APPIANO GENTILE - After the strong performance in the league opener, Andrea Ranocchia touched on what the victory against the Rossoblù means, explaining to Sky Sport Italia: "We played a good game, we won and it was a good start. This gives us confidence after all the hard work we did in pre-season. But now we’ll put our heads down and go forward. We’ll continue working hard because this is only the beginning."
The Nerazzurri defender spoke about what has made the biggest impression on him when it comes to Walter Mazzarri’s work methods: "He really looks after the small details, both in attack and in defence. He starts with the basics, you could say. Has the defence improved? We’re more compact. We work as a team and suffer less, but we have to continue like this because we’re only at Week 2 in the season."
Regarding their objectives and the Scudetto, Ranocchia explained: "I'm always of the opinion that Inter have to work game after game, week after week, and learn from our mistakes. Can we mention the word Scudetto? After the below par seasons in recent years we have to work rather than talk."
"Do we feel up to Juventus’ level? Juventus are strong and we have a new group with lots of young players. In order to say we’re at their level we have to wait until the end of the season," he replied.
Ranocchia then spoke of his new Nerazzurri team-mates and who has made the biggest impression on him: "Campagnaro has started out very well. He has loads of experience and knows the coach well. I hope he keeps it up."
Without wanting to talk about the transfer market ("I always keep out of these discussions. My team-mates and I think about playing"), Ranocchia took a trip down memory lane when asked about Samuel Eto'o: "It was when I had just arrived. I played alongside a great champion, which is something that can’t be denied."
On the rumours regarding the alleged ownership changes and whether or not they could upset the players: "Upset us? Not for me personally. These are things that regard the president and the club. I’m continuing to train and give my all for these colours. Moratti continues to fight alongside us? He’s had this bond with Inter for many years now. He’s always looked passionate to me and he’s always supportive, even starting with the training camp in Pinzolo."
Ranocchia then commented on the transfer rumours that regard himself: "It’s something I’ve always gone through since I’ve been at Inter. It’s always been talked about but I’m still here sweating for this shirt. I’ll continue to do so as long as I’m signed to this team. Does it serve as motivation when I read my name in the papers regarding transfers? My motivation is to win here, and that’s what makes me train in the summer and show up at the camp already in good shape."
Finally, a question for Andrea on what it means to wear the captain’s armband: "That I’m getting old [smiling]. Jokes aside, it’s something that makes me very proud, but we’re all waiting for Pupi to return."
