Pandev: ‘Sneijder is my set-piece mentor’

(GSM) – Goran Pandev decided the derby against Milan (2-0) with a stunning free-kick. Internazionale took an early lead through Diego Milito but were reduced to ten men after Wesley Sneijder’s expulsion. The Nerazzurri breathed a sigh of relief after Pandev’s decisive goal.

“I have not scored that many free-kick goals,” Pandev said after the derby. “I can only learn from Wesley, we practice a lot on set pieces.

“He is very important for our team, and not just for his free kicks.” Sneijder was sent off just before the half hour mark after ridiculing the referee for what appeared – to him at least – to be a bad decision.

Inter have pulled nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table after yesterday’s triumph and are on their way to continue the title.

The Nerazzurri ended the match with just nine men, and the former Lazio striker joked: “The referee booked me because I took my shirt off after netting the goal: he couldn’t wait…

“Still, it is a great joy and my goal was very important as we were struggling. But we managed to react and show our strength once again. It was a deserved victory.”