem, then it is up to us to give an important response." AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso also backed Ancelotti. "We just need to have the courage to do it," he said. "If the coach has the courage, then it becomes easier for everyone else. "But this isn't just a problem in our country, because I've seen bananas thrown into the pitch in others." Education needed Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri, however, said he did not believe that stopping matches was the answer. "I don't tolerate any form of racism or insults about tragedies and deaths, but we should not stop games," he said. "We need to educate children when they start school. And we, presidents, coaches and players, need to be aware that our words carry weight and influence people. We must be more responsible." Former Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri, now with English Premier League side Chelsea, remembered that two matches were interrupted because of racist incidents when he was in charge of the team. "I'm really very sorry for Kalidou because he is a wonderful man," he said. "I'm sorry for him but I think in Italy we can do something more about this problem."

'That's enough,' says Inter coach Luciano Spalletti, after racism and violence

A stoppage-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez gave Inter Milan a 1-0 win over Napoli who complained about racist chanting aimed at their Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, one of two players sent off in a stormy finish to Wednesday's game.

Koulibaly was dismissed in the 81st minute after he was first booked for a foul on Matteo Politano and was then shown a second yellow card for sarcastically applauding the referee's decision.

The defeat meant that second-placed Napoli dropped nine points behind leaders Juventus, who earlier drew 2-2 at Atalanta, while the gap between them and third-placed Inter was cut to five.

Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti said that they had asked three times for the game to be stopped due to the abuse aimed at Koulibaly but that the only action taken was to make announcements to the crowd.

He said that the Senegalese player was put on edge by the crowd's behaviour and that his red card "influenced" the outcome of the match.

"The next time we will stop playing and leave the pitch, even if we have to lose the match," Ancelotti told reporters.

The game got off to an extraordinary start when, from the kickoff, the ball was played to Inter forward Mauro Icardi who spotted Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret off his line and produced a looping shot which bound off the crossbar.

Koulibaly rescued Napoli before halftime by clearing a Icardi shot off the line with Meret beaten and his sending-off dramatically changed the course of a previously uneventful second half.

It was Napoli who nearly grabbed a last-minute winner when Lorenzo Insigne's shot was saved by Samir Handanovic and Piotr Zielinski's shot from the rebound was cleared off the line by Kwadwo Asamoah.

Instead, Inter celebrated when Martinez turned in Keita Balde's low cross from near the penalty spot.

Tempers flared again when Insigne was sent off following a clash with Balde although replays showed that the Inter player started it by tweaking Insigne's ear.

"I saw a strong Inter tonight from start to finish and we deserved the win," said Inter coach Luciano Spalletti.

"Of course, we could have lost without Asamoah's clearance but it was a great game between two teams playing good football."

A stoppage-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez gave Inter Milan a 1-0 win over Napoli who complained about racist chanting aimed at their Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, one of two players sent off in a stormy finish to Wednesday's game.

A stoppage-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez gave Inter Milan a 1-0 win over Napoli who complained about racist chanting aimed at their Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, one of two players sent off in a stormy finish to Wednesday's game. Koulibaly was dismissed in the 81st minute after he was first booked for a foul on Matteo Politano and was then shown a second yellow card for sarcastically applauding the referee's decision. The defeat meant that second-placed Napoli dropped nine points behind leaders Juventus, who earlier drew 2-2 at Atalanta, while the gap between them and third-placed Inter was cut to five. Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti said that they had asked three times for the game to be stopped due to the abuse aimed at Koulibaly but that the only action taken was to make announcements to the crowd. He said that the Senegalese player was put on edge by the crowd's behaviour and that his red card "influenced" the outcome of the match. "The next time we will stop playing and leave the pitch, even if we have to lose the match," Ancelotti told reporters. The game got off to an extraordinary start when, from the kickoff, the ball was played to Inter forward Mauro Icardi who spotted Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret off his line and produced a looping shot which bound off the crossbar. Koulibaly rescued Napoli before halftime by clearing a Icardi shot off the line with Meret beaten and his sending-off dramatically changed the course of a previously uneventful second half. It was Napoli who nearly grabbed a last-minute winner when Lorenzo Insigne's shot was saved by Samir Handanovic and Piotr Zielinski's shot from the rebound was cleared off the line by Kwadwo Asamoah. Instead, Inter celebrated when Martinez turned in Keita Balde's low cross from near the penalty spot. Tempers flared again when Insigne was sent off following a clash with Balde although replays showed that the Inter player started it by tweaking Insigne's ear. "I saw a strong Inter tonight from start to finish and we deserved the win," said Inter coach Luciano Spalletti. "Of course, we could have lost without Asamoah's clearance but it was a great game between two teams playing good football."

Inter Milan snatch late win in match marred by racism allegations

The bid to reach the knockout stages of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=champions+league">Champions League</a> reaches its climax this week with Inter Milan, Paris St Germain and Liverpool among seven clubs sweating on taking the remaining four places for the last 16.

Tuesday includes a number of blockbuster encounters as Liverpool hope for one of those magical European nights at Anfield against Napoli in Group C, while Inter will be relying on Group B winners Barcelona to do them a favour and see off Tottenham Hotspur.

Juergen Klopp's Liverpool, sitting third in the group on six points behind PSG (eight) and leaders Napoli (nine), must win to have any chance of progress while the Serie A side need just a draw at Anfield to guarantee their spot in the next round.

Napoli could even lose and still go through if PSG lose to Red Star Belgrade.

Should Neymar and co prevail in Serbia, Liverpool would need to win 1-0 or by two goals or more due to pip Napoli on their head-to-head record. Liverpool's Egypt striker Mo Salah certainly looks capable having scored a superb hat-trick at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

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If Napoli, PSG and Liverpool all finish on nine points, the Merseyside club would finish top with second place determined by the scoreline at Anfield.

A group stage exit for PSG would be humiliating for new manager Thomas Tuchel given the club's Qatari owners' desperation to see the French champions conquer Europe.

They have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League in every season since 2012-13 but have never gone on to reach the final.

After claiming one point from their first three matches in Group B Tottenham looked out of contention but consective wins against PSV Eindhoven and Inter mean they head to the Nou Camp in second place and knowing a win will guarantee them a place in the last-16 for the third time.

Luciano Spalletti's Inter side, who are level with Tottenham on seven points but below them on head-to-head, lost 1-0 to Serie A leaders Juventus on Friday but will be heavy favourites at home to bottom side PSV who have just one point from seven matches in the Champions League this season.

Tottenham lost 4-2 against Barcelona in the home leg at Wembley, but may have an advantage in the fact that Barca have already qualified as group winners and may take a leisurely approach as they wind down for the mid-season break.

Mauricio Pochettino's team also do not necessarily need a win, as merely matching Inter's result will do.

On Wednesday, Lyon and Shakhtar Donetsk will face each other in the final showdown for a last 16 place in Group F.

The French side sit second on seven points, two ahead of the Ukrainians and so only need a draw to qualify.

Shakhtar must get maximum points to seal their fifth appearance in the competition's round of 16.

The 12 teams who have qualified already for the knockout stages are Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United, Porto, Real Madrid, Roma and Schalke 04.

However, only Barca, Porto and Real have clinched top spot in their respective groups.

The bid to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League reaches its climax this week with Inter Milan, Paris St Germain and Liverpool among seven clubs sweating on taking the remaining four places for the last 16.

The bid to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League reaches its climax this week with Inter Milan, Paris St Germain and Liverpool among seven clubs sweating on taking the remaining four places for the last 16. Tuesday includes a number of blockbuster encounters as Liverpool hope for one of those magical European nights at Anfield against Napoli in Group C, while Inter will be relying on Group B winners Barcelona to do them a favour and see off Tottenham Hotspur. Juergen Klopp's Liverpool, sitting third in the group on six points behind PSG (eight) and leaders Napoli (nine), must win to have any chance of progress while the Serie A side need just a draw at Anfield to guarantee their spot in the next round. Napoli could even lose and still go through if PSG lose to Red Star Belgrade. Should Neymar and co prevail in Serbia, Liverpool would need to win 1-0 or by two goals or more due to pip Napoli on their head-to-head record. Liverpool's Egypt striker Mo Salah certainly looks capable having scored a superb hat-trick at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday. Monday nights under those Melwood lights. 💪💫 pic.twitter.com/WYUFcg2HTW — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 10, 2018 × If Napoli, PSG and Liverpool all finish on nine points, the Merseyside club would finish top with second place determined by the scoreline at Anfield. A group stage exit for PSG would be humiliating for new manager Thomas Tuchel given the club's Qatari owners' desperation to see the French champions conquer Europe. They have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League in every season since 2012-13 but have never gone on to reach the final. After claiming one point from their first three matches in Group B Tottenham looked out of contention but consective wins against PSV Eindhoven and Inter mean they head to the Nou Camp in second place and knowing a win will guarantee them a place in the last-16 for the third time. Luciano Spalletti's Inter side, who are level with Tottenham on seven points but below them on head-to-head, lost 1-0 to Serie A leaders Juventus on Friday but will be heavy favourites at home to bottom side PSV who have just one point from seven matches in the Champions League this season. Tottenham lost 4-2 against Barcelona in the home leg at Wembley, but may have an advantage in the fact that Barca have already qualified as group winners and may take a leisurely approach as they wind down for the mid-season break. Mauricio Pochettino's team also do not necessarily need a win, as merely matching Inter's result will do. On Wednesday, Lyon and Shakhtar Donetsk will face each other in the final showdown for a last 16 place in Group F. The French side sit second on seven points, two ahead of the Ukrainians and so only need a draw to qualify. Shakhtar must get maximum points to seal their fifth appearance in the competition's round of 16. The 12 teams who have qualified already for the knockout stages are Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United, Porto, Real Madrid, Roma and Schalke 04. However, only Barca, Porto and Real have clinched top spot in their respective groups.

Champions League: Inter, PSG and Liverpool sweat over last-16 spots

Barcelona qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League despite Mauro Icardi snatching a late 1-1 draw for Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday.

Ice cold Icardi struck with his first shot of the match in the 87th minute to grab a draw from a match Barcelona dominated from the start, just four minutes after a neat curling strike from substitute Malcom gave the away side a fully deserved lead.

"We played the best team in the world and they scored a typical Barcelona goal, but we never gave up, we kept fighting," Icardi told Sky Sport Italia.

"We didn't give up after they scored and fortunately the ball bounced to me... There was a bit of luck that the ball arrived there."

The Argentine pounced in a goalmouth scramble, spinning and firing home from close range, and rewarding a brilliant performance from keeper Samir Handanovic that kept Inter in a game they in which they struggled to get a foothold.

"We could not clear a silly ball inside the area and we paid for it," said Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets.

"I think we have deserved more. We were more ambitious and we dominated the whole game."&nbsp;

- Dominance -

Barca, without injured Lionel Messi, were left to lament throwing away three points from a game in which they created more than enough chances to win but couldn't get past the superb Slovenia international in the Inter goal.

"I think Barcelona played far better than us and we could've done more. They came forward too easily in the first half and when you leave them possession constantly, you are going to be pinned back," said Handanovic.

Barca were on the front foot from kick-off and Ousmane Dembele forced Handanovic into the first of a series of fine saves with a sharp curling strike just a minute into the game.

That dominance continued throughout the almost the entire match as Barca had almost complete command of the ball and goalscoring chances, Inter's best opportunity before Icardi's leveller coming in the 19th minute when Kwadwo Asamoah flashed over Ivan Perisic's low cross.

Inter struggled to string passes together under the weight of Barca's pressing, and Handanovic had to be at his best to stop fine efforts from Luis Suarez and former Inter player Philippe Coutinho putting the away side ahead before the break.

The Slovenia international made his best save just before the hour mark when he charged out to block Ivan Rakitic's shot as the Croatian bore down on goal.

He was eventually beaten just as it looked like he was going to save Inter from conceding so many chances, Malcom scampering down the right in the 83rd minute before ripping home a shot between two Inter players.

But his saves kept the hosts in the game right until the end, and Icardi took the one chance he had to save a point.

"We just switched off a bit in the final moments," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. "We know that Inter have picked up a lot of points in the last minutes. 
"But we're happy because our main goal of qualifying is achieved. The one that's left is for us to get first place."

Barcelona qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League despite Mauro Icardi snatching a late 1-1 draw for Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday. Ice cold Icardi struck with his first shot of the match in the 87th minute to grab a draw from a match Barcelona dominated from the start, just four minutes after a neat curling strike from substitute Malcom gave the away side a fully deserved lead.

Barcelona qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League despite Mauro Icardi snatching a late 1-1 draw for Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday. Ice cold Icardi struck with his first shot of the match in the 87th minute to grab a draw from a match Barcelona dominated from the start, just four minutes after a neat curling strike from substitute Malcom gave the away side a fully deserved lead. "We played the best team in the world and they scored a typical Barcelona goal, but we never gave up, we kept fighting," Icardi told Sky Sport Italia. "We didn't give up after they scored and fortunately the ball bounced to me... There was a bit of luck that the ball arrived there." The Argentine pounced in a goalmouth scramble, spinning and firing home from close range, and rewarding a brilliant performance from keeper Samir Handanovic that kept Inter in a game they in which they struggled to get a foothold. "We could not clear a silly ball inside the area and we paid for it," said Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets. "I think we have deserved more. We were more ambitious and we dominated the whole game." - Dominance - Barca, without injured Lionel Messi, were left to lament throwing away three points from a game in which they created more than enough chances to win but couldn't get past the superb Slovenia international in the Inter goal. "I think Barcelona played far better than us and we could've done more. They came forward too easily in the first half and when you leave them possession constantly, you are going to be pinned back," said Handanovic. Barca were on the front foot from kick-off and Ousmane Dembele forced Handanovic into the first of a series of fine saves with a sharp curling strike just a minute into the game. That dominance continued throughout the almost the entire match as Barca had almost complete command of the ball and goalscoring chances, Inter's best opportunity before Icardi's leveller coming in the 19th minute when Kwadwo Asamoah flashed over Ivan Perisic's low cross. Inter struggled to string passes together under the weight of Barca's pressing, and Handanovic had to be at his best to stop fine efforts from Luis Suarez and former Inter player Philippe Coutinho putting the away side ahead before the break. The Slovenia international made his best save just before the hour mark when he charged out to block Ivan Rakitic's shot as the Croatian bore down on goal. He was eventually beaten just as it looked like he was going to save Inter from conceding so many chances, Malcom scampering down the right in the 83rd minute before ripping home a shot between two Inter players. But his saves kept the hosts in the game right until the end, and Icardi took the one chance he had to save a point. "We just switched off a bit in the final moments," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. "We know that Inter have picked up a lot of points in the last minutes. "But we're happy because our main goal of qualifying is achieved. The one that's left is for us to get first place."

Barcelona through to last 16 of Champions League despite Icardi equaliser

Barcelona&nbsp;came through their first test without the injured Lionel Messi, earning a convincing 2-0 win at home to Inter Milan to take control of Champions League Group B on Wednesday.

Midfielder Rafinha opened the scoring against the club where he spent the latter half of last season, bursting through the middle and finding Luis Suarez, then turning the Uruguayan's cross in on the volley in the 32nd minute.

Spanish left-back Jordi Alba killed off Inter's resistance late in the second half with a thumping low finish, snapping the Italian side's winning streak of seven games in all competitions and sealing a third straight win in the Champions League for Ernesto Valverde's side.

Barca top Group B with nine points while Inter are second on six, with PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham Hotspur locked on a point each.

A victory for the Catalans away to Inter at the San Siro in two weeks' time will seal their place in the last 16 of Europe's elite competition, in which they have underachieved since lifting the trophy in 2015.

"We still miss Messi but we wanted to miss him while winning. We had a great opponent in front of us and we prevented them from playing and got a great result," Valverde said.

"We were very happy because it was a vital game, we were all waiting to see what would happen without Messi but we responded well."

With Messi watching on from the stands, his right arm in a cast after fracturing it against Sevilla on Saturday, the Catalans initially appeared to lack some of their usual swagger.

They survived an early scare when a low cross fell to Inter captain Mauro Icardi but the Argentine, a former Barca youth player, sent the ball over the bar.

Barca soon began to dominate the game, however, with Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo dictating the pace from deep in a manner reminiscent of former midfield great Xavi. He helped Barca monopolise possession and starved Inter of any memorable chances before the break.

"Barca are better with Messi around, but they also know how to do well without him, as we saw today," said Inter coach Luciano Spalletti.

"They know exactly how they want to play, they move the ball with speed and they press you a lot high up the pitch."

The Italians reacted well after the interval and had a couple of dangerous spells without troubling Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

But Barca quickly retook control and Alba wrapped up a win which should give them plenty of confidence heading into Sunday's 'Clasico' against Real Madrid and, above all, the belief they do not need Messi on the pitch to beat one of Europe's best sides.

"Winning this game gives us an emotional boost for the 'Clasico'," added Valverde.

"It will be an exciting game but I don't think we'll have any advantage. We need to keep playing with the solidarity and team spirit which we showed today."

Barcelona came through their first test without the injured Lionel Messi, earning a convincing 2-0 win at home to Inter Milan to take control of Champions League Group B on Wednesday.

Barcelona came through their first test without the injured Lionel Messi, earning a convincing 2-0 win at home to Inter Milan to take control of Champions League Group B on Wednesday. Midfielder Rafinha opened the scoring against the club where he spent the latter half of last season, bursting through the middle and finding Luis Suarez, then turning the Uruguayan's cross in on the volley in the 32nd minute. Spanish left-back Jordi Alba killed off Inter's resistance late in the second half with a thumping low finish, snapping the Italian side's winning streak of seven games in all competitions and sealing a third straight win in the Champions League for Ernesto Valverde's side. Barca top Group B with nine points while Inter are second on six, with PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham Hotspur locked on a point each. A victory for the Catalans away to Inter at the San Siro in two weeks' time will seal their place in the last 16 of Europe's elite competition, in which they have underachieved since lifting the trophy in 2015. "We still miss Messi but we wanted to miss him while winning. We had a great opponent in front of us and we prevented them from playing and got a great result," Valverde said. "We were very happy because it was a vital game, we were all waiting to see what would happen without Messi but we responded well." With Messi watching on from the stands, his right arm in a cast after fracturing it against Sevilla on Saturday, the Catalans initially appeared to lack some of their usual swagger. They survived an early scare when a low cross fell to Inter captain Mauro Icardi but the Argentine, a former Barca youth player, sent the ball over the bar. Barca soon began to dominate the game, however, with Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo dictating the pace from deep in a manner reminiscent of former midfield great Xavi. He helped Barca monopolise possession and starved Inter of any memorable chances before the break. "Barca are better with Messi around, but they also know how to do well without him, as we saw today," said Inter coach Luciano Spalletti. "They know exactly how they want to play, they move the ball with speed and they press you a lot high up the pitch." The Italians reacted well after the interval and had a couple of dangerous spells without troubling Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. But Barca quickly retook control and Alba wrapped up a win which should give them plenty of confidence heading into Sunday's 'Clasico' against Real Madrid and, above all, the belief they do not need Messi on the pitch to beat one of Europe's best sides. "Winning this game gives us an emotional boost for the 'Clasico'," added Valverde. "It will be an exciting game but I don't think we'll have any advantage. We need to keep playing with the solidarity and team spirit which we showed today."

No Messi, no problem as Barcelona sink Inter

Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi scored with a stoppage-time header to give his side a 1-0 win over neighbours AC Milan in their derby at San Siro on Sunday.

The match was heading for a tame goalless draw until Matias Vecino floated over a long cross from the right, Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was caught in no man's land and Icardi scored at the far post in the 92nd minute.

The Argentina forward, who missed two goals when the sides drew 0-0 in April in their previous meeting, had barely been involved in the game until that point, apart from having an early goal chalked off for offside.

Mateo Musacchio also had one disallowed for Milan just before halftime.

Inter went third in Serie A with 19 points from nine games, six behind leaders Juventus who drew 1-1 at home to Genoa on Saturday. Milan are 12th with 12 points, having played one game fewer.

Both coaches agreed that Inter deserved to win. "I wanted us to score earlier," said Inter coach Luciano Spalletti. "We obviously deserved to win as we spent most of the game in their half."

His opposite number Gennaro Gattuso agreed that "Inter did more to earn the points."

"The team did well, the only regret is we didn't exploit some counter-attacks towards the end. We have to look ahead, but it burns."

Milan created very few chances and striker Gonzalo Higuain had to feed off scraps.

The first half was a bad-tempered but entertaining affair while the second half was disappointing and was petering out until Icardi's goal from out of the blue.

Tempers flared when Milan midfielder Lucas Biglia caught his opposite number Radja Nainggolan with a late tackle from behind and both players went down injured.

Biglia was booked and an angry Nainggolan had to go off shortly afterwards.

Despite losing the combative Belgian, Inter were enjoying the better of the first half and defender Stefan de Vrij volleyed against the post, then a last-ditch tackle by Alessio Romagnoli denied Icardi a scoring chance.

Milan thought they had scored when Musacchio managed to turn the ball in at the far post just before halftime but the linesman flagged and replays showed he was offside when Romagnoli flicked the ball on.

Inter had a golden chance to go ahead from the next attack but Vecino fired wildly over from a free position after Ivan Perisic cut the ball back into the area.

Inter were more adventurous after halftime and lived up to their reputation of leaving it late - Icardi's goal was the seventh time they have scored in the last 15 minutes this season, more than any other Serie A side.

Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi scored with a stoppage-time header to give his side a 1-0 win over neighbours AC Milan in their derby at San Siro on Sunday. The match was heading for a tame goalless draw until Matias Vecino floated over a long cross from the right, Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was caught in no man's land and Icardi scored at the far post in the 92nd minute.

Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi scored with a stoppage-time header to give his side a 1-0 win over neighbours AC Milan in their derby at San Siro on Sunday. The match was heading for a tame goalless draw until Matias Vecino floated over a long cross from the right, Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was caught in no man's land and Icardi scored at the far post in the 92nd minute. The Argentina forward, who missed two goals when the sides drew 0-0 in April in their previous meeting, had barely been involved in the game until that point, apart from having an early goal chalked off for offside. Mateo Musacchio also had one disallowed for Milan just before halftime. Inter went third in Serie A with 19 points from nine games, six behind leaders Juventus who drew 1-1 at home to Genoa on Saturday. Milan are 12th with 12 points, having played one game fewer. Both coaches agreed that Inter deserved to win. "I wanted us to score earlier," said Inter coach Luciano Spalletti. "We obviously deserved to win as we spent most of the game in their half." His opposite number Gennaro Gattuso agreed that "Inter did more to earn the points." "The team did well, the only regret is we didn't exploit some counter-attacks towards the end. We have to look ahead, but it burns." Milan created very few chances and striker Gonzalo Higuain had to feed off scraps. The first half was a bad-tempered but entertaining affair while the second half was disappointing and was petering out until Icardi's goal from out of the blue. Tempers flared when Milan midfielder Lucas Biglia caught his opposite number Radja Nainggolan with a late tackle from behind and both players went down injured. Biglia was booked and an angry Nainggolan had to go off shortly afterwards. Despite losing the combative Belgian, Inter were enjoying the better of the first half and defender Stefan de Vrij volleyed against the post, then a last-ditch tackle by Alessio Romagnoli denied Icardi a scoring chance. Milan thought they had scored when Musacchio managed to turn the ball in at the far post just before halftime but the linesman flagged and replays showed he was offside when Romagnoli flicked the ball on. Inter had a golden chance to go ahead from the next attack but Vecino fired wildly over from a free position after Ivan Perisic cut the ball back into the area. Inter were more adventurous after halftime and lived up to their reputation of leaving it late - Icardi's goal was the seventh time they have scored in the last 15 minutes this season, more than any other Serie A side.

Mauro Icardi snatches stoppage time winner for Inter in derby

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha will join Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy, the Spanish club and the player confirmed on Monday.

In a statement, Barcelona revealed Inter &quot;have an option to purchase the player for 35 million euros ($43m) plus three million euros in variables, which must be confirmed before the end of the current season&quot;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/finally-the-sanchez-mkhitaryan-deal-done-30411">Finally, the Sanchez-Mkhitaryan deal done</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-five-facts-on-alexis-sanchez-647">In pictures: Five facts on Alexis Sanchez</a>

The 24-year-old Brazil international, who was out of action for eight months last year due to a knee injury, hopes to play regularly following an awful spell of injuries.

&quot;I hope to play in as many matches as possible and help the team to reach our objective, which is Champions League qualification,&quot; he added.

&quot;I&#39;m really happy,&quot; Rafinha told Inter TV.

&quot;It&#39;s a great feeling to be here. It&#39;s an important stage in my life and I had a lot of desire to approach this new phase in my career.

&quot;There have been a lot of important players at Inter who have made history. I want to do my best and give everything to finish as high as possible and win titles with this shirt.

&quot;I can cover a lot of roles, be it on the right or left. I&#39;ve chosen the number eight shirt.&quot;

&nbsp;

FC Barcelona and Inter Milan have agreed on a deal to transfer Rafinha on loan for the season, with option to buy for 35 million euros plus 3 million variables

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha will join Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy, the Spanish club and the player confirmed on Monday. In a statement, Barcelona revealed Inter "have an option to purchase the player for 35 million euros ($43m) plus three million euros in variables, which must be confirmed before the end of the current season". Finally, the Sanchez-Mkhitaryan deal done In pictures: Five facts on Alexis Sanchez The 24-year-old Brazil international, who was out of action for eight months last year due to a knee injury, hopes to play regularly following an awful spell of injuries. "I hope to play in as many matches as possible and help the team to reach our objective, which is Champions League qualification," he added. "I'm really happy," Rafinha told Inter TV. "It's a great feeling to be here. It's an important stage in my life and I had a lot of desire to approach this new phase in my career. "There have been a lot of important players at Inter who have made history. I want to do my best and give everything to finish as high as possible and win titles with this shirt. "I can cover a lot of roles, be it on the right or left. I've chosen the number eight shirt."

Brazilian midfielder Rafinha moves to Inter Milan

The 24-year-old Brazil international is set to join Serie A side Inter Milan on loan until June but with an option to buy for 35 million euros plus 3 million euros in variables.

The 24-year-old Brazil international joined Barcelona aged 13 and rose through the ranks.

Before leaving Camp Nou, he shared some pictures on social media with the heart-rending captions.

Which shows his&nbsp;emotional connection with the former club.

&quot;Last workout of the year&quot;

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rafinhaaa93/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Rafinha Alcantara</a> (@rafinhaaa93) on <time datetime="2017-12-31T13:20:33+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 31, 2017 at 5:20am PST</time>
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&nbsp;

&quot;I almost do not get the words to express what I feel for the club that formed me as a person and professional.

&quot;I arrived in 2006, at the age of 13, in which I was a child who never thought of living so many wonderful moments and getting so many titles.

&quot;I have been taught almost everything I know about football and I have been able to fulfil my biggest dreams as a youth squad. Now the time has come to take another path in my life.&quot;

&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeQ7B1NDyCT/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Gracias por tanto familia. Ha sido un honor.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rafinhaaa93/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Rafinha Alcantara</a> (@rafinhaaa93) on <time datetime="2018-01-22T20:01:43+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 22, 2018 at 12:01pm PST</time>
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&nbsp;

He also expressed his gratitude toward the team and management and said, &quot; Thank you so much, family. It was an honor&quot;

He added, &quot;To my colleagues, that I have been able to grow by learning from them: Thanks from my heart. I will always wish you the best.

To all the workers, from the first to the last, who have shown me their smile since I was little: I will take you in my heart.

It&#39;s been 12 incredible years. You do not know how happy I was to be able to say goodbye to my shirt on. For&ccedil;a Bar&ccedil;a and eternal Blaugrana.&quot;

&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeQ1Q03jrRb/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Casi no me salen las palabras para expresar lo que siento por el club que me form&oacute; como persona y profesional. Llegu&eacute; en 2006, con 13 a&ntilde;os, en el cual era un ni&ntilde;o que jam&aacute;s pens&oacute; vivir tantos momentos maravillosos y conseguir tantos t&iacute;tulos. Me han ense&ntilde;ado casi todo lo que s&eacute; de f&uacute;tbol y he podido cumplir mis mayores sue&ntilde;os como canterano. Ahora ha llegado el momento de tomar otro camino en mi vida. Eternament agra&iuml;t a aquest escut, club i aficionats que m&rsquo;han donat tot el seu suport en els moments m&eacute;s durs. Sou incre&iuml;bles. A mis compa&ntilde;eros, que he podido crecer aprendiendo de ellos: Gracias de todo coraz&oacute;n. Os desear&eacute; siempre lo mejor. A todos los trabajadores, del primero al &uacute;ltimo, que me han mostrado su sonrisa desde que era peque&ntilde;o: Os llevar&eacute; en el coraz&oacute;n. Han sido 12 a&ntilde;os completamente incre&iacute;bles. No sab&eacute;is lo feliz que me hizo haber podido despedirme con la camiseta puesta. For&ccedil;a Bar&ccedil;a i eternament blaugrana.</a>

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&nbsp;

&quot;And last: Dreams and promises&quot;

&nbsp;

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Rafinha: "I have been taught almost everything I know about football and I have been able to fulfil my biggest dreams as a youth squad. Now the time has come to take another path in my life"

The 24-year-old Brazil international is set to join Serie A side Inter Milan on loan until June but with an option to buy for 35 million euros plus 3 million euros in variables. The 24-year-old Brazil international joined Barcelona aged 13 and rose through the ranks. Before leaving Camp Nou, he shared some pictures on social media with the heart-rending captions. Which shows his emotional connection with the former club. "Last workout of the year" Último entrenamiento del año⚽️ A post shared by Rafinha Alcantara (@rafinhaaa93) on Dec 31, 2017 at 5:20am PST × "I almost do not get the words to express what I feel for the club that formed me as a person and professional. "I arrived in 2006, at the age of 13, in which I was a child who never thought of living so many wonderful moments and getting so many titles. "I have been taught almost everything I know about football and I have been able to fulfil my biggest dreams as a youth squad. Now the time has come to take another path in my life." Gracias por tanto familia. Ha sido un honor. A post shared by Rafinha Alcantara (@rafinhaaa93) on Jan 22, 2018 at 12:01pm PST × He also expressed his gratitude toward the team and management and said, " Thank you so much, family. It was an honor" He added, "To my colleagues, that I have been able to grow by learning from them: Thanks from my heart. I will always wish you the best. To all the workers, from the first to the last, who have shown me their smile since I was little: I will take you in my heart. It's been 12 incredible years. You do not know how happy I was to be able to say goodbye to my shirt on. Força Barça and eternal Blaugrana." Casi no me salen las palabras para expresar lo que siento por el club que me formó como persona y profesional. Llegué en 2006, con 13 años, en el cual era un niño que jamás pensó vivir tantos momentos maravillosos y conseguir tantos títulos. Me han enseñado casi todo lo que sé de fútbol y he podido cumplir mis mayores sueños como canterano. Ahora ha llegado el momento de tomar otro camino en mi vida. Eternament agraït a aquest escut, club i aficionats que m’han donat tot el seu suport en els moments més durs. Sou increïbles. A mis compañeros, que he podido crecer aprendiendo de ellos: Gracias de todo corazón. Os desearé siempre lo mejor. A todos los trabajadores, del primero al último, que me han mostrado su sonrisa desde que era pequeño: Os llevaré en el corazón. Han sido 12 años completamente increíbles. No sabéis lo feliz que me hizo haber podido despedirme con la camiseta puesta. Força Barça i eternament blaugrana. A post shared by Rafinha Alcantara (@rafinhaaa93) on Jan 22, 2018 at 11:11am PST × "And last: Dreams and promises" I per últim: Somnis i promeses. ???????? A post shared by Rafinha Alcantara (@rafinhaaa93) on Jan 22, 2018 at 12:23pm PST ×

Rafinha shares emotional message after leaving Barcelona

Cristian Zapata hit a dramatic late leveller as AC Milan snatched a 2-2 draw with Inter Milan at the San Siro on Saturday in the city&#39;s first Chinese-owned derby.

Long-suffering Milan fans had reason to feel positive on Easter weekend after the club was taken over by Chinese-led consortium Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux two days ago in a multi-million euro deal.

But until Zapata&#39;s bundled effort hit the crossbar and bounced over the line following a corner in the seventh minute of added-on time, the Rossoneri were on their way to another morale-sapping defeat.

Despite a brilliant start from Vincenzo Montella&#39;s nominal visitors in the ground the two clubs share -- Carlos Bacca firing just over and on-loan Everton man Gerard Deulofeu hitting the upright in the opening minutes -- Inter were more clinical when it mattered.

Antonio Candreva, who hit Inter&#39;s opener in the corresponding fixture earlier this season which also finished 2-2, did well to hold off his marker and chip a long ball past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on 36 minutes.

Inter captain Mauro Icardi had the hosts 2-0 up on 44 minutes when he strolled in unmarked to poke Ivan Perisic&#39;s cross past the 18-year-old goalkeeper.

Inter, owned by Chinese group Suning since June 2016, had further chances early in the second half and although keeper Samir Handanovic was decisive more than once, the big Slovenian was left stranded when Alessio Romagnoli met Suso&#39;s cross at the back post to hit what initially seemed a late consolation on 83 minutes.

Inter looked nevertheless to be heading for a win that would have taken them up to sixth, one point ahead of Milan as both clubs fight for a Europa League place.

But Nerazzurri hopes were dashed when Bacca got on the end of Suso&#39;s corner to set up Zapata to bundle home from a tight angle.

The draw left Montella&#39;s men sixth, one point behind Atalanta in fifth and the final Europa League qualifying place. Atalanta travel to title-chasing Roma, who are six points behind leaders Juventus, later in the day.

Inter remain seventh, still two points behind their city rivals.

Milan enjoyed a great start, Bacca firing over from four yards seconds into the game after a mix-up in the Inter defence following Matias Fernandez&#39;s charge through the middle.

Icardi bundled over from five yards at the other end after a promising run by Portugal midfielder Joao Mario.&nbsp;

And after seeing Deulofeu hit the upright from a tight angle, the hosts took command when Candreva held off Mattia De Sciglio to beat Donnarumma with a fine chip.

The red and black section of the San Siro fell deadly silent when Icardi was allowed to run in unmarked on 44 minutes to poke Ivan Perisic&#39;s pinpoint delivery into the net.

Inter were far more enterprising after the break, Icardi breaking clear down the left and delivering for Perisic but the Croatian&#39;s effort was straight at Donnarumma.&nbsp;

Deulofeu, though, started exerting his influence and forced a great one-handed save from Handanovic with a bouncing strike before narrowly failing to reach Bacca&#39;s ball to the back post.

Montella urged his men up the pitch and with seven minutes remaining Romagnoli launched the fightback with a volley from Suso&#39;s cross that beat Handanovic.

With virtually the last kick of the game, Zapata put the smiles on Milan faces with an awkward effort that required goalline technology to confirm it had crossed the line.

(AFP)

Inter Milan were 2-0 up by the 44th minute before AC Milan leveled dramatically in the dying stages of the match

Cristian Zapata hit a dramatic late leveller as AC Milan snatched a 2-2 draw with Inter Milan at the San Siro on Saturday in the city's first Chinese-owned derby. Long-suffering Milan fans had reason to feel positive on Easter weekend after the club was taken over by Chinese-led consortium Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux two days ago in a multi-million euro deal. But until Zapata's bundled effort hit the crossbar and bounced over the line following a corner in the seventh minute of added-on time, the Rossoneri were on their way to another morale-sapping defeat. Despite a brilliant start from Vincenzo Montella's nominal visitors in the ground the two clubs share -- Carlos Bacca firing just over and on-loan Everton man Gerard Deulofeu hitting the upright in the opening minutes -- Inter were more clinical when it mattered. Antonio Candreva, who hit Inter's opener in the corresponding fixture earlier this season which also finished 2-2, did well to hold off his marker and chip a long ball past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on 36 minutes. Inter captain Mauro Icardi had the hosts 2-0 up on 44 minutes when he strolled in unmarked to poke Ivan Perisic's cross past the 18-year-old goalkeeper. Inter, owned by Chinese group Suning since June 2016, had further chances early in the second half and although keeper Samir Handanovic was decisive more than once, the big Slovenian was left stranded when Alessio Romagnoli met Suso's cross at the back post to hit what initially seemed a late consolation on 83 minutes. Inter looked nevertheless to be heading for a win that would have taken them up to sixth, one point ahead of Milan as both clubs fight for a Europa League place. But Nerazzurri hopes were dashed when Bacca got on the end of Suso's corner to set up Zapata to bundle home from a tight angle. The draw left Montella's men sixth, one point behind Atalanta in fifth and the final Europa League qualifying place. Atalanta travel to title-chasing Roma, who are six points behind leaders Juventus, later in the day. Inter remain seventh, still two points behind their city rivals. Milan enjoyed a great start, Bacca firing over from four yards seconds into the game after a mix-up in the Inter defence following Matias Fernandez's charge through the middle. Icardi bundled over from five yards at the other end after a promising run by Portugal midfielder Joao Mario. And after seeing Deulofeu hit the upright from a tight angle, the hosts took command when Candreva held off Mattia De Sciglio to beat Donnarumma with a fine chip. The red and black section of the San Siro fell deadly silent when Icardi was allowed to run in unmarked on 44 minutes to poke Ivan Perisic's pinpoint delivery into the net. Inter were far more enterprising after the break, Icardi breaking clear down the left and delivering for Perisic but the Croatian's effort was straight at Donnarumma. Deulofeu, though, started exerting his influence and forced a great one-handed save from Handanovic with a bouncing strike before narrowly failing to reach Bacca's ball to the back post. Montella urged his men up the pitch and with seven minutes remaining Romagnoli launched the fightback with a volley from Suso's cross that beat Handanovic. With virtually the last kick of the game, Zapata put the smiles on Milan faces with an awkward effort that required goalline technology to confirm it had crossed the line. (AFP)

AC Milan snatch late draw with Inter in first 'Chinese' Derby di Milano

Inter Milan fired Dutchman Frank&nbsp;de&nbsp;Boer&nbsp;as coach on Tuesday after less than three months in charge during which the former European champions lost seven of their 14 competitive games.

Inter, who dropped to 12th in the Serie A table following Sunday&#39;s 1-0 loss to Sampdoria, said youth team coach Stefano Vecchi would be in charge of the team for Thursday&#39;s Europa League match at Southampton.

&quot;The club thanks Frank and his staff for the work they have undertaken at the and wish them the best for the future,&quot; Inter, who have lost four of their last five league games, said in a statement.

Inter, traditionally one of Italy&#39;s three biggest clubs alongside&nbsp;Juventus and city rivals AC Milan, appointed the 46-year-old&nbsp;De&nbsp;Boer&nbsp;on Aug. 9, two weeks before the start of the season, after Robert Mancini left by mutual consent.

The club said that an announcement on&nbsp;De&nbsp;Boer&#39;s replacement would be made&nbsp;later. Italian media reported that Stefano Pioli, the former Lazio coach, was the favourite.

De&nbsp;Boer&nbsp;was Inter&#39;s eighth coach since Jose Mourinho left in 2010 after winning the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia treble.

The others were Rafael Benitez, Leonardo, Gian Piero Gasperini, Claudio Ranieri, Andrea Stramaccioni, Walter Mazzarri and Mancini. Gasperini&#39;s reign was even shorter than&nbsp;De&nbsp;Boer&#39;s, lasting five matches.

Inter are enduring their fifth successive season without Champions League football and have won one trophy since Mourinho&#39;s&nbsp;departure, the Coppa Italia in 2011.

Former Netherlands&nbsp;defender&nbsp;De&nbsp;Boer&nbsp;had no previous experience of playing or coaching in Italy. He had previously been in charge of Dutch side&nbsp;Ajax Amsterdam for six years during which he won four league titles.

His overall record of five wins, two draws and seven&nbsp;defeats included shock losses to Hapoel Beer Sheva and Sparta Prague in the Europa League and at home to Cagliari in Serie A.

Inter were sold to a consortium led by Indonesian business tycoon Erick Thohir in October 2013 by Massimo Moratti, who had owned the club since 1995.

In June, Chinese electronics retailer Suning Commerce Group Co Ltd bought nearly 70 percent of Inter for 270 million euros, although Thohir stayed on as club president.

(Reuters)

The Dutchman was sacked on the back of a string of poor results which left the club languishing at 12th spot

Inter Milan fired Dutchman Frank de Boer as coach on Tuesday after less than three months in charge during which the former European champions lost seven of their 14 competitive games. Inter, who dropped to 12th in the Serie A table following Sunday's 1-0 loss to Sampdoria, said youth team coach Stefano Vecchi would be in charge of the team for Thursday's Europa League match at Southampton. "The club thanks Frank and his staff for the work they have undertaken at the and wish them the best for the future," Inter, who have lost four of their last five league games, said in a statement. Inter, traditionally one of Italy's three biggest clubs alongside Juventus and city rivals AC Milan, appointed the 46-year-old De Boer on Aug. 9, two weeks before the start of the season, after Robert Mancini left by mutual consent. The club said that an announcement on De Boer's replacement would be made later. Italian media reported that Stefano Pioli, the former Lazio coach, was the favourite. De Boer was Inter's eighth coach since Jose Mourinho left in 2010 after winning the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia treble. The others were Rafael Benitez, Leonardo, Gian Piero Gasperini, Claudio Ranieri, Andrea Stramaccioni, Walter Mazzarri and Mancini. Gasperini's reign was even shorter than De Boer's, lasting five matches. Inter are enduring their fifth successive season without Champions League football and have won one trophy since Mourinho's departure, the Coppa Italia in 2011. Former Netherlands defender De Boer had no previous experience of playing or coaching in Italy. He had previously been in charge of Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam for six years during which he won four league titles. His overall record of five wins, two draws and seven defeats included shock losses to Hapoel Beer Sheva and Sparta Prague in the Europa League and at home to Cagliari in Serie A. Inter were sold to a consortium led by Indonesian business tycoon Erick Thohir in October 2013 by Massimo Moratti, who had owned the club since 1995. In June, Chinese electronics retailer Suning Commerce Group Co Ltd bought nearly 70 percent of Inter for 270 million euros, although Thohir stayed on as club president. (Reuters)

Inter Milan fires De Boer after 14 games

Under-pressure Frank de Boer saw his Inter Milan side hold on with 10 men to beat Premier League outfit Southampton 1-0 in their Europa League clash at San Siro on Thursday.

Antonio Candreva got the only goal of the game midway through the second half for the Serie A club, who were forced to play out the final 13 minutes a man down after Marcelo Brozovic was sent off.

It was a cruel result for Southampton, who had been the better side and saw Jay Rodriguez have a goal disallowed early in the second half.

The result sees Saints remain on four points in Group K, two points behind Sparta Prague, who beat Hapoel Beer-Sheva 1-0 in Israel.

For Inter, it was a first three points in the competition and the win against a team in good form in the Premier League should buy Dutch coach De Boer some time as the Nerazzurri struggle for results.

Captain Mauro Icardi, forced to issue an apology to fans in midweek and promise to reprint his autobiography after including an allegedly distorted description of a 2015 altercation with the club&#39;s hardline &#39;ultra&#39; supporters, started for the hosts.

Southampton boss Claude Puel made a host of changes to the team that beat Burnley at the weekend, including giving a first start at left-back to the young Sam McQueen.

It had the air of an historic evening for the English side, who were in the third tier when Inter won the Champions League in 2010.

An army of seven thousand travelling fans from England helped generate an atmosphere at a largely empty San Siro, but the Saints supporters were left frustrated by their team&#39;s inability to translate their dominance into goals.

Yuto Nagatomo had to clear off the line to prevent goalkeeper Samir Handanovic deflecting a McQueen cross into his own net just before the half-hour, and James Ward-Prowse fired narrowly over after being set up by the impressive Cuco Martina.

Rodriguez, sliding in at the back post, was then just unable to get a touch after Shane Long had flicked on a Martina cross, while all Inter offered in the first half was an Eder strike that flashed narrowly past.

The visitors replaced the injured Long with Charlie Austin just after half-time before Rodriguez had the ball in the net in the 51st minute.

After he had been prevented from getting a shot away by a great Joao Miranda tackle, he headed in from the subsequent corner but the Lithuanian referee&#39;s whistle had already blown for an apparent foul by the striker.

Inter went on to take the lead on 67 minutes as Davide Santon delivered a low ball from the left and Candreva came across Virgil van Dijk to finish emphatically into the roof of the net past Fraser Forster.

Croatian midfielder Brozovic was dismissed for a second yellow for catching Pierre Hojbjerg, and Southampton laid siege to the home goal in the closing stages.

However, skipper Van Dijk was denied by Handanovic at point-blank range and then saw a header cleared off the line.

Handanovic produced a great save from Austin before Ward-Prowse volleyed just past in the 95th minute.

Saints will hope to gain revenge when the teams met again at St Mary&#39;s in two weeks. 
 
(AFP)

An army of seven thousand travelling fans from England helped generate an atmosphere at a largely empty San Siro

Under-pressure Frank de Boer saw his Inter Milan side hold on with 10 men to beat Premier League outfit Southampton 1-0 in their Europa League clash at San Siro on Thursday. Antonio Candreva got the only goal of the game midway through the second half for the Serie A club, who were forced to play out the final 13 minutes a man down after Marcelo Brozovic was sent off. It was a cruel result for Southampton, who had been the better side and saw Jay Rodriguez have a goal disallowed early in the second half. The result sees Saints remain on four points in Group K, two points behind Sparta Prague, who beat Hapoel Beer-Sheva 1-0 in Israel. For Inter, it was a first three points in the competition and the win against a team in good form in the Premier League should buy Dutch coach De Boer some time as the Nerazzurri struggle for results. Captain Mauro Icardi, forced to issue an apology to fans in midweek and promise to reprint his autobiography after including an allegedly distorted description of a 2015 altercation with the club's hardline 'ultra' supporters, started for the hosts. Southampton boss Claude Puel made a host of changes to the team that beat Burnley at the weekend, including giving a first start at left-back to the young Sam McQueen. It had the air of an historic evening for the English side, who were in the third tier when Inter won the Champions League in 2010. An army of seven thousand travelling fans from England helped generate an atmosphere at a largely empty San Siro, but the Saints supporters were left frustrated by their team's inability to translate their dominance into goals. Yuto Nagatomo had to clear off the line to prevent goalkeeper Samir Handanovic deflecting a McQueen cross into his own net just before the half-hour, and James Ward-Prowse fired narrowly over after being set up by the impressive Cuco Martina. Rodriguez, sliding in at the back post, was then just unable to get a touch after Shane Long had flicked on a Martina cross, while all Inter offered in the first half was an Eder strike that flashed narrowly past. The visitors replaced the injured Long with Charlie Austin just after half-time before Rodriguez had the ball in the net in the 51st minute. After he had been prevented from getting a shot away by a great Joao Miranda tackle, he headed in from the subsequent corner but the Lithuanian referee's whistle had already blown for an apparent foul by the striker. Inter went on to take the lead on 67 minutes as Davide Santon delivered a low ball from the left and Candreva came across Virgil van Dijk to finish emphatically into the roof of the net past Fraser Forster. Croatian midfielder Brozovic was dismissed for a second yellow for catching Pierre Hojbjerg, and Southampton laid siege to the home goal in the closing stages. However, skipper Van Dijk was denied by Handanovic at point-blank range and then saw a header cleared off the line. Handanovic produced a great save from Austin before Ward-Prowse volleyed just past in the 95th minute. Saints will hope to gain revenge when the teams met again at St Mary's in two weeks. (AFP)

Europa League: Inter Milan 1-0 Southampton

Jose Mourinho was unveiled as the new Manchester United manager on Tuesday, insisting he was a winner who aims to return the club to its traditional position of dominance. 
 
The 53-year-old former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan coach said he did not want the players to think improving on last season&#39;s fifth place would be sufficient. 
 
&quot;For United fans, for many years, success was just routine. In the last three years, I want to forget,&quot; the Portuguese manager told reporters at Old Trafford. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t want the players to think we need to do better. What is to do better? Finish fourth. Finishing fourth is not the aim. We want to win. 
 
&quot;I want everything. I want to win matches, I want to play well. I want to score goals, I don&#39;t want to concede goals. I want everything.&quot; 
 
Mourinho&#39;s first game in charge will be a friendly against Borussia Dortmund in the International Champions Cup at Shanghai Stadium on July 22. United&#39;s first Premier League game is at Bournemouth on August 13. 
 
(Reuters)

Jose Mourinho was unveiled as the new Manchester United manager on Tuesday, insisting he was a winner who aims to return the club to its traditional position of dominance. The 53-year-old former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan coach said he did not want the players to think improving on last season's fifth place would be sufficient. "For United fans, for many years, success was just routine. In the last three years, I want to forget," the Portuguese manager told reporters at Old Trafford. "I don't want the players to think we need to do better. What is to do better? Finish fourth. Finishing fourth is not the aim. We want to win. "I want everything. I want to win matches, I want to play well. I want to score goals, I don't want to concede goals. I want everything." Mourinho's first game in charge will be a friendly against Borussia Dortmund in the International Champions Cup at Shanghai Stadium on July 22. United's first Premier League game is at Bournemouth on August 13. (Reuters)

Mourinho is unveiled at ManU, he insists he is a winner

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