RHO - This afternoon Hugo Campagnaro and Mauro Icardi visited Oknoplast’s
presentation at the MADE Expo 2013, FieraMilano in Rho. Here at inter.it we give you the interview conducted with the defender:
The upcoming match against Roma is a huge one. What kind of shape will you show
up in? And've stood out as one of the best players in this early part of
the season. Is that because you already knew Mazzarri?
"I’ve been working with him for a while now, so I know the movements,
which is an advantage. I have to say though that everyone has been doing a good
job. Next we face Roma, which will be a tough game against a team that has been
playing very well and giving little away. It’s going to be really difficult.
Then we’ll see. You don’t sum things up until after it's over, but we’ll play
our game."
Mazzarri has also managed to revitalise Ricardo Alvarez. Could this season be a
turning point for him?
"Ricky is a very good player with fantastic technique. Maybe last season
was below par for him, but this year he’s giving 100% and making a difference
in almost every game. We hope he continues like this because we need him. He
could help us go that extra mile."
The Inter defence is letting in fewer goals. Does this come down to you teaching the movements to your team-mates, or Mazzarri’s leadership with Ranocchia and Juan Jesus?
"It’s the movements he’s teaching them. The three-man defence can be played well or badly, the number of players who defend doesn’t have anything to do with it. This year we’re doing it really well and giving little away. We’ve let in more goals than we deserved, which shows it’s been going well."
We’re only at Week 6, but do you think Inter can challenge for the Scudetto?
"Let’s just say that Juventus and Roma have something more in their squads when it comes to numbers and quality. We’re still a bit behind but we can make that up with hard work. I’m not saying we can challenge them, but we can have a great season."
How many teams are ahead of Inter at the moment?
"Right now three, which the league is showing us. If we keep it up we can do well. They have more quality replacements, but we can still have our say."
Did you personally expect to see a start to the season like this one?
"No, at first I was curious, especially after pre-season, because the results weren’t so great. But the other teams were strong and our pre-season was different. Then we started strongly, which I hadn’t expected. Now we’re hoping it continues."
Are you glad Mauro Icardi was called up to the Argentine national team?
"Of course, he deserves it for what he did last season and how he’s started this one. He’s already scored two goals, and then every time he’s come on he’s looked hungry, which is why Sabella decided to reward him. I’m happy for him, he’s a good player."
How is your understanding with Ranocchia and Juan Jesus going?
"It’s an excellent understanding. They’re very intelligent players. They’re both humble and always looking to improve. They’re showing this year what they showed last year, perhaps with a bit of organisation that the new coach can provide. And now we’re all seeing the results."
How do you explain AC Milan and Juventus’ struggles in the Champions League?
"I don’t think it’s normal. Juve in particular can do more because they have quality in their squad and an excellent coach. They deserve to be doing better."
And how badly do you and Inter want to get to the Champions League?
"We really want it. After a below par season it would be important for us to start winning again. I hope we do well and make it back next season."
