Wednesday, 06 April 2005 23:34:15
MILAN - "The match was as well-balanced as those in the championship, but the goal after 46 minutes created a few problems for us. Dida was incredible in the first half. In matches like these you can't let in two goals from set-pieces," remarked Roberto Mancini after Wednesday's Uefa Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat to cross-town rivals AC Milan.

"They took their chances, but perhaps we should have been a bit more careful," the Inter coach continued. "Cruz? He did well in the time he was on the pitch. Vieri? When he came on he moved well despite not having played for a long time. Veron's substitution? He had a physical problem and we had to change him.

"Perhaps we should have done a bit more, but once again, Dida was superb. Now we have the return leg to play. It won't be easy, but we will try.

"The two slip-ups heavily influenced what was a balanced match. We haven't managed to score even one goal in three matches against Milan this year, maybe things will change in the fourth.

Looking ahead to next Tuesday's return match, Mancini said: "This season's derbies have gone well for Milan. We will have to play a great game to get through the round, but we will try."