PINZOLO – "This was our first real game, regardless of the opposition: the players showed good movement and have already taken on a lot of our tactical instructions - it's a good base to work on." After his second win in as many games, Gian Piero Gasperini was able to see the improvement made between the two fixtures.
Speaking to Sky Sport 24, the coach began by explaining the decision to field Wesley Sneijder in midfield: "He performed very well in that role, he has the ability to do that because he knows how to play in different positions, but today he was very good indeed. He brought quality to the team's play, spreading passes around, closing down and he even got a goal. A player who plays well and also helps the team to play better is a great element to have, as he is capable of leading the team. What if he were to leave? We know that things can take sudden turns in the transfer market but the truth is that Sneijder is working hard because he's at Inter now and he's also looking to go forward with the club."
The Nerazzurri's flexibility was apparent in this second friendly fixture of their 2011 summer preparations: "The whole team showed today that they can adapt and the fact that they know where they have to be and where their team-mates are - regardless of who they are playing against - after just a week of training together is a good sign. I must thank all the players, who have helped me in every way they could. I always say that in every group there are the locomotives and the wagons; here they are all locomotives pulling Inter along."The coach was then asked about Alvarez, who struck a brace and who some people have compared to Arjen Robben: "All I can say is that to me Alvarez looks like Alvarez. I think Inter have made an important signing – he's a great player and he'll be an important part of this club." So with Alavarez in the team maybe Palacio isn't needed? "At the moment I'm satisfied with everyone and what they are doing."
There was also a mention of Argentina's elimination from the Copa America. "It was unexpected but I think that Cambiasso, Milito and Zanetti will still have a break now, then we'll see over the next few weeks, depending on injuries and other factors, whether we'll be able to use the Pinzolo group against AC Milan too. Of course, having the Argentinians available a week earlier than expected will enable us to adjust our timescale. Did I watch the match last night? Some of it, I thought Argentina played better than in some of their other games. I'm sorry for our players who I'm sure would have wanted to go all the way."
In closing he also spoke about Lionel Messi ("I think that the Messi of Argentina is the same as the one for Barcelona, but this explains how the team is the important component for a single player as well") and about Diego Milito, unused by coach Batista: "I think in this way, Milito will be even more eager and charged up to play a great season with Inter. He's never had great luck with his national team; even last year after a sensational season with Inter he still wasn’t able to find much space." From Argentina to Brazil: "Am I worried about Julio Cesar’s difficulties? No, he makes two errors a year at most... so he’s already made them for this season."
Regarding the transfer market and rumours of a Viviano-Palacio trade: "These discussions are for the directors. I can only say that, for the moment, Viviano is here training and doing his best, then we'll see."
