Novara Calcio, recently promoted from Serie B, were expected to struggle to avoid relegation in Serie A this season. If the first 45 minutes of Monday's match are any indication, they might want to set some higher goals. They're up 1-0 at halftime on Italian giants Inter Milan, and it's no more than their play deserves. Generally, when you see results like this you assume that the goal was lucky, but the Nerazzurri have been very poor on the night. Gian Piero Gasperini has not produced results early in his tenure as Inter's manager, and his seat is only getting hotter at the moment.
Novara Vs. Inter Milan Live, 2011 Serie A: Halftime, Nerazzurri Poor, Down 1-0
Riccardo Meggiorini, on loan from Genoa, was the man who scored the goal in the latter end of the first half after Novara failed to capitalize on a number of other solid opportunities. Esteban Cambiasso started the move for Novara with a giveaway and Meggiorini finished it, arriving into the box with a late run before burying his shot from 15 yards. Lucio could be seen lightly jogging 10 yards behind the play after letting Meggiorini go by him without a challenge.
There are absolutely no excuses for the way Inter are playing at the moment. It’s absolutely atrocious, Gasperini seems clueless, and Cambaiasso and Lucio should both be embarrassed with their play. It’s been a stunning first half and a simple substitution or two isn’t necessarily going to make it better. Novara look like a decent side.
See More:
