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Adriano, Kobiashvili hit hat-tricks; Shevchenko scores four
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-24 09:51 Three-goal Adriano
delighted at ending dry spell
MILAN, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Inter Milan's Brazilian striker Adriano ended his
goalscoring dry spell with a hat-trick in his club's 4-0 Champions League win
over Artmedia Bratislava on Wednesday in a victory which secured top spot in
Group H.
Adriano, who is hoping to lead the line for Brazil in next year's World Cup
finals, had not scored in European competition since the August 10 Champions
League qualifier against Shahktar Donetsk and had been without a goal since his
double against AS Roma on October 26.
The Brazilian has only managed five goals in Serie A this season -- three of
those coming against Treviso on the opening day of the season and he has come in
for criticism from the media.
"I've had some tough moments," he told Italy's Sky Sports, "I didn't feel
good mentally but the important thing was to get in shape physically," said the
Brazilian, who spent much of the recent break for internationals at Inter's
training centre.
Inter coach Roberto Mancini felt time away from travel and matches had paid
dividends for his forward.
"With Adriano it was just a physical question nothing else. He has just had
two weeks to train without travel and other commitments and I think that made
the difference," said Mancini.
The striker said he hoped that his return to form could help push Inter on
towards success this season.
"I want to improve personally and to win with Inter. I will take on my
responsibilities and I won't hide. Now we have the right attitude and the season
still has a long way to go. I hope we can enjoy the campaign and win," he
said.
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