13 March 2006, by Sean Gillen

Figo again decisive in Inter win

Inter 1-0 Sampdoria

Luis Figo was again decisive as Inter warmed up for their Champions League tie against Ajax with a comfortable win at the San Siro.

The Portuguese legend created the only goal of the game for Adriano as Inter also moved to within two points of second-placed Milan in Serie A.

Sampdoria started the game well and could have taken the lead early on as Francesco Flachi and Cristian Zenoni both volleyed wide in the first 10 minutes.

Inter soon settled and began to dominate proceedings, with Adriano heading onto the post from a Figo corner.

Francesco Toldo was excellent in the Inter goal and the 34-year-old ‘keeper saved well from Sergio Volpi just before the half hour mark and Andrea Gasbarroni shot wide for Samp.

Winger Figo was the creative inspiration for Inter as they took the lead five minutes before half time through Adriano. Figo’s pinpoint cross was headed towards goal by Adriano and after Antonioli’s initial save, the Brazilian nodded home the rebound.

Inter continued to pressurise the visitors in the second half and should have doubled their advantage just 5 minutes after the break as Alvaro Recoba failed to tap in a simple rebound following up Adriano’s shot.

Figo also continued to threaten for the home side and, after cutting in from the right wing, he fired a left-footed shot wide of Antonioli’s goal.

Despite Toldo again being called into action to save a free-kick from Volpi, Inter looked comfortable during the closing stages and went close twice more through the outstanding Adriano.

After the match, Inter chairman Massimo Moratti was full of praise for Figo, who joined the Nerazurri last summer from Real Madrid.

Figo praised

“Luis Figo’s performances have been excellent” Moratti said.

“Sincerely, I must say that from the first moment that I have known him, he has given the impression to me of great professionalism. He has shown great class.”

Inter resume their Champions League campaign against Ajax at the San Siro on Tuesday and will be considered favorites after earning a 2-2 draw at the Amsterdam Arena in the first leg. If Figo and company can progress past the Dutch giants, a tie with Spanish side Villarreal awaits in the quarter-finals.


Inter:
Toldo, Burdisso, Wome, Samuel, Cordoba, Cambiasso, Veron (C.Zanetti, 82), Stankovic, Figo, Recoba (Martins, 64), Adriano
Yellow Cards: Adriano (49), Stankovic (81)

Sampdoria:
Antonioli, Zenoni, Pisano, Castellini, Falcone, Palombo, Volpi, Tonetto (Marchesetti, 84), Kutuzov, Gasbarroni (Dalla Bona, 55), Flachi (Foti, 76)
Yellow Cards: Falcone (66)

Goals:
[1-0] Adriano, 40