The reason why Cassano is not selected, why Rocchi hasn’t played that much, Guarin’s role and the opponent Catania. These were some of the subjects Inter’s coach Andrea Stramaccioni talked about when he held the press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game against Catania.
Catania has performed well at home. What are the risks with this game?
“Maran and his team are doing an incredible job, extraordinary. It is a face off, at home, they have achieved good results and beat Lazio, Fiorentina, Roma and played a draw against Napoli. It is an arena that has historically has been difficult for Inter and to to this, we arrive mentally prepared after having taken advantage of a week without playing.”
Is the fact that Cassano not been selected to equate with a suspension? What has happened?
“It is a decision I have taken and not a suspension. The thing that happened yesterday should be described as a thing that can happen, it was only a discussion. Whoever wrote this today doesn’t want us well because these things must stay in the locker room. There was a discussion, there was no other contact. It annoys me that this was reproduced on the outside. In addition, Cassano in the last seven matches has played a lot, to not select him is my decision and I do not want this to become a press conference about Cassano.”
In the attack there is also the absence of Milito.
“It is impossible to play all games with Palacio and Cassano and always have them on the pitch, in the league, we also have Rocchi availible. We often play with one striker because using two is not easy, there is a solution that is not doable. Technically, it is something that could happen.”
How is Rocchi doing? Why hasn’t he played much?
“He’s paying for the problem that he is not on the list of players availible for the Europa League, there have been painful decisions and no one thought that Diego would get hurt. He has not felt well in recent matches, we knew that, and in Udine and in the cup I have shown that I want to use him, and therefore he has played. Now he feels good and during the end of the season he will be used often.”
Will it be difficult to play with few attackers?
“I am not trying to find excuses, even though there is no doubt that this has been a miserable season with injuries that almost never happen. But we are going for three points, starting tomorrow we have to pick up points because there is so much at stake.”
Guarin is a versatile player, but where does Stramaccioni see him?
“His ideal position is as a central midfielder in a three-man midfield because he can use his power and his shot is best there. I have used him as a support for the attack that lost some power when we lost Milito, I started playing with him there to not distort the trident. These two games have been a bit random because we have not had time to work, he was forced to constitute a quarter of our midfield and against Milan, he was suffering, but it was not his fault. Now he will get to play on the position he prefers because I have Schelotto and Alvarez that gives me options.”
Is there a chance that we will see the purchases made in January?
“Kuzmanovic, Schelotto and Rocchi are, for various reasons, not on the list of players that can be used in the Europa League and they will be used, either from the beginning or enter during the match. But all of them are showing that they can still do well.”
Is there a risk that we will see a ‘Christmas tree formation’?
“It is risky to play with two strikers when there are only two available, especially since you risk losing a player, given the many tournaments. In midfield I have more solutions.”
That the discussions should remain in the dressing room is right, but is suspending Cassano justified?
“I answer with facts: if he had been suspended, he would not have practiced today. To not select him is a decision I have made, on Monday, he will train regularly and if nothing happens, he will be among the 18 players going to London.”
Source: fcinternews.it
