MILAN – Nerazzurri defender Andrea Ranocchia
spoke to journalists at the Milan presentation of the Junior TIM Cup,
held at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza's Sala Executive on Wednesday evening.
How do you feel now, given that you played in the derby with a knee problem? How has it responded since the game?
"It's still not 100% but I expected that. I tried to grit my teeth and the medical staff did a fantastic job to get me out on the pitch for the derby."
You'll miss the Catania game through suspension. Are you already thinking about Gareth Bale?
"At the moment I'm trying to work on my fitness, then I'll think about Tottenham."
How have you come out of the derby psychologically speaking?"Well. We responded superbly after going behind and we ended on a high. That gives us a boost going into the next game."
John Carew didn't pass his fitness test to join Inter. What will the club do now – look for another striker?
"I don't know, that's something for the club to decide. All we players have to do is to get on with playing the game, and leave other things to those at the top. We're well equipped up front though. We've got Rocchi and other players who I'm sure will come to the fore now."
There's quite a battle going on for third place, with lots of teams vying for the chance to get into next year's Champions League.
"Yes, it's a pretty intense battle all right and it makes it very intriguing. It's a hard-fought Serie A this year. We'll keep fighting till the end because we must get into the Champions League spots."
Has Diego Milito's injury affected the team psychologically? Has it been a difficult blow to get over within the dressing room?"We're obviously sorry because Milito is not just a great player but he's a great guy as well, and he's always made his presence felt in the dressing room. But we have a number of players who will step in now and try to replace him as best they can."
What about you being called to speak to the FIGC? Did you think that matter was all finished with?
"They've asked me to go and talk to them, I'll go there and clear up my position just I did before when they closed the investigation. I'm relaxed and I just hope it gets sorted out as quickly as possible."
