Thursday, February 11, 2010

Mariga Gets Game Time Against Former Club Parma

Inter could only come away from the Tardini with a point, as Parma fought out a hard-earned draw. Although a small blip in their title charge, the Nerazzurri will be the happier of the two sides after having to come from behind.

Jose Mourinho opted to keep new signing Macdonald Mariga on the bench but fielded an attacking line-up of Pandev, Samuel Eto'o and Milito. Inter predictably took the game to Parma, but it was clear from the start that the Gialloblu were ready for the counter-attack.

The second half started with more positive attacking play by the Gialloblu, seeking three points. And their efforts were paid off just 10 minutes into the half. From a corner Zaccardo volleyed well at Julio Cesar's goal. The Inter keeper could only parry the ball away to the oncoming Valeri Bojinov who shot from close range. 1-0 to Parma, and the freezing tifosi were jubilant. Mourinho acted immediately bringing on Mario Balotelli and Davide Santon for Thiago Motta and Ivan Cordoba respectably .The Special One's tactics paid dividends almost in a blink of an eye. From a corner, Lucio knocked the ball down into the path of Balotelli, and the young prodigy shot a fierce ball into the Parma net- 1-1. It is instant responses like this that will surely take Inter to the Scudetto once again.

Mourinho then gave Mariga his moment, returning to his former club, with the tired Eto'o brought off for the Kenyan. Parma Coach Francesco Guidolin took Mourinho's cue to make his first substitution for the evening bringing on Alberto Paloschi for goal-scorer Bojinov. Whilst Inter retained possession, it was Parma who looked dangerous on the break. Mariga made some amazing plays in the game including supplying Balotelli with a sublime pass only for him to shoot wide and also shooting on goal from outside the box only for the keeper to parry the ball over the cross bar. Watch the highlights below and wait until 3:12 to see Mariga’s amazing shot on goal.


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