<span class="titolo">Inter Beat Cagliari And Go Seven Points Clear</span></p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> <span class="sommario"> Julio Cruz’s man of the match performance allowed Inter to win three precious points in Sardinia and extend their lead at the top of Serie A to 7 points.</span></p> Inter arrived at this game knowing that a win would increase their lead over second placed Roma due to the latter's goalless draw earlier in the afternoon against Torino, whereas Cagliari needed points for their relegation battle. The Nerazzurri were without Zlatan Ibrahimovic and this was highly evident in their soft approach to the game in the first 45 minutes. On the other hand, Cagliari showed some good fighting spirit and were tactically well-placed on the pitch, although it came at a price: the home side looked quite tired by the end of the first half. The first chance of the match fell to the feet of Conti in the 7th minute, but the Cagliari player's shot from 19 metres went just wide. Inter responded straight away as two minutes later the former Sardinian star Suazo saw his effort from the distance go just one metre wide of the left hand side of Marruocco's goal. In the 13th minute it was Cagliari again who went close as Fini crossed a low ball from the left hand side, but Acquafresca's deflection towards goal from 12 metres away was saved down low by Julio Cesar. Inter were finding it difficult to create any goal scoring chances, but when they did, they were always very dangerous. In the 28th minute Maicon crossed from the right hand side before Suazo passed the ball towards Crespo, whose shot went just inches wide. The best opportunity of the first half fell to Chivu in the 35th minute when the defender shot from over 30 metres, but his powerful shot incredibly hit the bar when it seemed destined for the net. The second half opened with a more determined Inter side after Roberto Mancini must have made his voice heard during the half time break. However, the first opportunity of this second period was for the home team as Conti received the ball inside the penalty area in the 52nd minute, but his volley went high. Chivu proved to be Inter's most dangerous attacker as in the 55th minute he saw his long distance shot parried by Marruocco, but incredibly enough, Suazo failed to deflect the ball in an empty net all alone in front of goal. However, that was the prelude for the goal as tiredness was taking over the Cagliari players. In the 57th minute the usual Cruz put the Nerazzurri ahead. The Argentinean striker received the ball from Suazo, and from the edge of the penalty area he shot a weak but deadly accurate ball past Marruocco. Cagliari were shocked and found it difficult to react, especially since the home crowd were releasing all of their frustration on their own players. Inter took advantage of this situation and Suazo almost made it 2-0 soon after, but a good save by Marruocco denied him the joy of a goal. Nedo Sonetti decided to risk everything and he substituted Pisano with Larrivey in the 70th minute. However, this move proved fruitless as in the 79th minute Inter secured the result in their favour thanks to a goal by Suazo. The Nerazzurri won a corner following a header by Cruz which was cleared on the goal line by the Cagliari defence. Then, from the following set piece, the same Cruz saw his header parried by Marruocco, but the ball fell nicely for Suazo, who easily slotted the ball in from very close range. In the 82nd minute Cesar could have further increased the scoreline, but once again Marruocco saved brilliantly to deny Inter the third goal. With this win Inter might not have closed the Scudetto issue, but they have surely taken an important step forward towards retaining the league title as Roma now sit 7 points behind them and Juventus a further one behind the capital club. Cagliari are still in last place with Reggina and the survival zone is now 4 points away. It does not look very good for the Sardinian team and this result could also lead to the sacking of coach Sonetti. STARTING LINE-UPS Cagliari (4-4-2): Marruocco; Pisano, Lopez, Bianco, Agostini; Ferri, Conti, Parola, Fini; Acquafresca, Matri Inter (4-4-2): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Samuel, Maxwell; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Chivu; Crespo Suazo, Cruz</div></p>
