A brace from Brazilian playmaker Hernanes saw Inter beat his former team Lazio at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico in a match that will mostly be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Some say old love never rusts. Nothing could be farther from the truth regarding how Lazio supporters feel about Hernanes, a player they idolized for almost 4 years but whose back-flip celebration after having scored the equalizer broke a bond that was heard all around the world. “Il Profeta” or “The Prophet” wouldn’t be worthy of his nickname if his celebration had been nothing more than just a spur of the moment kind of reaction, in fact he admitted after the match that it was definitely premeditated which is why his actions tonight can be likened with a knife being stabbed into the hearts of the Lazio fans.
Sure, Lazio President Lotito’s comments regarding Hernanes were hardly flattering and the Brazilian has every right to feel aggrieved but instead his reaction was like trying to kill an annoying fly thats buzzing inside your livingroom with a flame thrower; you end up burning down the neighbourhood not just the fly. I still remember how hurt I felt when Zlatan Ibrahimovic kissed Barcelona’s club crest the very first day he signed for them or worst still how angry I was when Ronaldo scored against us in the Derby della Madonnina and then hushed the Curva Nord. And he did this after having walked all over Inter in the summer of 2002 after Massimo Moratti and the entire club had nursed him back to health. So it would be very hypocritical to pretend that what Hernanes did tonight sat well with me, it didn’t, in fact it revolted me a little bit as the Lazio supporters didn’t deserve to be treated like that. And judging by his post-match comments, I think, Hernanes knows that too. Hopefully he’ll issue an apology to the Lazio supporters although what broke tonight will never be fixed, but it would illustrate maturity on Hernanes part.
The Brazilian’s performance on the pitch however was faultless as he gave a Man of The Match level performance on his old stomping ground. His passing was sublime, his craft and vision were nothing short of magical and if Mauro Icardi hadn’t blasted the ball onto the head of the Panini-vendors outside the stadium, the Brazilian would have been marked down for an assist too. Mancini would have really enjoyed seeing his link-up play with Rodrigo Palacio but above all with Mateo Kovacic who was simply brilliant tonight. The little Croatian wizard gave the best performance of the entire season and looks to finally have found his role under Roberto Mancini, to the delight of all Interisti and judging by his celebrations after Hernanes scored the winner, himself too.
Andrea Ranocchia too gave the best performance of the season tonight when he barely put a foot wrong defensively, in fact his diving header to stop Lazio from equalizing was sensational. Together with Vidic they sent out a sense of calmness and stability which has n’t exactly been synonymous with neither Ranocchia’s performances nor Inter’s defense as a whole this season.
Everyone is sick and tired of hearing about the referee’s and their substandard performances, but it’s very hard not to simply state that Davide Massa and his team completely ruined this fixture by illustrating exactly how NOT to officiate. No sense of feeling at all combined with a neurotic compulsive urge to blow his whistle every single time 2 players made physical contact, completely ruined the rhythm of the match. It’s really back to the drawing board when it comes to the level of officiating because this match will be remembered for 2 things: the horrible officiating and Hernanes tasteless celebrations.
Is this NIMA writing the story? i bet he bite his tongue now about Rano! and i feel that Hernanes deserved respect after he apologized for his premeditated goal celebration, which i think he deserve to do after a difficult start with Inter. Respect!
i already started to think that santons games in contract after we are obliged to buy him frow newcastle are not 10 and because we dont want to buy him we are not playing him!
He already played 10 games
8 in serie A, 4 in EL, 1 in Copa
Ranocchia wasn’t threatened because of ten and after that nine players opposition. Yes, he cleaned up one time. But he was somewhere in the center of field totally out of position, when Felipe Anderson penetrates and assist for Candreva’s goal. I’ll repeat that for hundred time, Ranocchia and Guarin have enough seasons to prove themselves, but they are not good enough and we have to sell them this summer. Medel in my opinion it’s not effective enough defensively and have almost zero contribution offensively. And will be very good, if we can find better solution for his place.
guaro and rano should definitely be sold! but i would keep medel if nobody give us the same money we paid for him, which i still think was too much. i still think he can be more helpful in dc position, because offensively he in zero…
medel … not even a quarter of cambiasso..
Rano had to move up to push the team forward because Kovacic struggled while playing deep. And furthermore, its Guarin that out of place where he just lumbering almost the entire 1st half only waiting for passes.
Once again, we played better when it was 4-2-3-1 instead of boring 4-3-1-2
4-2-3-1 forces wingers to take a man on while they just pass around without purpose in 4-3-1-2
The refereeing was nothing short of appalling. Glad to see at least a few sensible interista admit this.
we just need a good DM like Thiago motta or Busquet not like medel
Hernanes + Kovacic will be a good pair in our attack midfield
Rano + Vidic will be a good pair in our defense
The missing link, along with another quality full back perhaps.
absolutely right
IMO with Santon on the left we can play much better.
Agreed. I rate Santon and fully expect him to solidify his position as first choice RB in the years to come. D’Ambrosio and Nagtomo provide good depth and are more than useful squad players. However I do believe we are missing one world class full back that can contribute offensively down a flank. Dodo is certainly not the answer. Darmian would be the ideal get, along with perhaps Criscito. Regardless there are many decent options that would be available for a reasonable price.
I have no problem with Hernanes’ celebration. Lotito made a lot of money and had the balls to insult a player who gave his heart to that club and he did what he does best–scoring goals at the stadio Olimpico with his signature display. Even Lazio fans know Lotito is a piece of shit. Hernanes clarified after the game exactly who his backflip was for. And the boos did not seem to bother him as he continued to play like a man possessed and scored the winner. I love it Hernanes. Mess with the bull and you’ll get the horns!!! Lets hope he continues like this as we all know he is capable of!
Is this supposed to be a match review?
Probably, just enjoy it mate :p
No. It’s a post-match editorial. We don’t do match reviews.
Ah okay. Thanks for clearing that up.