Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia spoke at the Trento Sport Festival today discussing the current Inter squad, coach Antonio Conte and former coach Luciano Spalletti, with Italian media outlet FcInterNews in attendance.
First the Italian defender touched on his work with the Nerazzurri’s mental coach.
“I was stunned, bad things tend to get erased. We had a chat first and after the positive impact we decided to continue together. Asking for help is not easy and requires introspective work. I had no other way to get help, it takes humility to understand that you can also not do it alone. I was lucky enough to meet him and now I feel great. That period is now over.”
The 31-year-old also discussed his ten years at Inter and his memories working with Spalletti.
“In January, it’ll be ten years with the Nerazzurri. When the veterans left, I just had to represent a group that wasn’t doing well at the time and the fans were taking it out on me. I didn’t understand what was happening: when you’re in the middle of the storm stay still and wait for it to pass as soon as possible, but in the long run you have to find a way out. It was an experience that strengthened me. Wearing the captain’s armband of one of the ten most important teams in the world is something I can tell my son. Not everyone can spend all these years at the same team, with the same colours on. When Spalletti defended me at the training camp in Brunico, in some way he had managed to make a point, that episode was remembered by all. We often talk, we have remained in excellent relations, I will thank him for all his life. As soon as he arrived, he clashed publicly, no one had ever done it before. It made me feel important for society and this was fundamental.”
Ranocchia spoke of Inter’s captain, Samir Handanovic.
“I’ve never seen a professional like him, really incredible, a real captain. And in fact, it bothers me to be called captain.”
The Nerazzurri defender was positive about Inter’s new coach Antonio Conte.
“I’ve known him a long time and always had a great relationship with him. He makes us run a lot, now I’m in great shape. He improves the players a lot and that’s why he’s a really strong coach. If you’re lucky enough to be coached by him in your career, you’ll be better for sure. We hope to finally lift a few trophies this year.”
Finally, Ranocchia discussed his relationship with the rest of the squad.
“I have a very good relationship with them, and I joke in the locker room. They come to hug me after a goal, so I would say that I have transmitted something.”
