SOFIA – The latest Inter Campus visit to Bulgaria has just concluded, with the delegation narrowly avoiding inundation by the extreme snowstorm that affected the Bania and Troyan Centres a few days after their departure. The group was accompanied in their tour of the area by local coordinator Yordanka Yaneva, alongside Lilly Dragoeva, our point of reference with partner organisation the Stefan Noykov Foundation.

Given the harsh temperatures, all training sessions in Bania were held inside. The complex, equipped with gym, ample sleeping facilities and outdoor swimming pool heated by the area’s natural springs, was seized by the government seven years ago. Authorities are waiting for the conclusion of judicial proceedings so that it can be put on the market.  As things stands, our local trainer Donchu is the only person permitted to make use of the facilities. Thanks to him, the children of Bania can train inside when snow or low temperatures make the adjoining outdoor pitch a no-go area.

The Inter Campus delegation, made up of organisational representative Francesco Quattrin and technical personnel Gabriele Raspelli, Dario Tripol and Giulio Origlia, then made their way to Troyan, negotiating mountain ranges and dense snow without ever losing their zest for the journey.

Instructors Mitko and Vladi were in Troyan to greet our party. There followed two days of intense work, with local children being joined by kids from Vrebevo, Nowo Selo and Bania for the sessions.

There were many happy moments for the children, who were over the moon to receive the new Nerazzurri jersey. Local trainers got the chance to learn from and talk with Gabriele Raspellia and Dario Tripol during their educational and practical training sessions.

The visit drew to a close with a trip to the Foundation’s headquarters in Sofia. It was a chance to discuss plans for the future, but also to catch up with an old friend in director Ventseslav Panchev. Until next time, Bulgaria!

MILAN – In a recent interview with Sky Sport 24, Hugo Campagnaro kicked off with an honest appraisal of his season: “I’ve only made three appearances so far, two in the Europa League and one in Serie A. I hope things start improving now. I need to be in peak physical condition to rediscover my best form. Will I start against Roma? Without Nagatomo, I’ll have more of a chance, but there are other players too and it’s down to the coach to decide.”

The Argentine defender also spoke about how things have changed with Mancini’s arrival: “We’re playing better than we have been. We’ve got more confidence and are less tense. When things are going badly, you feel the pressure on the pitch and it’s hard to play your best football. The club decided to make a change and now we need to do our best for Mancini. We’re learning new things in a short space of time so we have to work hard. Mazzarri is a coach that gives 100% – you certainly can’t criticise his effort – but at times results don’t reflect that.”

On the subject of the switch to a back four, Campagnaro commented: “The coach is experimenting with me on the right, so I’m trying to adapt after so long as a centre-back. It’s different tactically and I have to run more, but I’ve played there for the national team. I need to work hard in training to make a big contribution.

“The match against Roma can tell us what level we’re at, but there is a long way to go in the league. It’s so important that the fans help us. Their support is fundamental for us to be able to give 100%,” continued the Nerazzurri defender.

The last word was saved for compatriot Rodrigo Palacio: “I think he’s feeling the effects of an ankle injury which has hampered him over the start of the season. It doesn’t have anything to do with his miss in the World Cup final. It’s always a shame to lose such a match but everyone makes mistakes, not just him.”

APPIANO GENTILE – After last night’s Europa League victory over Dnipro, Roberto Mancini’s side were back at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti today to prepare for Sunday’s match in Rome.

The Nerazzurri were divided into two groups: those that played yesterday had a recovery session, whilst the others focused on possession, technical and tactical drills and a friendly match.

MILAN – Inter coach Roberto Mancini will hold a press conference at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti in Appiano Gentile from 12:15 on Saturday 29 November, the day before Roma v Inter. Entry for media personnel from 12:00.

Follow the press conference live on Inter Channel, inter.it or on the club’s official Twitter profile @Inter_en. 

MILAN – Three home matches and five away days for the various Nerazzurri youth academy sides this weekend. It all kicks off on Saturday 29 November with Stefano Vecchi’s Primavera side, who play their eleventh match of the season against Cesena at the Centro Sportivo Rognoni, in Villa Silva di Lizzano (kick-off at 14:30). The other Saturday match sees Marco Sala’s Esordienti side take on Masseroni Marchese away at the Centro Sportivo G. Catozzi in Milan, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30.

It’s the Allievi Nazionali Serie A and B’s turn on Sunday morning at 11:00. They play Chievo Verona at the Centro Sportivo Giacinto Gacchetti. The Giovanissimi Nazionali travel to Monza for their twelfth match of the season, which again kicks off at 11:00. In the afternoon, the Allievi Nazionali Lega Pro pit their wits against Reggiana at the Centro Sportivo Giacinto Facchetti (kick-off at 14:30). Meanwhile, Salvatore Cerrone’s Berretti side are away to Forlì at their Stadio T. Morgagni in Viale Roma 128/B.

Later on in the afternoon, the Giovanissimi Regionali play Pergolettese at the Centro Sportivo Bertolotti in via Serio, Crema. Last but certainly not least, the Giovanissimi Regionali B take on Albinoleffe at the Centro Sportivo Bruzzano, in via Comasina 115.