Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni thinks finishing 2012 in second place would be just reward for the project they started in the summer.
The Nerazzurri waved goodbye to a host of Treble-winning veterans at the start of the season and they’ve surprised some pundits with their results.
Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni thinks finishing 2012 in second place would be just reward for the project they started in the summer.
The Nerazzurri waved goodbye to a host of Treble-winning veterans at the start of the season and they’ve surprised some pundits with their results.
“I think we have to be pleased with what we've achieved since the start of the project, but I'd like to be able to say that tomorrow, in second place ready for the second half of the season,” the Coach stated.
The Beneamata will take on Genoa at San Siro on Saturday in a game where they will start as hot favourites.
“Genoa aren't on the best run but in a one-off game they can cause problems for anyone. Just look what happened against Napoli, who they countered with a system similar to what I expect tomorrow.
“Genoa have the ability going forward to create problems for any team. It will be a tricky contest. Tomorrow though we want to – and must – win.
“You should always respect your opponents, but never fear them. We come into this game with a number of absentees, but we're Inter and we'll start the match tomorrow with 11 players who want to win.
“I'm taking tomorrow's match very seriously because it's very important to us – we want to win it to finish the year second.
“It's hugely important, from a psychological perspective too. Either way, we've already laid the foundations to be back competing and to get back in the Champions League.”
Strama is also hoping that Fredy Guarin’s appeal against his suspension this afternoon will prove successful.
“We've delayed naming our squad because of him, clearly Guarin is our player in the best form, and so we want him to play tomorrow.
“He's been one of our best players, in an area of the pitch where we're missing six players through injury.
“If he's been banned they must have found some reason, but he's assured me that he didn't say anything disrespectful, nor did he approach the assistant – he was punished for intent.
“We're gutted we might not be able to pick our most in-form player.”