Inter Milan could manage only a draw on the opening day after being held by Bologna. Playing on Monday after their European Super Cup defeat by Atletico Madrid on Friday, Inter dominated but were unable to find a way past the Bologna defence.

Inter were encamped in Bologna's half for much of the second period but Emiliano Viviano made some key saves.

And late on Samuel Eto'o clipped the bar from substitute Coutinho's cross.

"He did very well with his head, with his hands, with everything," joked Benitez of Viviano's performance.

Inter Milan have categorically said that they are not willing to drop the price for Brazilian right-back, Maicon. Yesterday, it was reported that Real Madrid issued an ultimatum to Inter saying that their final offer for the defender is €22 million and they won’t pay anything above that. Inter Milan have reportedly rejected Madrid’s ultimatum.

Maicon’s agent Antonio Caliendo has said “If things don’t improve between both the clubs then Maicon will stay with Inter. He is not in any hurry to leave the European Champions.”

Italian football giants Inter Milan have reportedly established contacts with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Inter Milan made their move at the weekend, just when everyone thought they were chasing England manager Fabio Capello.

"Inter have been happy for everyone to think they want Capello as it's taken everyone's attention away from Benitez," The Sun quoted an Italian source, as saying.

The Italian team hopes to cash in on the uncertainty over Benitez's position as Liverpool manager, as it is being speculated that Capello wants to see out his England contract until after Euro 2012.

Inter Milan reached the last four of the Champions League for the first time since 2003 as they eased to a 2-0 aggregate victory over CSKA Moscow.

Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder grabbed the only goal of the game in the sixth minute as his low free-kick found its way through the CSKA wall and beyond goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Things got worse for the hosts when they had substitute Chidi Odiah sent off early in the second half and Inter were comfortably able to repel any pressure from their hosts and coast in the last four.