APPIANO GENTILE – Tomorrow will be Andrea Stramaccioni's first time in the Inter dugout and he will be up against Genoa – a fearsome rival and a match that the coach describes as "extremely tough, because Pasquale Marino is very well prepared and his team is aggressive; they know how to keep things at a high tempo, they attack you, and they have some fantastic players up front. They have what it takes to cause problems for any side but we're ready for them."
Stramaccioni was asked to comment on Rodrigo Palacio in particular: "He likes to roam behind a centre forward, sometimes dropping onto the left flank. He has quick feet and a quick brain. And a sight for goal. A great player."
Genoa are not to be underestimated and the coach knows that only too well, yet there's no doubt in his mind that his Inter team will go out there tomorrow with the right answers, which is what is needed at the moment. "I'm not so presumptuous to think I can make a huge difference in five days, but I'm sure we'll see the best Inter possible, the best there is on 1 April. The players have responded superbly."
What is Stramaccioni's state of mind as he comes to terms with a new experience? Could kick-off tomorrow be the most exciting moment of his career? "No, I think perhaps the most exciting moment was when I entered the dressing room. I always feel comfortable when I'm on the pitch: when the whistle blows you only think about the game, the opposition, your players. Maybe a more exciting moment for me came off the pitch. Generally speaking when I'm near the field I'm able to give the best of myself," smiled Stramaccioni.
He added: "I'm a very simple guy; I'm exactly the way you see me. I'm proud to have this opportunity and I will be every day for as long as it lasts. I will always be thankful to president Moratti but I'm not going to keep saying it or it will get boring. Andrea Stramaccioni is still the same man, but I am the Inter coach and I want to be successful, get results and give our fans some joy."
There was also a question about the phone calls and texts he has received during his first few days in the job and specifically whether José Mourinho has texted him: "I don't think Mourinho even knows who I am..." replied Stramaccioni, bringing a smile to the faces of the reporters in the press room.
