Inter's Andrea Ranocchia says Milan should be 'handled with care', and discusses Jeison Murillo, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Miranda and Federico Dimarco.
The 27-year-old is a true veteran of the Nerazzurri, being the only player left in the team who experienced the Supercoppa derby in Beijing in 2011.
“Very much changed since then, for both teams,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Inter's Andrea Ranocchia says Milan should be 'handled with care', and discusses Jeison Murillo, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Miranda and Federico Dimarco.
The 27-year-old is a true veteran of the Nerazzurri, being the only player left in the team who experienced the Supercoppa derby in Beijing in 2011.
“Very much changed since then, for both teams,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It's awkward to see the Milanese clubs not qualified for the international cups, but football is formed of cycles and both clubs are working well.
“With Milan it's always a derby, even when it's a friendly.
“They'll be among our rivals to handle with care, but beating Milan always gives you a particular satisfaction.”
The Inter captain then went on to discuss in detail the new additions to the squad, both the new signings and the younger guns.
“Murillo? My impression of him is excellent. He's tough and strong.
“He slashed his own holidays after the Copa America. His integration was very quick and against Bayern [Munich, in the friendly on July 21], he had a great debut.
“It's a shame about his calf problems, but that's a minor issue.
“Jeison already demonstrated charisma and personality, going face to face against [Robert] Lewandowski.
“He's young, but he's a starter with Colombia.
“Miranda? He's another great signing. Everyone will have to compete for a starter's place, and that's the way it should be in a great team.
“Geoffrey [Kondogbia]? I like him. He's a man of few words, and a great deal of facts. We should all be that way.
“But above all else he's a player of great talent, his presence will be felt on the pitch.
“Just as long as he isn't expected to resolve matches on his own. He's 22 years old and he only just joined us.”
Finally, Ranocchia discussed youngster Federico Dimarco, who was the object of some criticism after his performance against Bayern Munich.
“Federico isn't even 18 years old, he was up against Bayern and against an incredible adversary like Douglas Costa.
“He had some trouble, but he also did some good things coming forward.
“Unfortunately, I'm not surprised that in Italy a young player should be targeted by the critics. No wonder that youngsters aren't given chances.”