Inter’s players deserve to win Serie A but nobody would deserve it more than Andrea Ranocchia, a report in the Italian media argued today.

Gazzetta dello Sport‘s online edition confirmed the defender was ready to replace Stefan de Vrij for Saturday’s Serie A match at Bologna, if De Vrij didn’t recover from COVID-19 in time.

Ranocchia has only made five appearances in all competitions for the Nerazzurri this season but he has never spoken out against Antonio Conte or let his attitude drop.

The 33-year-old was described in this report as a team player, an experienced head and a reliable option, who is now dreaming of crowning his Inter career with the club’s first league title since 2010.

Ranocchia is the only remaining player from when Inter last won a major trophy, when Leonardo led them to the Coppa Italia title in 2011.

He has made 212 appearances for the club in all competitions since joining from Genoa back in 2011.

Inter sent Ranocchia on six-month loan spells to Sampdoria and Hull City a few years ago, neither of which turned into permanent deals.