Mariga picks gold as Oliech finish ninth

By Robin Toskin and AgenciesHarambee Stars and Inter Milan midfielder Macdonald Mariga won a fourth title in Italy after coming on as a substitute as the Nerazzurri beat Palermo 3-1 to retain the Coppa Italia.
Mariga replaced Brazilian Tiago Motta nine minutes from time with Inter Milan two goals to the good thanks to Samuel Eto’o’s brace.
Palermo’s Ezeiel Munoz struck with three minutes to go but was sent off a minute later after illegally stopping Mariga as the 24-year-old dashed for goal. From the resulting free-kick, Eto’o struck the crossbar with goalkeeper Savaltore Sirigu beaten.
Diego Milito then tapped in a simple finish in added on time from Goran Pandev’s cut back into the six yard box.
Although Palermo dominated much of the game with Fabrizio Miccoli and Abel Mathias Hernandez both going close, Inter were clinical, a fact epitomized by the Cameroonian Eto’o crisp finishes.
The seventh Coppa Italia success in Inter’s history goes some way to making up for a disappointing season.
After winning the treble under Jose Mourinho last season, they missed out on the Serie A title for the first time since 2006 and surrendered the Champions League with a shock quarter-final exit against Schalke.
The cup success may also help the cause of Brazilian coach Leonardo, who replaced the sacked Rafael Benitez in December.
"It’s a huge satisfaction in an entertaining year, with many changes, for me and for Inter," Leonardo said.
"Being able to finish the last game of the season with two trophies is fantastic," he added, referring to the team’s victory in the Club World Cup.
The victory also means Inter will take on cross-city rivals and Scudetto winner AC Milan in the 2011-12 Supercoppa Italia.
In France, Denis Oliech failed to make the final day squad, but it did not matter as AJ Auxerre beat Lorient 2-1 to finish ninth and banish any fears of relegation.
Auxerre started the day in 12th position and in danger with other seven clubs of being relegated.
Kevin Gameiro’s 20th-minute strike gave FC Lorient the lead, only for Bruno EcuelÈ-Manga’s own-goal to pull Auxerre level.
Auxerre, however, had Valter Birsa to thank for the winner early in the second half to help Oliech’s side finish ninth.
Monaco and Lens joined Arles on their way down to the second division. Monaco, who contested the Uefa Champions League final in 2004 against Porto were beaten 2-0 at home by Lyon while Lens suffered a 4-0 hiding at Nancy.
— Agencies