ROVERETO – "The Cremonese match went well but we've just had a week of intense work, so we're aren't as energetic as we can be, but our game is coming along and we're improving every day." Andrea Ranocchia commented on Inter's third pre-season friendly in Rovereto yesterday, after putting in a 45-minute stint.
"Gasperini wants us to be very aggressive and close down early. We saw that today, we won back a lot of balls and I think that is one of the coach's tactics. Switching defensive formation mid-game? This is a team of great players, so they will perform well however you set them out. We can give the best of ourselves with three or four at the back."
Looking ahead to the Italian Super Cup against AC Milan: "We feel good. There are plenty of days and lots of time left to prepare for that game properly but we're already starting to see some results; the gaffer's hand can be seen in it all. We'll definitely be ready for that fixture. AC Milan say they aren't scared of us? Nor are we afraid of them or anyone else."
What about Marco Materazzi handing over "his" No.23 shirt to Andrea Ranocchia? "I'm happy, I thanked him personally and I hope to honour this number and this shirt for as long as possible."
