APPIANO GENTILE – Andrea Stramaccioni opened his press conference before tomorrow's game at the Stadio Barbera by analysing Palermo's form: "The way Palermo are playing at the moment they would be a stern test for any side, especially at home. Tomorrow is a crucial game for them in the relegation battle but it's important for us too. It should make for a heated encounter."
As usual, motivation will be one of the key factors. "Of course it will," the coach continued. "Palermo are fighting tooth and nail at the moment but we'll do the same. The change of temperature is also something we'll have to consider tomorrow. In any case, our motivation will be sky high."
Stramaccioni was asked for an update on the fitness of Cristian Chivu and Walter Samuel: "We've spent so much time talking about injuries and sometimes it takes away from what we're doing on the pitch. I'm calm because the players we do have available are doing a great job. But to answer your question, Chivu is in the squad and Samuel isn't. I'm confident I'll have a few players back at the start of next week. Which ones? I'm very confident that certain players will be available again but I prefer not to names names. I'm calm and optimistic, that's all."
Reporters then asked if Samuel's departure might be on the cards. "All I can say is that everyone knows what a decisive role Samuel plays for us. Looking at his ability, I don't consider it a possibility. Unless of course he were to decide to leave, in which case we'd obviously respect his choice."
What about Cassano – when is he expected back? "Our diagnosis, the doctor's diagnosis, was the same for him as it was for Rodrigo, who got injured four days earlier. So we expect them to return around the same time." Could Cassano and Stramaccioni both stay on at Inter? "I think potentially the future should be with all the players we have in the squad but at the moment we're focused solely on our trip to Palermo."
Still on the subject of injuries, there was another question about Yuto Nagatomo. The coach replied: "I've spoken to Yuto and he's calm. The medical staff are deciding what the best solution is and over the coming days they'll make a decision that's in the player's and Inter's best interests."
