Adriano sees red but Inter go through

ROME: Inter Milan booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League here on Tuesday thanks to a goalless draw at home to Valencia. 

The Italian side lost their 100% record in Europe having won their first three matches, but a point at the San Siro was all they needed to reach the knockout stages. 

Inter came closest to breaking the deadlock in the second half with Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins hitting the bar from close range and Adriano’s lob headed off the goalline by David Albelda. 

VIOLENT: Inter's Adriano (right) fights with Marco Caneira of Valencia during their Champions League Group G match at the San Siro Stadium in Milan on Tuesday. Inter qualified for the last 16 despite drawing 0-0.--REUTERSpic

An otherwise clean contest ended in controversy as Inter striker Adriano reacted angrily to a shove by Marco Caneira, lashing out at the Portuguese defender and earning a red card for his troubles. 

Meanwhile Spanish champions Valencia, who were thrashed 5-1 at home to Inter two weeks ago, have a mammoth task if they are to advance from Group G ahead of German side Werder Bremen. 

Inter, champions of Europe in 1964 and 1965, top the table with 10 points from four matches, one ahead of Bremen, while Valencia are on four points. 

Valencia could still catch Inter if they were to win their remaining two matches and the Serie A side were to lose theirs, but Inter have a better head-to-head record against the Spaniards. 

Inter’s challenge for the Serie A title has been hindered by seven draws in nine league matches, but this time coach Roberto Mancini was happy with a point. 

“We have taken a lot of criticism for our performances in the league and I think the players deserve some credit for qualifying after just four matches,” he said. “The team was almost perfect. They were very focused and we limited them to just a couple of chances.” 

Asked what he tought of Adriano’s dismissal, he replied: “He took a slap and reacted – he’s not a spiteful footballer.” 

Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri, who was sacked by English Premiership side Chelsea in the summer, was more upset than his counterpart to see Adriano sent off. 

“I can assure you I am more unhappy than Mancini. I wanted Adriano to play against Werder and now he will sit out two matches,” he said. – Agencies