FLORENCE - Julio Cesar was named man of the match by Sky Italia after saving a penalty from Ljajic against Fiorentina - the 10th spot-kick awarded against the Nerazzurri this season and the fifth given by today's referee Mr Valeri. The Brazilian keeper spoke to Sky after the final whistle: "It's a really tough season for us but we're trying. It's not the first time we've had the chance to get within touching distance of third place but Fiorentina were set out really well at the back and it was difficult to find spaces to attack. I'm happy that Sneijder and Maicon are back though. In any case it's not finished yet, we'll keep plugging away and work things out at the end."
Julio Cesar was then asked about the spot-kick he saved: "It's always a great feeling for a keeper to save a penalty, but it feels better when you win. It was partly down to Ljajic not hitting it brilliantly and partly because I made a good save. At least today I had the chance to make up for my mistake. When I touched Lazzari I immediately thought 'That's a penalty'. Fortunately I was only given a yellow, because against Genoa I was sent off."
Speaking to Inter Channel afterwards, Julio Cesar gave his opinion about Andrea Stramaccioni: "I like him. He's not afraid, he gets the team playing football, he gives players confidence, he's switched on, he has character, he's positive. I hope we can stay with us next year as well."
Looking ahead to the next challenge now, Udinese on Wednesday, the Brazilian had nothing but praise for his Slovene counterpart at the Friulan outfit, Handanovic: "I think he's got great technique and if Udinese are where they are then he must take a lot of the credit for it."
