Ex-Inter and Roma boss Claudio Ranieri believes José Mourinho ‘needed’ the Giallorossi but is aware of obstacles at the Stadio Olimpico and praises Napoli star Giacomo Raspadori making a surprising comparison.
Nerazzurri and Giallorossi meet at the Stadio Meazza tomorrow. José Mourinho won’t be on the touchline due to a one-match ban but will be looking to end his winless streak against his former club from the stands.
Ranieri was not exactly on good terms with the Special One at the beginning of his coaching career, but their rapport has changed over the years.
“José is a great friend now. He was so nice when Leicester City sacked me. He attended a press conference with ‘CR’ emblazoned on his shirt. He said: ‘Claudio wrote the best-ever story,” the ex-Leicester City boss told Il Corriere dello Sport.
“He is perfect for the Friedkins’ project. He plays to win and his career is made of extraordinary triumphs.
“He is aware that there are some obstacles, like the Financial Fair Play, but Mourinho is unique, the Olimpico is sold out for him more than the team. Roma needed Mou and perhaps he needed Roma too, with fans backing him without reserve.”
Mourinho signed a three-year deal with the Giallorossi last season winning the Conference League, the first European trophy in the club’s history.
Roma are four points behind table leaders Napoli and Atalanta ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with Inter at San Siro and Ranieri sees the Partenopei as credible title contenders this term.
“I think they can learn from last season’s experience when they wasted many games against teams with less quality. Kvara is extraordinary.
“I like Raspadori, a modern striker who gets inside the box with the right tempo.”
The Italian striker scored four goals in the last five games for club and country, including his first-ever Champions League goal against Rangers.
“Raspadori has been compared to Paolo Rossi, but I think they are quite different,” concluded Ranieri. “Even if they have different characteristics, I find similarities with Thomas Muller.”