Inter Milan 1-1 Parma: Limping towards the finish line

Inter hosted Parma following the international break hoping for a win to boost morale going into the last matches of the season. This was the opportune team to play against as well, with Parma at the bottom of the table and going through very rough times both in terms of form and finances. Mancini had been talking about getting 10 wins before the end of the season, and many of the players had spoken about the need to get as many points as possible because Inter is not a club that should be in 9th place. So there was hope that the team would put out an inspired performance and take the 3 points.

The lineup Mancini sent out was fairly similar to ones seen recently, the only differences being new man Felipe (from Parma) came in as CB and JJ was played as a fullback. Also with Icardi suspended Puscas got the start.

Inter started the match with a majroity of posession, but weren't really doing anything with it. Just as the fans were starting to get nervous though, a Guarin shot from distance took a big deflection and gave the home side the lead in the 25th minute.

After this Parma began to push forward searching for an equalizer and they got one just at halftime, Lila heading in a cross that Handanovic couldn't reach.

The second half saw Inter continue with possession but not able to punish Parma, while the away side was playing without fear (which should have been expected from Inter but not Parma). There were no real chances until the last few minutes of the game. Ranocchia had a good heading chance at the back post, but was caught in two minds between heading on goal or knocking it down for Guarin and in the end Mirante had an easy job picking up the ball.

Inter were booed off the pitch by the fans at the stadium and honestly, it was kind of deserved. The team never really played like they wanted to win, they just strolled around like the match was a formality. Parma was the hungrier of the two sides and this result was definitely justifiable for them. Even though they are pretty much guaranteed to be relegated they still fought harder than a side supposidely pushing for European places. That is unacceptable.

After the match, Mancini claimed responsibility saying the players aren't understanding what he wants and that by next year things will be better. Ausillo said that they players will be trainign tomorrow becuase they basically rested today. While all this talk is good, the fans are starting to get tired of simply talk. There needs to be an improvement on the pitch soon.

The only thing really left to look out for this season is the Derby della Madonnina and the chance to finish above AC Milan in the table. But aside from that I think we all are just trying to look forward to whatever happens next season. It has to be better than this...