Simone Inzaghi congratulates Hakan Calhanoglu after Inter Milan's victory over AC Milan in the Champions League semi-finals. AFP
Simone Inzaghi congratulates Hakan Calhanoglu after Inter Milan's victory over AC Milan in the Champions League semi-finals. AFP
Simone Inzaghi congratulates Hakan Calhanoglu after Inter Milan's victory over AC Milan in the Champions League semi-finals. AFP
Simone Inzaghi congratulates Hakan Calhanoglu after Inter Milan's victory over AC Milan in the Champions League semi-finals. AFP

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Football

Simone Inzaghi 'always believed' Inter Milan could reach Champions League final

Italians defeated rivals AC Milan 3-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals to set up a clash with either Real Madrid or Manchester City

The National

May 17, 2023

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Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi said he and his players "always believed" they could reach the Champions League final following Tuesday's 3-0 aggregate victory over rivals AC Milan.

Leading 2-0 from the semi-final first leg as the away side at the San Siro, Inter returned to the stadium they share with AC as the hosts on Tuesday to secure a 1-0 win on the night, courtesy of Lautaro Martinez's 74th-minute goal.

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Inter beat fierce rivals AC Milan to reach Champions League final

Only a few weeks ago, Inzaghi faced criticism and was under pressure after a lacklustre run of domestic results, yet Inter have rediscovered their form – the semi-final second leg win over Milan was their eighth in a row in all competitions.

"It was a dream at the start, but we always believed, we had an extraordinary run and to win the semi-final in a derby this way is immensely satisfying. We can only praise the lads," Inzaghi told Sport Mediaset.

Inter are third in Serie A and will face Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia final on May 24.

Their return to form has been built on a solid defence, keeping six clean sheets in their current winning streak and conceding only three goals.

"I had said a long while back we would put in a crazy effort without looking at one competition or the other, just trying to achieve our best," Inzaghi said.

Inzaghi basked in the glory of his team's victory over Milan, a fourth successive win over their city rivals. Milan had not suffered four defeats in a single campaign against Inter since the 1973-74 season.

Inter Milan v AC Milan player ratings

INTER MILAN RATINGS: Andre Onana 7 – Ever dependable between the sticks for Inter, dealt well with the few shots that headed his way. Held on nicely to an early strike by Brahim Diaz, which was as close as Milan got to scoring all night. Getty
INTER MILAN RATINGS: Andre Onana 7 – Ever dependable between the sticks for Inter, dealt well with the few shots that headed his way. Held on nicely to an early strike by Brahim Diaz, which was as close as Milan got to scoring all night. Getty
Matteo Darmian 6 – Had one or two shaky moments up against the rapid Rafael Leao, but improved massively in the second period to shut out the Portuguese international. Reuters
Matteo Darmian 6 – Had one or two shaky moments up against the rapid Rafael Leao, but improved massively in the second period to shut out the Portuguese international. Reuters
Francesco Acerbi 8 – A proverbial wall at the back for Inter, starving Olivier Giroud of service all afternoon. A dominant performance by the veteran Italian – especially aerially. Reuters
Francesco Acerbi 8 – A proverbial wall at the back for Inter, starving Olivier Giroud of service all afternoon. A dominant performance by the veteran Italian – especially aerially. Reuters
Alessandro Bastoni 7 – Looked very solid in Inter’s back three, stepping out impressively at times to assist the hosts in their build-up play. AP
Alessandro Bastoni 7 – Looked very solid in Inter’s back three, stepping out impressively at times to assist the hosts in their build-up play. AP
Denzel Dumfries 7 – Provided real energy down the right for the hosts, while also doing well to deny Leao space in the final third. Another solid display from the Dutchman. AP
Denzel Dumfries 7 – Provided real energy down the right for the hosts, while also doing well to deny Leao space in the final third. Another solid display from the Dutchman. AP
Nicolo Barella 8 – Ran the show centrally, breaking the lines with beautiful driving runs and slick link-up play. The diminutive playmaker oozed class throughout. AP
Nicolo Barella 8 – Ran the show centrally, breaking the lines with beautiful driving runs and slick link-up play. The diminutive playmaker oozed class throughout. AP
Hakan Calhanoglu 7 – Contributed more in a defensive capacity in the first half, helping to shield his backline as Milan pushed for the opening goal. However, his free-kick prowess was also on full display again, as Edin Dzeko almost netted from one of his deliveries just before half-time. AFP
Hakan Calhanoglu 7 – Contributed more in a defensive capacity in the first half, helping to shield his backline as Milan pushed for the opening goal. However, his free-kick prowess was also on full display again, as Edin Dzeko almost netted from one of his deliveries just before half-time. AFP
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 6 – The former Manchester United and Arsenal man got off to a bright start but was unfortunately subbed off with an injury in the first half. Reuters
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 6 – The former Manchester United and Arsenal man got off to a bright start but was unfortunately subbed off with an injury in the first half. Reuters
Federico Dimarco 6 – A quieter game from the Milan-born full-back, whose role was far more conservative tonight. However, he remained mistake-free defensively and seldom gave the ball away. AFP
Federico Dimarco 6 – A quieter game from the Milan-born full-back, whose role was far more conservative tonight. However, he remained mistake-free defensively and seldom gave the ball away. AFP
Lautaro Martinez 8 – The Argentine’s match-winning goal was well deserved, as he looked a real threat all evening. After flashing a handful of shots over Mike Maignan’s goal, he made no mistake in the second half, firing home from close range to send Inter to Istanbul. AP
Lautaro Martinez 8 – The Argentine’s match-winning goal was well deserved, as he looked a real threat all evening. After flashing a handful of shots over Mike Maignan’s goal, he made no mistake in the second half, firing home from close range to send Inter to Istanbul. AP
Edin Dzeko 7 – Not quite as influential as his strike-partner on this occasion, but the 37-year-old very nearly opened the scoring after his headed effort forced an incredible save from Maignan. Dzeko continues to be a menace in and around the penalty box. Getty
Edin Dzeko 7 – Not quite as influential as his strike-partner on this occasion, but the 37-year-old very nearly opened the scoring after his headed effort forced an incredible save from Maignan. Dzeko continues to be a menace in and around the penalty box. Getty
SUBS: Marcelo Brozovic (for Mkhitaryan, 44’) 7 – Settled nicely into the Inter midfield after replacing Mkhitaryan in the first half. Worked hard for the cause and kept things neat and tidy in possession. AP
SUBS: Marcelo Brozovic (for Mkhitaryan, 44’) 7 – Settled nicely into the Inter midfield after replacing Mkhitaryan in the first half. Worked hard for the cause and kept things neat and tidy in possession. AP
Romelu Lukaku (for Dzeko, 66’) 7 – Looked very sharp after replacing Dzeko mid-way through the second half. The Belgian forward even grabbed an assist after playing Martinez in for his winning goal. Getty
Romelu Lukaku (for Dzeko, 66’) 7 – Looked very sharp after replacing Dzeko mid-way through the second half. The Belgian forward even grabbed an assist after playing Martinez in for his winning goal. Getty
Robin Gosens (for Dimarco, 66’) 6 – Put in a solid shift as Inter looked to tighten their grip on the game in the later stages. Getty
Robin Gosens (for Dimarco, 66’) 6 – Put in a solid shift as Inter looked to tighten their grip on the game in the later stages. Getty
Joaquin Correa (for Martinez, 84’) N/A – Came on for the final few minutes of the game, adding some good energy to Inter’s press as they closed out the win. Reuters
Joaquin Correa (for Martinez, 84’) N/A – Came on for the final few minutes of the game, adding some good energy to Inter’s press as they closed out the win. Reuters
Roberto Gagliardini (for Barella, 84’) N/A – The Italian came on for fellow countryman Barella with five minutes left to play. AP
Roberto Gagliardini (for Barella, 84’) N/A – The Italian came on for fellow countryman Barella with five minutes left to play. AP
AC MILAN RATINGS: Mike Maignan 6 – Had a stellar first half, pulling off some world-class saves to deny Dzeko from close range. However, all his good work was undone in the second half, after he failed to get a strong enough hand to Martinez’s match-winning shot. Getty
AC MILAN RATINGS: Mike Maignan 6 – Had a stellar first half, pulling off some world-class saves to deny Dzeko from close range. However, all his good work was undone in the second half, after he failed to get a strong enough hand to Martinez’s match-winning shot. Getty
Davide Calabria 5 – A tough evening for the Milan captain, who was caught out of position on several occasions. His second-half struggles seemed to perfectly encapsulate Milan’s flat display after a promising opening 30 minutes. Getty
Davide Calabria 5 – A tough evening for the Milan captain, who was caught out of position on several occasions. His second-half struggles seemed to perfectly encapsulate Milan’s flat display after a promising opening 30 minutes. Getty
Malick Thiaw 6 – A mixed game from the young German, who was drafted in to replace the experienced Simon Kjaer. Won a fair few duels throughout, although he did lack composure on occasions, which eventually saw him pick up a yellow card. AFP
Malick Thiaw 6 – A mixed game from the young German, who was drafted in to replace the experienced Simon Kjaer. Won a fair few duels throughout, although he did lack composure on occasions, which eventually saw him pick up a yellow card. AFP
Fikayo Tomori 7 – Much improved from the first leg, not that it helped his side a great deal in the end. The England international dealt especially well with crosses into the box and always looked to be positive on the ball. AFP
Fikayo Tomori 7 – Much improved from the first leg, not that it helped his side a great deal in the end. The England international dealt especially well with crosses into the box and always looked to be positive on the ball. AFP
Theo Hernandez 5 – Virtually anonymous throughout, with his biggest contribution in the first half being a mistake inside his own penalty box that almost led to an Inter goal. The hugely talented wing-back had a night to forget. AP
Theo Hernandez 5 – Virtually anonymous throughout, with his biggest contribution in the first half being a mistake inside his own penalty box that almost led to an Inter goal. The hugely talented wing-back had a night to forget. AP
Rade Krunic 6 – Cut a frustrated figure at times, as Inter outnumbered their cross-city rivals in the centre of the park. Another frustrating outing after his disastrous first-leg display – with the 29-year-old picking up a late yellow just for good measure. Reuters
Rade Krunic 6 – Cut a frustrated figure at times, as Inter outnumbered their cross-city rivals in the centre of the park. Another frustrating outing after his disastrous first-leg display – with the 29-year-old picking up a late yellow just for good measure. Reuters
Sandro Tonali 7 – Alongside Tomori, he was one of the few bright sparks for Milan. He almost handed his side an early lead after bursting past Darmian, getting to the byline and laying the ball on a plate to Diaz – who squandered the chance. Getty
Sandro Tonali 7 – Alongside Tomori, he was one of the few bright sparks for Milan. He almost handed his side an early lead after bursting past Darmian, getting to the byline and laying the ball on a plate to Diaz – who squandered the chance. Getty
Brahim Diaz 5 – Far too wasteful in possession, having also missed the aforementioned guilt-edged chance from Tonali’s cut-back. The former City starlet shows flashes of brilliance, but the end product was lacking on this occasion. Getty
Brahim Diaz 5 – Far too wasteful in possession, having also missed the aforementioned guilt-edged chance from Tonali’s cut-back. The former City starlet shows flashes of brilliance, but the end product was lacking on this occasion. Getty
Junior Messias 6 – Got off to a bright start, getting the better of Bastoni in a handful of early one against one duels. However, the winger tailed off badly in the second half and failed to offer his side a great deal in the final third. Reuters
Junior Messias 6 – Got off to a bright start, getting the better of Bastoni in a handful of early one against one duels. However, the winger tailed off badly in the second half and failed to offer his side a great deal in the final third. Reuters
Rafael Leao 6 – After missing the first leg due to injury, Milan’s star man almost got them off to the perfect start. However, his powerful first-half run into the Inter box eventually saw him drag his shot just wide. Sadly for the 23-year-old, that was as good as it got all evening. AP
Rafael Leao 6 – After missing the first leg due to injury, Milan’s star man almost got them off to the perfect start. However, his powerful first-half run into the Inter box eventually saw him drag his shot just wide. Sadly for the 23-year-old, that was as good as it got all evening. AP
Olivier Giroud 6 – A tough game up front for the Frenchman, who was largely feeding off scraps. On the odd occasion he did win aerial duels against the likes of Acerbi, his teammates weren’t able to capitalise and feed off his hold-up play. AP
Olivier Giroud 6 – A tough game up front for the Frenchman, who was largely feeding off scraps. On the odd occasion he did win aerial duels against the likes of Acerbi, his teammates weren’t able to capitalise and feed off his hold-up play. AP
SUBS: Pierre Kalulu (for Thiaw, 64’) 5 – Looked well off the pace after replacing the carded Thiaw, losing his man for Martinez’s goal. Reuters
SUBS: Pierre Kalulu (for Thiaw, 64’) 5 – Looked well off the pace after replacing the carded Thiaw, losing his man for Martinez’s goal. Reuters
Divock Origi (for Diaz, 76’) 6 – Came on to join Giroud up top in the Milan attack, but hardly had a touch of the ball. Reuters
Divock Origi (for Diaz, 76’) 6 – Came on to join Giroud up top in the Milan attack, but hardly had a touch of the ball. Reuters
Alexis Saelemaekers (for Messias, 76’) 6 – Replaced Messias for the final 10 minutes, but was equally ineffective in the final third. Reuters
Alexis Saelemaekers (for Messias, 76’) 6 – Replaced Messias for the final 10 minutes, but was equally ineffective in the final third. Reuters

"They showed strength, determination, aggression, concentration, they were wonderful," he said. "We played four derbies since January and won all four, we know Milan are the Champions of Italy and have huge quality, but the players were excellent and deserve to enjoy this evening."

Before their two semi-final victories, Inter beat Milan 3-0 to lift the Italian Supercup in January and grabbed a 1-0 win in Serie A the following month.

When asked whether he would prefer in the Champions League final to face Manchester City or Real Madrid, who play the second leg of their last-four tie on Wednesday, Inzaghi was keeping his cards close to his chest.

"It's normal that when you go to face City or Real you start underdogs, but football is always open: we met Real Madrid last year and we lost two games, but playing well. Manchester City needs no introduction: we will watch and whoever arrives will arrive."

Inzaghi said that Serie A was now the primary focus for his players, who face newly crowned champions Napoli on Sunday.

"I gave the players a day off tomorrow because we haven't had it since April 1. It was deserved, We'll meet again from Thursday because we have to prepare for a league match in Naples."

The Champions League final will be played at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on June 10.

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UAE currency
Inside Palestine-Israel
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• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes. 
 

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes. 


In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes. 
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.

War on waste
Fines for littering

In Dubai:

Dh200 for littering or spitting in the Dubai Metro

Dh500 for throwing cigarette butts or chewing gum on the floor, or littering from a vehicle. 
Dh1,000 for littering on a beach, spitting in public places, throwing a cigarette butt from a vehicle

In Sharjah and other emirates
Dh500 for littering - including cigarette butts and chewing gum - in public places and beaches in Sharjah
Dh2,000 for littering in Sharjah deserts
Dh500 for littering from a vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah
Dh1,000 for littering from a car in Abu Dhabi
Dh1,000 to Dh100,000 for dumping waste in residential or public areas in Al Ain
Dh10,000 for littering at Ajman's beaches 

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

Series info

Test series schedule 1st Test, Abu Dhabi: Sri Lanka won by 21 runs; 2nd Test, Dubai: Play starts at 2pm, Friday-Tuesday

ODI series schedule 1st ODI, Dubai: October 13; 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi: October 16; 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi: October 18; 4th ODI, Sharjah: October 20; 5th ODI, Sharjah: October 23

T20 series schedule 1st T20, Abu Dhabi: October 26; 2nd T20, Abu Dhabi: October 27; 3rd T20, Lahore: October 29

Tickets Available at www.q-tickets.com

Stat Fourteen Fourteen of the past 15 Test matches in the UAE have been decided on the final day. Both of the previous two Tests at Dubai International Stadium have been settled in the last session. Pakistan won with less than an hour to go against West Indies last year. Against England in 2015, there were just three balls left.

Key battle - Azhar Ali v Rangana Herath Herath may not quite be as flash as Muttiah Muralitharan, his former spin-twin who ended his career by taking his 800th wicket with his final delivery in Tests. He still has a decent sense of an ending, though. He won the Abu Dhabi match for his side with 11 wickets, the last of which was his 400th in Tests. It was not the first time he has owned Pakistan, either. A quarter of all his Test victims have been Pakistani. If Pakistan are going to avoid a first ever series defeat in the UAE, Azhar, their senior batsman, needs to stand up and show the way to blunt Herath.

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

Race card

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m
7pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 2,400m

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Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.

A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.

Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.

A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.

On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.

The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.

Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.

The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later. 

Tickets

Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.

England v West Indies

England squad for the first Test Cook, Stoneman, Westley, Root (captain), Malan, Stokes, Bairstow, Moeen, Roland-Jones, Broad, Anderson, Woakes, Crane

Fixtures

1st Test Aug 17-21, Edgbaston

2nd Test Aug 25-29, Headingley

3rd Test Sep 7-11, Lord's

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