Cuper pleased with improvement

Inter Milan coach Hector Cuper believes his side’s pre-season plans are back on track following a largely disappointing summer.

The Nerazzurri claimed the Tim Cup on Tuesday night after recording 1-0 wins over both Italian champions Juventus and European kings AC Milan in Ancona.

“This is the play that Inter will have to show throughout the year,” Cuper said after the tournament.

“We are improving and this is what I wanted, not so much the result – even though I like it.”

Inter fans enjoyed their team’s success after some less than convincing pre-season performances prior to the tournament.

The embarrassing 3-0 defeat by Ronald Koeman’s Ajax in the Amsterdam tournament, followed by disappointing displays against Sampdoria and Juventus in last week’s Moretti Tournament, acted as a wake-up call for the Nerazzurri.

Last season’s Serie A runners-up showed more determination and clarity in their attack in their latest outings, much to Cuper’s delight.

However, Cuper’s top summer signing, Dutch midfielder Andy Van der Meyde has yet to shine, and had to be substituted due to a slight muscular injury.

It was Argentina striker Hernan Crespo whose crucial goal against Juventus gave Inter the cup after Mohammed Kallon’s strike had taken AC Milan out of the picture in the previous match.

However, Cuper’s happiness was short-lived as two players picked up injuries during Tuesday’s games.

Defender Francesco Coco could be out for three months if further tests confirm the club’s first diagnosis of a ligament injury in his left knee.

Coco had to be substituted on the 20th minute against AC Milan after suffering knee problems.

Three minutes later defender Ivan Cordoba joined Coco in the changing room after picking spraining his left ankle.

However, the Colombian international is set to recover by next week.

“It is a relief, it appeared to be a serious injury but it is only a sprain, I will only need a couple of days to recover,” said Cordoba.