APPIANO GENTILE - Inter will play Roma three times in eleven days, with the sides first meeting on Sunday evening, in the league. The Nerazzurri will take on the Giallorossi twice more, in the Coppa Italia, after Andrea Ranocchia's 120th-minute goal against Bologna - a team he likes, having scored both of his goals this season against the Rossoblu - saw them through to the last 4.
"Clearly they're my lucky team. Plus I'm pleased that we've won both the matches I've scored in. We kept believing right till the end in the Coppa Italia, we're a team that never gives up and now we'll try and get back to the top of the league."
A player who's growing in importance, Ranocchia tells of his desire to improve to make his contribution to Inter. First target, the matches against Roma: "I've kept my head down and got on with it and I'll continue to do so. Now we've got two tough matches coming up, but they'll be fun to play in. Roma have a great frontline, they attack the box with numbers and try to overload you. Will Totti play? He's a champion, in some ways it'd be better if he weren't playing but it's always fun to play against great players."
The defender was then asked to comment on referees. He replied with a smile, "Seeing as I was banned for saying something that was neither serious nor offensive, I'd prefer not to talk about them."
Ranocchia tackled several issues during the course of his interview, from the three-man defence ("Football's evolving, the coaches are studying new techniques") to the chances of moving back up the table, and their targets: "We're still in the hunt in every competition, all of which are difficult. We'll do our best, I'd like to win everything. Can we make up the ground? We should never stop believing."
Ranocchia also commented on the Azzurri, the Sneijder situation and 'Calcioscommesse': "Have I heard from Prandelli? No, I've not spoken to him, but I'll keep working as I am doing and I hope to convince the coach to call me up. What do I think about the Sneijder situation? I've kept out of it because it's between Wes and the club. It's sad because Wes is a friend of mine and top player. Is the nightmare over for me in terms of 'Calcioscommesse'? I hope it's over where I'm concerned. They've stopped investigating me in Bari, I'm relaxed, just like I have been throughout. I'm also happy for Cannavaro and Grava, I'm pleased their ordeal is over."
