Andrea Ranocchia has revealed he is envious of two Inter teammates for their mental and physical talents.
Ranocchia was given a rare start for the Nerazzurri on Saturday as they visited Bologna, stepping in for Stefan de Vrij as the Dutch defender completed his recovery from COVID-19 recovery.
But the Italian is expected to start again for Antonio Conte’s side when Inter host Sassuolo tomorrow, with Alessandro Bastoni now ruled out through suspension.
Asked in an interview for Inter’s matchday programme what he’d like to ‘steal’ from his teammates, Ranocchia replied: “I’d like Marcelo Brozovic’s carefree attitude and the pace of Achraf Hakimi.
“It’s a pleasure to watch Hakimi cover ground so easily.”
Ranocchia has turned his career at Inter around in recent seasons after a very difficult period under Walter Mazzarri and Roberto Mancini, which saw him become an unpopular club captain.
Asked what advice he would give now to his younger self at the start of his career, the centre-back said: “I’d tell him to work hard every day, never stop dreaming, listen to the advice of those above him and always keep improving.”
Ranocchia was also quizzed on the toughest opponent he had ever faced and picked an Inter legend.
“The strongest opponent I’ve faced is a special striker that I’ve also had the pleasure of having as a teammate, Diego Milito,” he added.
“This is a great dressing room we have at Inter now, one of the best of my career.
“It’s a fantastic group, we give each other a lot of strength.”
