Inter boss Claudio Ranieri used his pre-match media conference ahead of the Parma game to confirm that Mauro Zarate and Wesley Sneijder will stay at the club.
Inter boss Claudio Ranieri used his pre-match media conference ahead of the Parma game to confirm that Mauro Zarate and Wesley Sneijder will stay at the club.
Zarate, on loan from Lazio” data-scaytid=”7″>Lazio, has been linked with a quick return to the capital, while Sneijder is again being paired with Manchester United.
“Zarate is our player and I rate him very highly, even if now and again his brain stops and he needs a shock,” the tactician noted.
“Sneijder belongs to Inter too and he’ll stay with us.”
Inter will resume their campaign at home to Parma on Saturday night after winning six of their last seven games in the championship.
“We have to take on Parma with caution as they are a team who have beaten Napoli and Udinese,” he added. “We have to be alert, concentrated and determined. We’ll play a great game.
“I found the squad to be in good shape after the break. From a psychological point of view, being able to spend some time with their families has helped the boys.
“I don’t know what percentage we are at right now, maybe 80-90 per cent, but we hope to be in good condition from now until the end of the season.”
Inter’s campaign could take a decisive twist in Week 18 when they will face leaders Milan – currently eight points ahead of them in the table – but Ranieri has called for focus on the Gialloblu.
“I’m not thinking about the derby because we have to play the game against Parma first.”
Ranieri has named a 20-man squad for the tie, but there is no Cristian Chivu or Dejan Stankovic even if they have returned to action.
“Chivu has taken part in just three training sessions, Stankovic four. They’ll be available for the derby after another week of work.”
Inter squad – Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar, Castellazzi, Orlandoni.
Defenders: Zanetti, Lucio, Maicon, Ranocchia, Samuel, Faraoni, Nagatomo.
Midfielders: Thiago Motta, Alvarez, Poli, Cambiasso, Obi, Coutinho.
Attackers: Pazzini, Milito, Zarate, Castaignos.