MILAN - Inter were unable to find a way through against Atalanta and could only pick up a single point in their first game after the Champions League exit, when a win would have helped to look forward with increased optimism.
There were no goals but some regret for the penalty missed by Milito in the first half. The Nerazzurri kept knocking after the break - watched by president Massimo Moratti from the dressing room area - but unfortunately no one could force the door open. Inter are now on 41 points in the table.
FIRST HALF - With Sneijder, Stankovic and Chivu unavailable, Ranieri reverted to a 4-4-2 formation against Atalanta. Lucio and Samuel formed the central defensive partnership flanked by Maicon and Nagatomo in front Julio Cesar; Poli and Cambiasso lined up in the centre of the park with Zanetti and Obi on the wings; Milito and Pazzini started up front.
Inter's first chance of note fell to Cambiasso in the third minute when the Argentine went for goal from the edge of the box, his shot finishing just wide. Then in turn Zanetti, Milito and Lucio all looked to play passes into dangerous areas without managing to pick out a team-mate. Down the other end Maicon made a crucial interception after a quarter of an hour to prevent Moralez's pass from finding Carrozza in front of Julio Cesar. In the 23rd minute the Nerazzurri had the chance to break the deadlock when Bellini wrestled Pazzini to the ground inside the box, the referee rightly awarding a spot-kick. Milito stepped up but his effort was saved by Consigli. A great opportunity wasted. A minute later, Consigli again came to the rescue to keep out Samuel's header while in the 26th minute Obi hit a shot over the bar. Atalanta threatened again on the half hour-mark as Carrozza whipped in an awkward cross-shot, which Julio Cesar dealt with comfortably. Inter pressed forward once more with Maicon seeking out Pazzini inside the box but Consigli got up well to claim. On 37 minutes Raimondi went on a solo run before lining up his sights but couldn't keep his effort down. As the game entered the minute's stoppage time awarded, Consigli again shut the door on an Inter attack as he saved low from Pazzini's right-footer, meaning the first half ended goalless.
SECOND HALF – There were no changes at the interval and the second half began with a rather slow tempo, although Cambiasso did get a shot in from the edge of the box (51 minutes). Manfredini used his body to block before staying down and preventing the Argentine from continuing his run. Mr. Gava saw nothing wrong with the challenge. In the 57th minute Poli tried from distance with his right but he was denied by Consigli. The loose ball was met by the head of Zanetti but again Consigli was there. The Atalanta goalkeeper had a great game. Maxi Moralez beat Maicon before his cross was just a fraction away from Schelotto in front of goal. Atalanta grew in confidence and a minute later Bellini centred for Gabbiadini – who had replaced Marilungo on 54 minutes – and his flicked header forced a fine acrobatic save from Julio Cesar. In the 64th minute Zanetti burst forward and played in Zarate – a replacement for Milito in the 63rd minute – but the visitors' defence pushed up well and the referee's assistant flagged for offside. In 70th minute Zarate was brought down outside the box by Raimondi but the referee waved away the appeals and let play continue. 11 minutes from time Colantuono's men appealed for a penalty following Lucio's challenge on Gabbiadini. With 6 minutes of normal time remaining Julio Cesar did well to keep out an effort from Ferreira Pinto – on in place of Carrozza on 77 minutes. Atalanta had belief but the Brazilian goalkeeper was in no mood to concede. In the first minute of stoppage time the side from Bergamo went close as Schelotto flashed the ball across the face of goal but it was just out of reach of Gabbiadini. A minute later it was Maicon's turn to go for goal but he was denied by the Atalanta defence. The game finished goalless after 5 minutes of stoppage time.
Inter 0-0 Atalanta
Inter: 1 Julio Cesar; 13 Maicon, 6 Lucio, 25 Samuel, 55 Nagatomo; 4 Zanetti, 18 Poli (Castaignos 77), 19 Cambiasso, 20 Obi (Faraoni 66); 22 Milito (Zarate 63), 7 Pazzini;
Subs not used: 12 Castellazzi, 23 Ranocchia, 17 Palombo, 9 Forlan;
Coach: Claudio Ranieri.
Atalanta: 47 Consigli; 77 Raimondi, 32 Ferri, 5 Manfredini, 6 Bellini (Stendardo 86); 7 Schelotto, 21 Cigarini, 17 Carmona, 11 Moralez; 18 Carrozza (Ferreira Pinto 77), 89 Marilungo (Gabbiadini 54);
Subs not used: 78 Frezzolini, 10 Bonaventura, 44 Cazzola, 90 Tiribocchi;
Coach: Stefano Colantuono.
Referee: Gabriele Gava (Conegliano Veneto).
Booked: Bellini 23, Cigarini 32, Lucio 60, Moralez 75, Samuel 85, Carmona 86.
Added time: 1+5 minutes.
Attendance: 38,619.
