APPIANO GENTILE – During today's meeting with journalists ahead of Inter v Catania, Andrea Stramaccioni was quizzed about topics that included Wesley Sneijder's return, Matias Silvestre's form and the transfer market, or, more precisely, a name that has been heavily linked with Inter, Paulinho.
"I spoke to Sneijder yesterday," the coach said. "He's on his way back, he'll be here on Monday. He's finished this period away, which was granted with the doctor's agreement, and from Monday he'll be working with our medical staff again, then hopefully with me again soon. His position? The match against Chievo was the first game when we played with three. He is 'the third', either the third up front or the third in midfield."On whether Silvestre might play tomorrow, the Nerazzurri coach explained: "I pick the players who are in best form. Silvestre can play in lots of roles but Juan, Ranocchia and Samuel are doing very well at the moment. Silvestre played at the start because I thought Samuel was a bit behind and Juan wasn't here. At the moment the most reliable defence is with those three but Silvestre is ready to step in."
Stramaccioni then spoke about how the three-man defensive system has come to form part of Inter's new identity. He did so by replying to a request to comment on the compliments he's received from Massimo Moratti, who defined the coach as a very hard worker. "I think all the coaches in Serie A are hard workers. I'm just channelling all my energy into helping Inter. The level of the games you face is a stimulus to do well. There's an important tactical element in Serie A and you have to prepare for each game in minute detail because it can give you the upper hand. Fielding your best team, maintaining your identity, is a good thing. Inter have found their identity with a three-man defence."
Finally, Paulinho. Stramaccioni was asked to list what qualities the Brazilian can offer as - according to the latest transfer rumours - he is close to becoming an Inter player. "We've signed him, have we? Oh, I'm always the last one to find out these things!" The coach joked. "All I can say is that we were interested in him in the summer and that he decided to stay where he was so that he could play in the Club World Cup. Lots of clubs are interested in him. We'll see what the club decides, but I can exclude the fact that he's already been signed. His attributes? He can play as one of two central midfielders or either side in a three-man midfield. The only position I don't think he's comfortable in is playing in front of the defence. He has an eye for goal and combines ball-winning skills with Brazilian flair. He's a modern-day midfielder."
