Andrea Ranocchia admires Edinson Cavani, but insists he prefers teammate Antonio Cassano as they face off in tonight’s Inter–Napoli.
Andrea Ranocchia admires Edinson Cavani, but insists he prefers teammate Antonio Cassano as they face off in tonight’s Inter-Napoli.
FantAntonio returns from a two-match ban for insulting the referee and is expected to start with Diego Milito and Rodrigo Palacio this evening.
“We really missed him, because he is a phenomenon,” Ranocchia told the Corriere dello Sport.
“There are few around with his technique and vision. He can invent anything at any moment. I know what he has done in his career and can say he is capable of doing even better. Who would I choose between Cavani and Cassano? Cassano, of course.”
The Nerazzurri have stuttered recently and seem to have lost intensity after their 3-1 win away to Juventus.
“We were coming off a string of victories and there was a dip in physical and psychological form. From the outside some thought we relaxed after that win, but that wasn’t the case. It’s normal to think back to the points we dropped along the way.
“I would not be content with a Champions League spot, as I want the Scudetto. My mentality is to always win and finish in front of everyone else. Now that we’re up there, it is only right that we target the top.”
Walter Samuel is suspended, so more of the pressure in the Inter defence falls on Ranocchia’s shoulders.
“Samuel will be missed because he’s a very experienced player who brings a sense of calm to me and Juan Jesus, but I’m sure he’ll be replaced adequately. I am feeling better now after really suffering with injuries. I was in so much pain against Juve, but I wanted to be there so much I would’ve played on one leg.”