APPIANO GENTILE – His 100th Serie A strike, the moment Inter are going through, Cagliari, the Coppa Italia, referees and the future. Tommaso Rocchi touched on a whole range of topics when he spoke to Sky Italia earlier today.
"We're crippled with injury problems at the moment and I'm the only recognised striker available, but that won't stop us giving 100%. I'm in much better shape now than when I joined, I just needed to train and get into my stride. It's no problem for me to play consecutive games. In situations like this you find that extra bit of motivation that pushes you beyond the fatigue."
And what could be more motivating than scoring your 100th goal in Serie A? "It's one of the targets you set yourself. I'm aware that it's an important milestone and I'm glad I did it wearing the Inter shirt."
A shirt that he's been wearing since January, although only now are we starting to see what he's capable of. In the meantime there's been no shortage of criticism. "Sometimes people are too quick to comment and pass judgement, without even knowing how things actually stand. But I'm calm and I'll give everything I can. I'm focused on doing my very best for myself and for Inter. What sort of relationship do I have with Stramaccioni? Open and frank, we're on the same wavelength."
Rocchi was then asked about referees. "Unfortunately there's no doubt that we've been penalised. There have been situations where things didn't go as they should have. Being a match official is a difficult job and mistakes do get made, but they need to collaborate better. The things that happened on Sunday, the others should have seen them if the referee didn't. What do I think about the comments made by the captain and president? I don't think there's much need to add anything when the captain and president speak."
Now the team must refocus and concentrate on Sunday's encounter with Cagliari: "It's going to be tough, there are no easy games in this league. We'll just keep going and take each match as it comes. Playing in Trieste? The main thing is that we play at a decent stadium. I don't know if the playing surface is in good condition but we'll see. I hope so."
From Cagliari to third place and the Coppa Italia: "We've got seven games left to play, we've never given up and we're not going to now. I feel good going into the semi-final against Roma. It offers us the chance to reach the final." Rocchi then grinned and added: "And as a former Lazio player, it's even more important for me to have a good game."
Looking further ahead, what does the future hold for Rocchi? "My aim is still the same: to play football and give the team a hand, I've never expected to be a first-choice player. I'm happy here, I hope to spend another year at Inter."
Finally, Rocchi was asked about Francesco Totti and Paolo Di Canio: "Totti has set so many records and he just keeps racking them up. He's world-class. I wish Paolo all the best of luck in his coaching career. He's got every chance of being a success."
