APPIANO GENTILE – The Nerazzurri trained for the final time today before they head to Parma where they meet the Gialloblu tomorrow in Serie A 2013/14 Week 34 at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.
The squad worked on a series of drills on set-pieces, followed by a warm-up. The Nerazzurri then did exercises on pace, before finishing with a match on a half-sized pitch.
APPIANO GENTILE – The next stop on a trip towards Europe. Tomorrow’s
opponents Parma are also looking to book their place, and Rolando spoke about
it on Inter Channel: "I ??think it’s going to be a very tough match for
us. We’ll be away from home and they’re in good form. We have to keep playing
the way we did in Genoa, where things went very well for us. The most important
thing is earning the three points.
"I believe it’s always easier to play at home rather than away, but
since Inter are a big team our opponents come to the San Siro and defend
heavily, which makes everything more difficult for us. There’s a bit more space
away from home, but I always prefer playing in front of our own fans. It’s never
easy, but we have to find a way to win these games, whether they’re at home or
away, and whether you have 10 or 20 players defending.
There’s always something new for Rolando, who is able to cover any role
in a 3-man defence: "It’s great for me because there’s always something
else I can discover. I’m always learning something new by playing in three
different positions, and that makes me a stronger player tactically.
"I’m happy with my season so far. There were some people who had
their doubts when I arrived, which I understood since I hadn’t played much in
the previous six months. But I was confident of my qualities as a player, and
the club knew I could bring something important. Now we have to win these games
and qualify for Europe, then we’ll discuss my future. What matters is that I
feel good here."
APPIANO GENTILE – Walter Mazzarri has picked 20 players for the trip to Parma in Week 34 of Serie A 2013/14. The match at the Stadio Ennio Tardini kicks off at 15:00 tomorrow.
Goalkeepers: 1 Samir Handanovic, 30 Juan Pablo Carrizo, 12 Luca Castellazzi;
Defenders: 4 Javier Zanetti, 6 Marco Andreolli, 14 Hugo Campagnaro, 25 Walter Samuel, 33 Danilo D’Ambrosio, 35 Rolando, 55 Yuto Nagatomo;
Midfielders: 10 Mateo Kovacic, 13 Fredy Guarin, 17 Zdravko Kuzmanovic, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 21 Saphir Taider, 88 Hernanes;
Forwards: 8 Rodrigo Palacio, 9 Mauro Icardi, 20 Ruben Botta, 22 Diego Milito.
MILAN – A tournament created 15 years ago, with 317 teams from eight different countries taking part and the aim of 500 in the next edition: the competition for boys born between 1997 and 2005 opened yesterday at Accademia Inter in via Cilea 51. The guests of honour, showing just what an important event it is, were Mateo Kovacic, Andrea Ranocchia, Hernanes, Fredy Guarin and Beppe Baresi. They were applauded by everyone there, and took time to sign autographs and pose for photos with the young footballers. It really made for a party atmosphere.
It starts today and ends on Sunday: let the games begin!
APPIANO GENTILE – “I think we’ve just lacked consistency, the fact we’ve not won several games in a row. That’s the difference between us and the sides above us. Is this my best season? I don’t know, I’m happy with how I’m playing in the league, I obviously give everything to help the team win.” This is what Rodrigo Palacio had to say to Mediaset, as he revealed his main regret this season: “The fact I’ve not been able to play alongside Diego (Milito) much, who was injured for a long time and it’s been quite difficult. I definitely would have liked to have won something with Inter, we’ve not managed that so far, but we’ll see next season. Can I promise the fans anything for the end of season? I can only say we’ll do everything we can to reach the Europa League.”
The project looks set to continue with Walter Mazzarri staying on as coach: “That’s right, for sure. The coach is working very well, the team is working well, we need to keep going like that, stay with him and we’ll definitely be a good fit together next year.”
Palacio was the first player to have his contract renewed after president Thohir came to Inter: “The responsibility is always the same for me, I give everything for the team regardless of my contract or any new deals. The president has started well, he’s made some big signings and renewed important players’ contracts, and he’ll definitely continue like that.”
El Trenza then gave his view on the Parma game and on whether or not Cassano will be in the team: “It’s a very important match for us, they’re close to us in the league table and we need to play it like a cup final. Antonio? It’s better if he doesn’t play because he’s someone who can make the difference and change the game from one moment to the next.”
Rodrigo is in no way surprised by the rise of fellow countryman Icardi: “I knew it, Mauro has great talent, he has a bright future and he needs to keep going because he’s doing well.”