Roma were left fuming on Sunday after Inter’s 2-0 victory over bitter city rivals Lazio allowed Jose Mourinho’s side to edge closer to a fifth successive Serie A title.
Inter’s win was cheered by Lazio fans, desperate to see second-placed Roma fail in their title bid, inside the Olympic Stadium.
“I never thought I would see with my own eyes what I saw tonight,” said Roma director Gian Paolo Montali, who criticized both the Lazio players and fans for their behavior.
“I believe even Inter and their coach are embarrassed. I believe that today it wasn’t only Lazio who lost but also sport and, in particular, our football,” Montali said.
With just two games Inter restored their two-point lead over Roma, who won 2-1 at Parma on Saturday and also stayed on course for a treble.
They face Roma in the Italian Cup final tomorrow and Bayern Munich in Madrid on May 22 in the Champions League final.
Inter face lowly opposition in their last two league games — Chievo at home next weekend before a trip to relegated Siena.
Roma also face Chievo a week after welcoming 14th-placed Cagliari.
However, Roma could have a “joker” to play because if the two sides are level on points at the end of the season, the capital city side would be champions thanks to their better head-to-head record against Inter.
A 1-1 draw in Milan was followed by a 2-1 home win at the Olympic Stadium.
On Sunday, Lazio fans, with their team languishing two places off the relegation zone, cheered when Argentine defender Walter Samuel headed in the first goal on the stroke of half-time from a Wesley Sneijder cross.
Inter piled on the pressure, but found Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in inspired form.
Muslera saved well from Maicon, Thiago Motta, Sneijder and Samuel Eto’o in the first half.
However, the home side’s resistance crumbled in the 70th minute when Motta scored from a Maicon corner.
At the final whistle, Lazio fans celebrated Inter’s win.
Earlier, Sampdoria and Palermo remained locked in battle for fourth place and the final Champions League qualifying spot after both recorded wins.
Sampdoria, who lead Palermo by two points, at times labored to a 2-0 success at home to rock-bottom and already relegated Livorno while the Sicilians held on to a 2-1 victory at Siena.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely