Internazionale Milano Football Club, more commonly known as Inter, came into existence on 9 March 1908 in the back room of L'Orologiaio (The Clockmaker) restaurant in Milan. The impetus was provided by dissident members of the Milan Cricket and Football Club, who went on to become AC Milan.
The aim of these rebels was to open up the club to foreign talent at a time when AC Milan's regulations excluded all but Italian players - hence the name Internazionale. Even today, the club remain true to this original doctrine with more foreign players on their books (23 out of a professional playing staff of 45) than any other Italian club.
A century after the club's creation, Inter are ranked firmly among Europe's top clubs, with an impressive honours list of 15 Scudetti, five Italian Cups, three Italian Supercups, two European Cups, three UEFA Cups and two Intercontinental Cups.
What is more, the Nerazzurri are Italy's third most successful outfit in terms of silverware, bettered only by Juventus and fierce local rivals AC, as well the only side in the country never to have been relegated.
Due to a lack of financial resources, the club's early days were tough, so much so that the players even had to pay for their own shirts and boots. When the fascists came to power in Italy, the word "Internazionale" was deemed to be a reference to the international communist movement and, in 1932, Inter were forced to merge with the Unione Sportiva Milanese to become Ambrosiana-Inter until the fall of the regime. Ten years and two league titles later, Inter reverted to their old name.
Conveyor belt of talentTraditionally a key provider of talent for the national team, four of the players (Allemandi, Castellazzi, Demaria and Meazza) from the Azzurri side that triumphed at the 1934 FIFA World Cup™ in Italy were supplied by Inter, as were a further quartet (Ferrari, Ferraris II, Locatelli and Meazza again) for the FIFA World Cup victory in France four years later. The truly gifted Giuseppe Meazza, scorer of 283 goals in 408 official matches for Inter, stands out to this day as an exceptional striker and man. In 1979, a year after his death, the San Siro was renamed in his honour, with the agreement of the ground's co-occupants AC Milan, despite the strong rivalry between the two clubs.
The Moratti family has also left an indelible mark on Inter Milan. Under the chairmanship of Angelo Moratti (1955 to 1968) the Nerazzurri prevailed on pitches the world over, lifting three Scudetti, two European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups. His son Massimo, chairman since 18 February 1995, displays similar passion for the cause today.
The third name which will be forever associated with Inter is Helenio Herrera. While his playing career was unremarkable, Il Mago (The Magician) stockpiled an incredible haul of trophies as one of the world's most successful coaches.
Herrera casts his spell"HH" was heavily inspired by the pre-war defensive system known as the Swiss bolt, the central rivet of which he reinforced still further. Herrera, however, never accepted his reputation as the champion of the system's successor, Catenaccio. Instead he chose to emphasise the fact that he had been the first to develop dedicated right-wing play, thereby creating the "channel" concept so in vogue today.
It is difficult to isolate the different elements of Inter's classic side (Sarti, Burgnich, Facchetti, Bedin, Guarnieri, Picchi, Jair, Mazzola, Peiro, Luis Suarez, Corso), as they formed a unit of incredible solidity. That said, attention must be drawn to two players in particular.
Firstly, elegant wing-back Giacinto Facchetti, the control tower of the Inter defence who won 94 caps for Italy. He also had a spell as chairman of the club, before losing a long battle with illness in 2006. Secondly, attacking midfielder turned striker, Alessandro Mazzola, who bagged 157 goals in 561 games for Inter and 22 goals in 70 appearances for Italy between 1963 and 1974.
Between 1970 and 2005, despite investing colossal sums in the transfer market, Inter had to "make do" with just three more Scudetti, three UEFA Cups and the same number of Italian Cups, although many supporters still hankered for the halcyon days of Herrera.
And after much chopping and changing, in 2004 Massimo Moratti finally hit upon the ideal coach in the shape of Roberto Mancini. This former stylish striker made light of the tricky transformation from player to coach by guiding his gifted and cosmopolitan squad to the league and cup double in 2006, before sealing the Scudetto again in 2007.
With 18 wins, 7 draws and just one defeat so far this season ( editor's note: as at 7 March 2008), Inter are in the process of clinching their third consecutive and 16 th ever league title. With the Moratti-Mancini double act continuing to reinforce its place in club history, this particular centenarian is showing no signs of slowing down
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The 2008 J-League gets underway this weekend, and if the 16th edition of the competition is as dramatic as its predecessor, followers of the Japanese top flight are in for a treat. Urawa Reds Diamonds controlled the title race for so long last season, but on its final day Kashima Antlers extended their winning streak to nine matches to pip their rivals to gold.
It was Kashima's fifth J-League crown, and they compounded their joy by winning the Emperor's Cup. Urawa and Gamba Osaka also had reason to cheer, though, after taking the top prize in the AFC Champions League and the Nabisco Cup respectively.
The trio, together with Kawasaki Frontale, who fell just short on several fronts last term, have been installed as the favourites for 2008 ascendancy. But the quartet know that with senior internationals and the Men's Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 set to deprive them of key players, and AFC Champions League campaigns to undertake, astute squad management could hold the key to success.
Signings boost Reds and Antlers Urawa Reds hold on edge on their rivals in two regards. Firstly, as the reigning continental champions they will receive a bye into the group phase of the Champions League. Moreover, their strength in depth - especially within their attacking ranks - should help them overcome an injury crisis, which is something that derailed their challenge in 2007.
Arrivals include former Eintracht Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara, now back in his homeland following six years in the German Bundesliga, and ex-Red Bull Salzburg winger Alessandro Santos, along with prolific forward Edmilson and FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 standout Tsukasa Umesaki, who joined from Albirex Niigata and Oita Trinita respectively. These newcomers should compensate for the loss of playmaker Robson Ponte to long-term injury, and the overseas departures of Shinji Ono, Makoto Hasebe and Washington.
Kashima's triumph was indebted to the possession football advocated by coach Oswaldo Oliveira, and their title defence will again hinge on the influence of veteran midfielders Mitsuo Ogasawara and Masashi Motoyama. In addition to retaining all of their key defensive players, the Antlers will be bolstered by the signing of U-23 star Masahiko Inoha from FC Tokyo and the steadily improving performances of senior internationals Atsuto Uchida, Yuzo Tashiro and Daiki Iwamasa.
Long-serving coach seeks consistencyAkira Nishino will begin a record seventh season at the Gamba Osaka helm, but it was his side's inconsistency that cost them last season. Though unlikely to neglect Gamba's one-touch passing game, Nishino appears ready to try out new tactics and man-management methods to avoid a repeat of last season's late collapse.
In Bare and Lucas Severino, signed from F.C. Tokyo to replace the outgoing Magno Alves, Gamba will not be short on firepower, while their rearguard has been bolstered by the likes of Mineiro, Hiroki Mizumoto and Yohei Fukumoto. Following a prosperous pre-season, and with several talented youngsters in their squad, Gamba fans could be forgiven for thinking that this is their year.
Having narrowly missed out on silverware last year, Kawasaki Frontale will be determined to come out on top in 2008. If new arrivals such as striker Hulk and midfielder Satoru Yamagishi can combine proficiently with the side's existing stars, namely Juninho, Chong Tese and Kengo Nakamura, then perhaps the title is not beyond their reach.
While the main contenders all made big headlines by recruiting players, other sides chose to make waves with coaching appointments. Yokohama F. Marinos handed their reins to Takashi Kuwahara, well known for guiding Jubilo Iwata to the 1997 and 1999 titles, while Nagoya Grampus popularly made Dragan Stojkovic their new man in charge.
Favourably, these coaches should be operating in front of increased audiences due to the ongoing popularity explosion of the J-League. With the aim of hitting the 11-million attendance mark by 2010, officials have set a target of 9.5 million for the coming year. And given everything the 2008 season delivered, supporters are expected to get their money's worth.
It was Kashima's fifth J-League crown, and they compounded their joy by winning the Emperor's Cup. Urawa and Gamba Osaka also had reason to cheer, though, after taking the top prize in the AFC Champions League and the Nabisco Cup respectively.
The trio, together with Kawasaki Frontale, who fell just short on several fronts last term, have been installed as the favourites for 2008 ascendancy. But the quartet know that with senior internationals and the Men's Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 set to deprive them of key players, and AFC Champions League campaigns to undertake, astute squad management could hold the key to success.
Signings boost Reds and Antlers Urawa Reds hold on edge on their rivals in two regards. Firstly, as the reigning continental champions they will receive a bye into the group phase of the Champions League. Moreover, their strength in depth - especially within their attacking ranks - should help them overcome an injury crisis, which is something that derailed their challenge in 2007.
Arrivals include former Eintracht Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara, now back in his homeland following six years in the German Bundesliga, and ex-Red Bull Salzburg winger Alessandro Santos, along with prolific forward Edmilson and FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 standout Tsukasa Umesaki, who joined from Albirex Niigata and Oita Trinita respectively. These newcomers should compensate for the loss of playmaker Robson Ponte to long-term injury, and the overseas departures of Shinji Ono, Makoto Hasebe and Washington.
Kashima's triumph was indebted to the possession football advocated by coach Oswaldo Oliveira, and their title defence will again hinge on the influence of veteran midfielders Mitsuo Ogasawara and Masashi Motoyama. In addition to retaining all of their key defensive players, the Antlers will be bolstered by the signing of U-23 star Masahiko Inoha from FC Tokyo and the steadily improving performances of senior internationals Atsuto Uchida, Yuzo Tashiro and Daiki Iwamasa.
Long-serving coach seeks consistencyAkira Nishino will begin a record seventh season at the Gamba Osaka helm, but it was his side's inconsistency that cost them last season. Though unlikely to neglect Gamba's one-touch passing game, Nishino appears ready to try out new tactics and man-management methods to avoid a repeat of last season's late collapse.
In Bare and Lucas Severino, signed from F.C. Tokyo to replace the outgoing Magno Alves, Gamba will not be short on firepower, while their rearguard has been bolstered by the likes of Mineiro, Hiroki Mizumoto and Yohei Fukumoto. Following a prosperous pre-season, and with several talented youngsters in their squad, Gamba fans could be forgiven for thinking that this is their year.
Having narrowly missed out on silverware last year, Kawasaki Frontale will be determined to come out on top in 2008. If new arrivals such as striker Hulk and midfielder Satoru Yamagishi can combine proficiently with the side's existing stars, namely Juninho, Chong Tese and Kengo Nakamura, then perhaps the title is not beyond their reach.
While the main contenders all made big headlines by recruiting players, other sides chose to make waves with coaching appointments. Yokohama F. Marinos handed their reins to Takashi Kuwahara, well known for guiding Jubilo Iwata to the 1997 and 1999 titles, while Nagoya Grampus popularly made Dragan Stojkovic their new man in charge.
Favourably, these coaches should be operating in front of increased audiences due to the ongoing popularity explosion of the J-League. With the aim of hitting the 11-million attendance mark by 2010, officials have set a target of 9.5 million for the coming year. And given everything the 2008 season delivered, supporters are expected to get their money's worth.
FIFA.com turns its attention to a contentious issue: who is the best player in the CONCACAF zone?
North of the Rio Grande most fans would swear Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey are the best players in North, Central America and the Caribbean. Just a few miles south and that perspective changes significantly with names like Rafa Marquez, Andres Guardado and Gio dos Santos ringing out.
A respectful, but no less eternal, difference of opinion seems to dominate when discussions break out between fans in the USA and fanaticos in Mexico. However, players from the 'big two' are not the only contenders for the title of CONCACAF's best.
Canada's Great White North has some stunning talent in Deportivo la Coruna's Julian de Guzman and even roving Major League Soccer creator Dwayne de Rosario.
Honduras captain Amado Guevara and fellow Catracho David Suazo of Inter Milan certainly must rank in any discussion of who's the best in the New World. Also, the islanders can't be ignored with Ricardo Gardner of Jamaica and Kenwyne Jones of Trinidad and Tobago making waves in the English Premier League with Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland respectively.
It may not have your Kakas, Messis or Ronaldos, but CONCACAF is a breeding ground for varied and significant talent. Whether you like the dribbling wizards of the Caribbean, the latin influenced all-rounders of Central America and Mexico or the sturdy competitors of North America, let FIFA.com know the reasons why.
Simply click 'Add your comment' below to share your view with football fans from around the world.
North of the Rio Grande most fans would swear Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey are the best players in North, Central America and the Caribbean. Just a few miles south and that perspective changes significantly with names like Rafa Marquez, Andres Guardado and Gio dos Santos ringing out.
A respectful, but no less eternal, difference of opinion seems to dominate when discussions break out between fans in the USA and fanaticos in Mexico. However, players from the 'big two' are not the only contenders for the title of CONCACAF's best.
Canada's Great White North has some stunning talent in Deportivo la Coruna's Julian de Guzman and even roving Major League Soccer creator Dwayne de Rosario.
Honduras captain Amado Guevara and fellow Catracho David Suazo of Inter Milan certainly must rank in any discussion of who's the best in the New World. Also, the islanders can't be ignored with Ricardo Gardner of Jamaica and Kenwyne Jones of Trinidad and Tobago making waves in the English Premier League with Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland respectively.
It may not have your Kakas, Messis or Ronaldos, but CONCACAF is a breeding ground for varied and significant talent. Whether you like the dribbling wizards of the Caribbean, the latin influenced all-rounders of Central America and Mexico or the sturdy competitors of North America, let FIFA.com know the reasons why.
Simply click 'Add your comment' below to share your view with football fans from around the world.
The overwhelming passion for football of FIFA.com users was emphatically underlined this week as over 400 individual comments flooded into the site on the week's two 'Have Your Say' topics. Two of the longest-running and most popular football debates stirred the passions, with well over 17,000 words contributed by our users to champion their favourite coach and reminisce on the greatest game they have ever seen.
Such was the nature of these topics that neither produced a clear 'winner', although the debate on the world's greatest coach inevitably threw up some well-known managerial giants. Sir Alex Ferguson, for example, proved a predictably popular choice, with Ghana's DONPLATO leading the tributes: "No doubt Sir Alex Ferguson is the man. Simple: Any player the man buys walks straight into the first team and plays as if they've been playing at the club all their lives. Take for instance this season, Nani, Anderson, Hargreaves and Tevez have all been very crucial to the club's success." Ferguson's old adversary Arsene Wenger was arguably just as well-backed, with another of our African users, Nigeria's hp5500, among those keen to state the Arsenal boss's case. "Arsene Wenger's ability of developing talents and bring out something special out nothing with young players cannot be compared with any," he wrote. "He has proved himself again and again."
Club managers didn't monopolise support, however, with international coaches also receiving their fair share of votes from the FIFA.com users. Egypt's double CAF Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Hassan Shehata earned richly-deserved praise for upsetting the continent's more star-studded teams for a second successive time, and the Egyptian was far from the only coach to feature. American user TheYankArmy wrote: "Being a United supporter, I love Sir Alex, but I'm always amazed at what Guus Hiddink does with teams. South Korea in 2002, Australia in 2006, now Russia in making it to the Euro over England. Guus works miracles and simply just knows how to win."
Another US user, RallyR32, put forward his own, equally worthy candidate: "Leo Beenhakker should definitely be considered - what he did with his clubs (esp. Madrid) and national clubs like Trinidad and Tobago and Poland is just amazing. Long live King Leo!"
'Tears of joy'By its nature, 'What's the greatest game you have seen?' was a question that provoked more subjective answers, with many users opting for a match that, while not renowned around the world, held great personal significance.
One exiled Evertonian, for example, opted for a classic match from the 1960s. "Without a doubt, the 1966 F.A. Cup Final, Sheffield Wednesday vs. Everton," wrote USA-based scousecolin. "The comeback final of the century! Everton, down 2-0 in the 2nd half, fight back with two quick goals from Mike Treblecock, and steal the day (and the Cup!) with a superb solo effort by Dereck Temple just minutes away from final whistle! I was 12 years old. I was there. I cried my eyes out...tears of JOY!"
This proved typical of the emotion and excitement generated by this debate, with Malaysia's ZidaneKaka opting for another equally dramatic match involving Everton's Merseyside rivals.
"Definitly the 2005 Uefa Champions League final," wrote the Malaysian. "The match between Liverpool and Milan is uncomparable in history. Maradona himself said that not even the Brazil team at one moment which was supposedly the best in the world could have bounced back from 3-0 down. Liverpool lived the adidas motto 'Impossible is Nothing' by coming back."
Another of Liverpool's European finals, their 5-4 UEFA Cup win over Alaves in 2001, also featured, while there were plenty of users who opted for a continental showpiece that showcased the never-say-die spirit of another red-clad English club.
Yasnin29 of Australia led the tributes to Manchester United's dramatic, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer-inspired last-gasp win over Bayern Munich, writing: "The 1999 European Champions League final between Man United and Bayern. The Red Devils proved that football is simply not a 90 minute game!"
A big thank you to the hundreds of you who contributed your thoughts to this week's debates. Next up, North and Central America and the Caribbean take centre stage as we ask you to decide: who is CONCACAF's best player?
Such was the nature of these topics that neither produced a clear 'winner', although the debate on the world's greatest coach inevitably threw up some well-known managerial giants. Sir Alex Ferguson, for example, proved a predictably popular choice, with Ghana's DONPLATO leading the tributes: "No doubt Sir Alex Ferguson is the man. Simple: Any player the man buys walks straight into the first team and plays as if they've been playing at the club all their lives. Take for instance this season, Nani, Anderson, Hargreaves and Tevez have all been very crucial to the club's success." Ferguson's old adversary Arsene Wenger was arguably just as well-backed, with another of our African users, Nigeria's hp5500, among those keen to state the Arsenal boss's case. "Arsene Wenger's ability of developing talents and bring out something special out nothing with young players cannot be compared with any," he wrote. "He has proved himself again and again."
Club managers didn't monopolise support, however, with international coaches also receiving their fair share of votes from the FIFA.com users. Egypt's double CAF Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Hassan Shehata earned richly-deserved praise for upsetting the continent's more star-studded teams for a second successive time, and the Egyptian was far from the only coach to feature. American user TheYankArmy wrote: "Being a United supporter, I love Sir Alex, but I'm always amazed at what Guus Hiddink does with teams. South Korea in 2002, Australia in 2006, now Russia in making it to the Euro over England. Guus works miracles and simply just knows how to win."
Another US user, RallyR32, put forward his own, equally worthy candidate: "Leo Beenhakker should definitely be considered - what he did with his clubs (esp. Madrid) and national clubs like Trinidad and Tobago and Poland is just amazing. Long live King Leo!"
'Tears of joy'By its nature, 'What's the greatest game you have seen?' was a question that provoked more subjective answers, with many users opting for a match that, while not renowned around the world, held great personal significance.
One exiled Evertonian, for example, opted for a classic match from the 1960s. "Without a doubt, the 1966 F.A. Cup Final, Sheffield Wednesday vs. Everton," wrote USA-based scousecolin. "The comeback final of the century! Everton, down 2-0 in the 2nd half, fight back with two quick goals from Mike Treblecock, and steal the day (and the Cup!) with a superb solo effort by Dereck Temple just minutes away from final whistle! I was 12 years old. I was there. I cried my eyes out...tears of JOY!"
This proved typical of the emotion and excitement generated by this debate, with Malaysia's ZidaneKaka opting for another equally dramatic match involving Everton's Merseyside rivals.
"Definitly the 2005 Uefa Champions League final," wrote the Malaysian. "The match between Liverpool and Milan is uncomparable in history. Maradona himself said that not even the Brazil team at one moment which was supposedly the best in the world could have bounced back from 3-0 down. Liverpool lived the adidas motto 'Impossible is Nothing' by coming back."
Another of Liverpool's European finals, their 5-4 UEFA Cup win over Alaves in 2001, also featured, while there were plenty of users who opted for a continental showpiece that showcased the never-say-die spirit of another red-clad English club.
Yasnin29 of Australia led the tributes to Manchester United's dramatic, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer-inspired last-gasp win over Bayern Munich, writing: "The 1999 European Champions League final between Man United and Bayern. The Red Devils proved that football is simply not a 90 minute game!"
A big thank you to the hundreds of you who contributed your thoughts to this week's debates. Next up, North and Central America and the Caribbean take centre stage as we ask you to decide: who is CONCACAF's best player?
Jesualdo Ferreira extended his contract with 2003/04 UEFA Champions League winners Porto on Saturday ending speculation about his future.
The 61-year-old, who has been in charge for two years, did not reveal how long the extension was for.
"This is to put an end to the speculation," said Ferreira, who saw his side knocked out of the Champions League by Schalke earlier in the week.
"It has been about a month since I have been coach of Porto (for next season).
"The president proposed it (the new contract) to me and I accepted with great pleasure."
Porto look set for their third successive domestic title as they lead Benfica by 12 points
The 61-year-old, who has been in charge for two years, did not reveal how long the extension was for.
"This is to put an end to the speculation," said Ferreira, who saw his side knocked out of the Champions League by Schalke earlier in the week.
"It has been about a month since I have been coach of Porto (for next season).
"The president proposed it (the new contract) to me and I accepted with great pleasure."
Porto look set for their third successive domestic title as they lead Benfica by 12 points
Fernando Torres continued his red hot scoring form as Liverpool added to Newcastle United's deepening relegation worries with a comfortable 3-0 win at Anfield on Saturday. Spain striker Torres produced another man-of-the-match display as he made it seven goals in his last three home outings, and also set up another as Rafa Benitez's side moved to within two points of third-placed Chelsea in the Premier League table.
Jermaine Pennant and Steven Gerrard also found the net to put Liverpool in the right frame of mind for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League visit to Inter Milan, where they lead 2-0 and will be vying to become England's fourth representative in the quarter-finals. Liverpool have now won their last five games. In contrast, Newcastle slipped to their fourth successive league defeat.
There was no happy return for Anfield legend Kevin Keegan as he watched his side press the self destruct button. Keegan is without a win in seven Premier League games since returning for his second spell in charge in January. Having seen off Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United, Liverpool were seeking to make it four successive Premier League victories for the first time in 14 months.
Benitez's side have not only been clocking up the points but also the goals as well, with Torres hammering back-to-back Anfield hat-tricks. And the Spaniard clearly fancied his chances of increasing his tally for the season against a Newcastle side in free fall.
In front of England manager Fabio Capello, there was little to choose between the two sides until Pennant broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute after a huge slice of luck. There looked to be little danger when Jose Enrique cut out Torres' ball into the Newcastle penalty area, but the Spanish defender's attempted clearance cannoned off Pennant before looping over keeper Steve Harper into the net.
But if Newcastle felt hard done by after falling behind they could have no complaints about Liverpool's second goal two minutes later. A defence-splitting pass by the impressive Gerrard found Torres with time and space to fire home his 25th goal since arriving from Atletico Madrid.
Newcastle were completely demoralised and within six minutes of the second half they were 3-0 behind. Torres was once again involved but this time he turned provider as he teed-up Gerrard to hammer home his 19th of the season and kill the game.
To their credit Newcastle continued to plug away and they were unfortunate not to score a consolation in the 70th minute through substitute Obafemi Martins. The powerful striker showed great initiative with a stunning shot-on-the-turn from 30-yards which cannoned off Jose Reina's crossbar and away to safety.
Newcastle striker Michael Owen rarely looked like scoring against his former club on another depressing day for Keegan's side. While Liverpool head for the San Siro Stadium, Newcastle's next game is at fellow strugglers Birmingham City. Defeat at St Andrew's on Monday week and the alarm bells will well and truly be sounding for Keegan.
Jermaine Pennant and Steven Gerrard also found the net to put Liverpool in the right frame of mind for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League visit to Inter Milan, where they lead 2-0 and will be vying to become England's fourth representative in the quarter-finals. Liverpool have now won their last five games. In contrast, Newcastle slipped to their fourth successive league defeat.
There was no happy return for Anfield legend Kevin Keegan as he watched his side press the self destruct button. Keegan is without a win in seven Premier League games since returning for his second spell in charge in January. Having seen off Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United, Liverpool were seeking to make it four successive Premier League victories for the first time in 14 months.
Benitez's side have not only been clocking up the points but also the goals as well, with Torres hammering back-to-back Anfield hat-tricks. And the Spaniard clearly fancied his chances of increasing his tally for the season against a Newcastle side in free fall.
In front of England manager Fabio Capello, there was little to choose between the two sides until Pennant broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute after a huge slice of luck. There looked to be little danger when Jose Enrique cut out Torres' ball into the Newcastle penalty area, but the Spanish defender's attempted clearance cannoned off Pennant before looping over keeper Steve Harper into the net.
But if Newcastle felt hard done by after falling behind they could have no complaints about Liverpool's second goal two minutes later. A defence-splitting pass by the impressive Gerrard found Torres with time and space to fire home his 25th goal since arriving from Atletico Madrid.
Newcastle were completely demoralised and within six minutes of the second half they were 3-0 behind. Torres was once again involved but this time he turned provider as he teed-up Gerrard to hammer home his 19th of the season and kill the game.
To their credit Newcastle continued to plug away and they were unfortunate not to score a consolation in the 70th minute through substitute Obafemi Martins. The powerful striker showed great initiative with a stunning shot-on-the-turn from 30-yards which cannoned off Jose Reina's crossbar and away to safety.
Newcastle striker Michael Owen rarely looked like scoring against his former club on another depressing day for Keegan's side. While Liverpool head for the San Siro Stadium, Newcastle's next game is at fellow strugglers Birmingham City. Defeat at St Andrew's on Monday week and the alarm bells will well and truly be sounding for Keegan.
Bayern Munich surged seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after Luca Toni and Franck Ribery combined to earn a 2-0 home win over Karlsruhe on Saturday, while Werder Bremen were defeated 6-3 by Stuttgart. Karlsruhe held firm at the Allianz Arena until Toni squeezed in a shot four minutes before half-time. Ribery made the game safe with a virtuoso goal 20 minutes into the second half.
Mario Gomez netted a hat-trick for Stuttgart to see the champions to a memorable victory at home to Werder, who had briefly led through Hugo Almeida but ended up well beaten and a man short, Per Mertesacker being sent off late in the game.
After 23 matches Bayern lead on 50 points followed by Werder on 43. Hamburger, in third place on 41, will move up to second and cut Bayern's lead to six points if they win at Nuremberg on Sunday.
Bayer Leverkusen, fourth on 38 points, are also in action on Sunday at home to Hanover 96
Mario Gomez netted a hat-trick for Stuttgart to see the champions to a memorable victory at home to Werder, who had briefly led through Hugo Almeida but ended up well beaten and a man short, Per Mertesacker being sent off late in the game.
After 23 matches Bayern lead on 50 points followed by Werder on 43. Hamburger, in third place on 41, will move up to second and cut Bayern's lead to six points if they win at Nuremberg on Sunday.
Bayer Leverkusen, fourth on 38 points, are also in action on Sunday at home to Hanover 96
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