APPIANO GENTILE – From the Primavera to the first team. Inter welcomed Andrea Stramaccioni to Appiano Gentile and the new coach explained in his own words what he has been through in the last week: "In terms of metres I'd say there's very little difference between the first-team dressing room and the Primavera's," he joked with journalists during his press conference. "Seriously though, it's a totally different world. First teams are normally light years ahead, but if we consider that we're at Inter, one of the world's most important clubs, that's obviously even more the case."
Who does he dedicate this experience to? "My answer may not surprise you," said Stramaccioni, "but here we have the guardian angels of the president's choices [Ernesto Paolillo, Marco Branca and Piero Ausilio – Ed.] my dedication goes to the club, which has given me a chance in a prestigious showcase such as the youth academy. I think the faith they have shown in me, while perhaps going against the current, is enough in itself for you to understand how much I owe this moment to them."
From the club into the dressing room. What Stramaccioni said to the players is no secret: "What I said to the players, and I'll repeat it here, is that I've always been honest, I've always been myself. It still fills me with great pride to be able to coach these fantastic players. Up until yesterday I could only admire them from beyond the hedge, now they are my fantastic players. The Inter dressing room exudes professionalism, they are a pleasure to work with and they were easy to talk to right from the start. After my meeting with Massimo Moratti yesterday, I thought I had been myself as we got to know each other and I think that if Massimo Moratti - a man who has written the history of world football - has decided to give me this opportunity, it's based on the things he's seen. I have confidence in my work; I'm confident while remaining humble. I'm not afraid of getting burnt; I mean that I just have to go out on the pitch and do what I know how to do. I know I'm coaching fantastic players and I know I have a club that is right behind me. I'm sure the players will do the rest."
So Inter's new coach will have the chance to teach the Nerazzurri champions: "I prefer to say 'get across' rather than 'teach' because this team is full of world-class players and I don't think I have to teach them anything in the strictest sense of the word; I only have to get my ideas across, and they are the same ones that have brought me here. Going out to win, to boss the game. I was impressed by the dressing room and the intensity in training today. I'm very happy and confident. In short, I have a lot of belief."
