Inter have to go out onto the pitch this afternoon on the pitch and continue to do what they have done in recent weeks in order to stay in the position they are in, Inter central defender Andrea Ranocchia has insisted.
“We have prepared for the match in the best possible way,” Ranocchia explained in an interview with Inter’s official club broadcaster Inter TV, ahead of kick-off at San Siro, which is scheduled for 15:00 local time.
“Today, however, we have to prove it on the pitch and we must win by continuing to do what we have been doing to stay up there.”
Ranocchia, who formerly played for today’s opponents, then went on to discuss their recent form and pointed out how he and his teammates must face them.
“They are on an excellent run of form, they are a healthy team who are doing well, are confident, and come out of a complicated situation.
“They will certainly try to play their game but we must continue to do what we have done and do so with humility and have respect for a good team.”
In conclusion the former Nerazzurri captain spoke on Genoa coach Davide Ballardini, who has been key in the Rossoblu’s turnaround in recent weeks.
“I worked under Ballardini many years ago and for a short time therefore I did not have time to establish a great working relationship with him.
“I don’t remember too much, but he is a coach who is doing a great job with this group of players by pulling them out of a complicated situation.
“Many years have passed, now I’m here and we have to stay up there.”
In a follow up interview with Sky Sport Italia, he added: “Genoa will play their game.
“We must respect them because this will be a difficult match.
“They got themselves out of a complicated place in the standings.
“I know that Davide Ballardini is working well but we only have to think about ourselves and increasing the advantage.”
Ranocchia is amongst the substitutes for Inter this afternoon and coach Antonio Conte has named a virtually unchanged side to the one that started the Milan Derby win last weekend with the exception of the suspended Achraf Hakimi, who has been replaced by Matteo Darmian.