The first derby of the season and La Gazzetta dello Sport interviewed Inter captain, Andrea Ranocchia, the only survivor of the previous derby of the East, when Inter lost the Italian Super Cup in 2011 with Gasperini on the bench. “Since then, much has changed for both teams. It is striking to see both the Milan clubs out of the European cups, but football is made of cycles and both clubs are working well. Against Milan it is always a derby, even in a friendly. They will be among the opponents to fear. Beating Milan always gives particular satisfaction.”
What is your impression of Murillo?
“Excellent. He’s tough and strong. He cut the holiday after the Copa America, settling in was a breeze and against Bayern he made a great debut. Too bad about the problem in the calf muscle, but it is a trivial matter. Jeison has already it showed charisma and personality, going face to face with Lewandowski. He is young, but a starter for Colombia. As for the criticism, the perceived lack of determination, I don’t listen to that.”
After China Miranda will also join the group.
“Another great buy. Everyone will have to fight for a shirt, in a big club that is how it has to be.”
What did you say after the friendly against Bayern that you lost?
“We played a good game, then it is obvious that if you make one mistake against them you pay dearly. We are in the process of growth, it was a great test.”
The facts say that you threw away so many points last season due to absurd defensive errors.
“Having a solid foundation is critical. Those who win in Serie A are almost always those who concede the least amount of goals. In training camp we worked a lot on defense. Not only with the four in defense. To make the leap we have to defend ourselves with 11 players.”
For the leap to you need people like Kondogbia.
“I like Geoffrey. Talks little and does more. We all have to be that way. But above all he is a talented player whose presence on the pitch will be felt. Just don’t expect him to, at age 22 and having just arrived, solve games by himself.”
Speaking of young people, Dimarco received a lot of criticism.
“Federico is not even 18 years old, he had an incredible opponent in Douglas Costa against Bayern. He suffered a little, but he also did good things under pressure. Unfortunately I am not surprised that young player is critisized in Italy. And then they complain that there is no space given to them…”
Can you say that the minimum objective is the return to the Champions or does this put pressure on the group?
“If you want to win, you have to live with the pressure. The goal must be Champions, but in the locker room. Without proclamations.”
Does Mancini seem energized?
“On overload. Being able to choose players he needs, doing the preparation and tactical work from the beginning will make a difference.”
And you will still be the captain?
“Every summer I’m out of the starting eleven, then I play… Things are proven on the pitch. I always go out with the shirt sweaty, do everything for these colors. The discussion regarding the armband is only taking place in the media, nobody in the club has mentioned it. I’m calm. And I would stay even without the captain’s armband.”
Source: fcinternews.it
