Andrea Stramaccioni insists he holds Wesley Sneijder “in the highest regard” and hopes Inter’s injury crisis can push them on to beat Atalanta.
Andrea Stramaccioni insists he holds Wesley Sneijder “in the highest regard” and hopes Inter’s injury crisis can push them on to beat Atalanta.
There are reports of Sneijder’s move to Manchester United being revived after he was banned from using Twitter and hinted he is fully fit despite official word he’s still on the road to recovery.
“I speak to Sneijder every day. He is a great player who wants to come back so he can give his contribution to the team. I hold him in the highest regard. Today he’ll undergo a specific training schedule and we are all waiting for him,” said the Coach.
“As for Twitter, we have internal rules and players cannot speak without prior authorisation from the directors. Inter must communicate with the outside world in a certain way. Sneijder was not the only player to receive a fine.”
Gaby Mudingayi is out for two months, adding to an already packed treatment table.
“We have lost Mudingayi, while Esteban Cambiasso is not in good shape but we hope to get him back as soon as possible.
“I consider it further motivation to deal with an injury crisis. A team that wants to become great mustn’t pay attention to such matters. Philippe Coutinho is the closest to a comeback, while Walter Samuel and Andrea Ranocchia are monitored constantly.”
Inter are flying high and just one point adrift of leaders Juventus after ending their 49-match unbeaten Serie A run. They have also won their last 10 away games on the bounce in all competition, so visit Bergamo on Sunday evening with confidence.
“Atalanta are doing very well and Stefano Colantuono’s work is of the highest level. From the midfield up they have players of real quality, so do not try to ‘destroy’ the opposition’s football. They have beaten Napoli and Milan, so this is a very difficult game.
“We have to take it one round at a time and keep the utmost concentration on Atalanta. We must always go out to win, taking into account the weak spots of our opponents, but not fearing them.”
Stramaccioni has shown himself to be a tactical chameleon, continually chopping and changing the shape of his side.
“We do not have a ‘typical Inter’ line-up. This has advantages and disadvantages, but I see it as a positive thing. I have certainties in six or seven players, while elsewhere I am allowed to play whoever is in better shape.
“Clearly it’s nice to be praised in the media. I am quite cold in these matters and don’t think it can help if I feel like a talent. The credit goes to the team, while we must all be aware that in a moment it can turn back into a difficult situation.”
Inter squad for Atalanta: 1 Handanovic, 12 Castellazzi, 27 Belec; 4 Zanetti, 6 Silvestre, 31 Pereira, 33 Mbaye, 40 Juan Jesus, 42 Jonathan, 55 Nagatomo; 11 Alvarez, 14 Guarin, 19 Cambiasso, 21 Gargano, 24 Benassi, 41 Duncan, 52 Romanò; 8 Palacio, 22 Milito, 88 Livaja, 99 Cassano