MILAN - "This win means a lot during this emergency period that we’re in. It’s something the lads showed to everyone and to our president, who always gives us a boost, as he also did before this match. It was also for the fans, who are always there for us," stated Andrea Stramaccioni after the game to Sky Sport Italia.
He continued with his summary: "I think Inter played a strong first half. We knew we would pay for it a bit after halftime while Parma were able to send on fresh legs. But we managed to get the result. The coach is always open to criticism, and rightly so, but I’m not one to hide. I’ll gladly stand up and be counted, because this team and these colours mean a lot to me."
Regarding certain individual players, the coach explained: "Schelotto was unlucky today. He took a hard knock to the shin and maybe misplayed a few balls, but he bit the bullet and stayed on the pitch. Jonathan is another one who is giving his all. I’ve heard some unfair things said about him, but you can see he’s not holding back out there and trying his best."
"Now our thoughts are on Palermo v Inter. We have to do everything we can to continue racking up points until the end," stressed Stramaccioni.
The coach then spoke to Mediaset: "It’s a win that means a lot, most of all for my players. We hadn’t won at home since the Chievo match. Parma gave us problems when Biabiany came on, but we did well to keep our shape. Do we take to the pitch scared? No, we were a bit unlucky, especially with the chances Schelotto had. The formation is the same one that played against Roma, excluding Pereira. I’m proud to be the Inter coach and I’ll give my all until the very end. The president came into the dressing room before the game and charged us up, which was something great. A full-strength Inter is the only team to have beaten the top 4 teams. I was the coach then and the players were the same ones we have now. The banner protesting Branca? The fans have the right to express what they feel. I have a close rapport with everyone, from the directors to the lads in the stock room. If I’m here it’s because we’re working as a group. Do we feel the absence of Gabriele Oriali? When I played at Bologna he was a director. I thank him for the things he said about me, but I’m happy with the management I have here."
To Rai Sport: "We’re aware of the condition we’re in, but despite this Inter played a strong game. It’s a result that gives us confidence and shows the lads are giving their all on the pitch. After the Roma match many thought we would have thrown in the towel, but instead we gave even more. For me it’s important to keep my players focused on the games that are still to be played. It’s nice to hear the words from the president about me, but I repeat: I’m focused on the upcoming matches. Gomez and Campagnaro? So far we’ve decided on all the transfer moves together, but right now it doesn’t seem right to talk about the transfer season. The fans in the curva are asking for more from the club? As far as I’m concerned our fans deserve a monument for the way they’ve continued to support us this season. As I told the players, our job is to win for them."
The coach then concluded the press conference: "Schelotto’s shin was practically out of order after the contact with Benalouane. Any other player would have come off, but he stuck it out on the pitch. This shows his dedication to the team’s colours. The transfer market? Quality flank players make for more spectacular football. Rocchi? He keeps surprising us."
