World Cup winner Lukas Podolski and his new club Inter Milan were held to a 0-0 draw by Empoli on Saturday. Roberto Mancini’s side struggled against the underdogs and keeper Samir Handanovic was forced to make several key saves to earn his side a point. Inter remain in ninth place with 26 points to their name.
Podolski was again included in the starting XI following his good performance in the 3-1 victory against Genoa, but is yet to bag his first goal for the Serie A side. He was replaced after 74 minutes by Xherdan Shaqiri, who joined Inter at the start of the week from FC Bayern München. The Switzerland international was also unable to provide the needed spark in Inter’s attacking department during the closing stages of the match.
Fellow World Cup winner Shkodran Mustafi and Valencia CF remain on Champions League course in Spain’s Primera División. Mustafi, who has won six caps for Germany, was part of a 3-2 victory against UD Almeria on matchday 19, putting Valencia third at least until Atletico Madrid’s game against Granada on Sunday evening. Parejo, Rodrigo and Alvaro Negredo scored for the hosts. Tomer Hemed scored both goals for Almeria.
[mmc/fr]
World Cup winner Lukas Podolski and his new club Inter Milan were held to a 0-0 draw by Empoli on Saturday. Roberto Mancini’s side struggled against the underdogs and keeper Samir Handanovic was forced to make several key saves to earn his side a point. Inter remain in ninth place with 26 points to their name.
Podolski was again included in the starting XI following his good performance in the 3-1 victory against Genoa, but is yet to bag his first goal for the Serie A side. He was replaced after 74 minutes by Xherdan Shaqiri, who joined Inter at the start of the week from FC Bayern München. The Switzerland international was also unable to provide the needed spark in Inter’s attacking department during the closing stages of the match.
Fellow World Cup winner Shkodran Mustafi and Valencia CF remain on Champions League course in Spain’s Primera División. Mustafi, who has won six caps for Germany, was part of a 3-2 victory against UD Almeria on matchday 19, putting Valencia third at least until Atletico Madrid’s game against Granada on Sunday evening. Parejo, Rodrigo and Alvaro Negredo scored for the hosts. Tomer Hemed scored both goals for Almeria.