Inter and AC Milan arrive in town
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China Daily, August 3, 2011
Inter Milan manager Gian Piero Gasperini said playing a Milan derby will provide his side with extra motivation to win this year's Italian Super Cup, which will be held in the National Stadium in Beijing on Saturday.
Two years ago, Inter Milan, led by Jose Mourinho, lost to Lazio 2-1 at the same venue, better known as the Bird's Nest.
"We lost in 2009 and it was really a pity. Now we come again. Of course, we want to win the Super Cup this time," said Gasperini, who replaced Leonardo as the manager of the team last month.
"AC Milan is a very strong opponent and it makes us more eager to win the match this time. Also, this is the first Milan derby in the Super Cup, which makes it very special. And we want to win the first one," Gasperini said during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.
Some key players, including Argentine Esteban Cambiasso and Diego Milito, and Brazilians Maicon and Lcio, won't appear in Beijing as they are still on vacation after the just concluded Copa America. The popular Filippo Inzaghi, who enjoys great popularity here, has not made the trip either.
However, those absences have not weakened the confidence of the manager or dampened the enthusiasm of the fans.
"Although not all the player can make the trip this time due to the Copa America, I still have faith in my team. It will still be very competitive," he said.
"I believe it will be a very exciting game as both of the teams enjoy large fan bases here. I have felt their passion at the airport and the hotel."
Started in 1988, the Italian Super Cup is held annually between the champion of Serie A and the winner of the Italian Cup. It was first held outside Italy when it came to Washington in 1993. It was then held in Libya once and in the US again before coming to Beijing in 2010.
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