Claudio Ranieri is still without Wesley Sneijder and tells Inter “it won’t be easy” against Cesena on Sunday.
“Cesena have quality, will run like crazy and make life hell for us,” warned the Coach.
Claudio Ranieri is still without Wesley Sneijder and tells Inter “it won’t be easy” against Cesena on Sunday.
“Cesena have quality, will run like crazy and make life hell for us,” warned the Coach.
“They managed to beat Palermo in Sicily, so that fired them up even more. They know we’re in good shape, so it won’t be easy for either side.
“My biggest concern is always the next game. Cesena have players who can change a game and I know Adrian Mutu from our time at Chelsea. We’ve got to do everything we can.”
Diego Forlan is in the squad and Ranieri admitted “he could start,” though Sneijder and Cristian Chivu are still sidelined.
After two consecutive victories, the Nerazzurri are fast closing the gap on the Serie A leaders.
“I think we have to at least wait until the midway point of the season before judging where we are. The team is improving its self-confidence and the experienced players are doing a good job. We have to continue this way, as we haven’t done anything yet.
“The 4-4-2 system is helping us to cover the field, but when Sneijder returns he will not be moved. He is the fulcrum of our attack and must remain in the centre. Ricky Alvarez can play on the right and I can see him working harder in training, so the ‘hammering’ I give him is taking effect.”
Ranieri was asked about the Calciopoli peace talks, which ended in failure this week.
“I am not interested and the less we talk about it, the better. We already made a scandal of ourselves throughout the world, so it’s better to shut up.”
The former Premier League and Liga Coach also had something to say about the very structure of Serie A.
“There are too many teams in Serie A and therefore we don’t have a moment’s rest. In a League with fewer sides, everyone would be able to work better and therefore be more prepared for the international tests. I think Serie A would improve as a result.”
Inter squad: Julio Cesar, Castellazzi, Orlandoni; Zanetti, Lucio, Maicon, Ranocchia, Samuel, Faraoni, Nagatomo; Stankovic, Thiago Motta, Alvarez, Poli, Cambiasso, Obi, Coutinho; Pazzini, Forlan, Milito, Zarate, Castaignos