MILAN – FC Internazionale would like to announce that Mateo Kovacic, 20, has signed a new deal at the club until June 2019. “Just a few words to explain this deal. Mateo signing until 2019 is a big statement. He epitomises our future plans, and is the first of a series of players to sign,” said managing director Marco Fassone. “We’re proud that he has decided to go on wearing these colours and we’re sure he will bring our fans a lot of joy. I thank Mateo and believe that there will be great things to come in the future.” Then coach Roberto Mancini had his say: “Inter are investing in the future with this deal and I believe he has huge potential. We’re very happy to have him here.” Finally, Mateo Kovacic spoke about his delight over his new deal: “I’d like to thank the president and club for the chance to play here. I’m delighted and hope to keep moving the club forward. I’m very pleased about my new contract and I hope we can get Inter back to the same levels as 2010.” The aim for now though is third spot: “First third place, then for the Scudetto.” A word on the new signings: “Podolski has made a good start and Shaqiri won the treble with Bayern Munich. If I can help Xherdan, I will, but he’s a great player and doesn’t need us. We can aim for third place with our two new signings.” He also spoke about president Erick Thohir: “The president is important because he’s made some good signings, both back in June and now. “The gaffer is very important. I like being coached by him. Let’s hope the team performs well.” Mateo will miss the Genoa game on Sunday through suspension: “I’ll cheer the lads on. As for my sending off, I trust the referee.”
 

BUENOS AIRES – It’s always great for the children of Inter Campus to receive a new kit, identical down to the finest detail to the one worn by their heroes. It’s both a magic and extremely symbolic moment. Wearing the Nerazzurri colours means being part of a family and feeling protected. That’s how the kids at Inter Campus Argentina feel, as they were handed new shirts by coaches Gabriele Raspelli and Roberto Picardi, as well as project leader Annalisa November during the PUPI Foundation’s last trip to Remedios de Escalada on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Set up in 2004, Inter Campus Argentina now includes the boys and girls that visit the PUPI Foundation day centre, which was opened by Javier Zanetti and his wife Paula. Inter Campus has been supporting these kids since then, using the game of football to keep them away from daily struggles including domestic violence, crime and drugs. It’s a continuous, fun and educational experience run with passion and professionalism by local coordinators Fernando Besasso and Juan De La Fuente, as well as coaches Matias, Ezequiel, Santiago and Julian, who once again received educational and coaching training from the Inter Campus staff.
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APPIANO GENTILE – Appearing on InterNOS, Tommaso Berni spoke live to Inter Channel as he answered the viewers’ questions. “If I hadn’t become a footballer, I’d have travelled a lot, that’s for sure. “You need to let yourself go when it comes it comes to languages and not be afraid to make mistakes. Portuguese is difficult.” He then spoke about his spell abroad: “Football is a lot of fun in England and that’s how it should always be.” Then coming back to Inter: “I train to make the first team. The coach picks the side and I accept his selection with a smile. I like being in the group and being a team player. It doesn’t matter whether I play or someone else does, the desire is still the same. Mine was the first contract dropped off by Piero Ausilio in 1998 if I’m not mistaken. It was great coming back here, I couldn’t believe it. It was an emotional moment when I signed. If I’m honest, it was a dream to come back. “When I was at the academy, I saw Ronaldo train. It was amazing, I was very yong and I remember it well: it was brilliant, what a player!” Berni then came back once again to his return to Inter: “It was amazing because I’m always smiling. I always come to work with a real hunger to train. I knew Carrizo and Handanovic and it’s fun training with them. When I was a kid, I actually played up front.” On the subject of front men, he gave his thoughts on Shaqiri: “Great players are always welcome.” Then goalkeepers of course: “Handanovic is such a well-rounded goalkeeper, great in all departments. It would be great if Neuer could win the Ballon d’Or for what he achieved with Germany. It would be an award for the whole goalkeepers’ union. “I’ve got a great relationship with all my team-mates. I’m not sure whether Kovacic has learned Italian well thanks to me but we do room together so… “I’m a big music lover, now vinyls are back in fashion and I’m looking for records to add to my collection. My passion for music comes from my older brothers.”
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MILAN – Interviewed by some local media, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge discussed the deal for Xherdan Shaqiri. “Why did you immediately refuse Liverpool’s offer of

APPIANO GENTILE – Mancini had his charges do a lot of ball work this morning as the squad spent much of the session doing high intensity exercises. The Nerazzurri worked on technical and tactical drills, set-pieces and finished with a short game. Palacio returned to the group.
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