Inter Kick Off With A Win

Internazionale 1-0 Al-Hilal

José Mourinho's first game in charge of Inter ended in victory as the nerazzurri did enough to manage a single goal victory over Al-Hilal in Bruneck...

Jul 24, 2008 8:00:51 PM

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Inter-Cagliari, Burdisso (AFP)

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Inter Milan

New coach Mourinho opted to field two vastly different sides in each half, although neither of his selections was to be troubled too much by the Riyadh side.

After a slow start from the hosts the Arabs actually managed the first shot as Salman tested Julio Cesar.

But Inter began to wake up: Santon had a fine chance 15 minutes in, and Adriano was inches away from scoring eight minutes later after a cross from Figo.

Figo and Adriano were building up quite an understanding, but in fact it fell to Balotelli and Burdisso to carve out the opener. The former crossed for the latter at the far post to power an accurate header past Alotaibi.

The team changed at half-time but the nerazzurri's attacking play continued, only for Crespo's header on the hour mark to be ruled out for offside.

Mancini was to enjoy an effective debut, although there were to be no more goals.

Internazionale 1-0 Al-Hilal
1-0 Burdisso 45'

INTER
First half : Julio Cesar; Santon, Burdisso, Pelè, Bolzoni; Cambiasso, Vieira, Zanetti; Figo, Adriano, Balotelli
Second half : Toldo; Maicon, Mei, Materazzi, Maxwell; Dacourt, Stankovic, Jimenez; Mancini, Cruz, Crespo.

AL-HILAL
Alotaibi (Shemary 64); Angrie, Airat, Mufaresh, Kataran (Kaltam 55); Saleh Dossari, Bargian (Altemyat 68); Salman, Tareq (Sultan Saud 55), Theyab (Lelo 76); Ambar.