APPIANO GENTILE – "I’m playing more now. We went through a sticky patch but I think the Fiorentina game was a key moment. Now we have to carry on like this." Zdravko Kuzmanovic spoke about how things are going for himself and the team during an interview with Rai Sport today.

Can Inter realistically target third place? "I don’t want to set any targets but I want us to beat Cagliari. It will be tough though."

The Serbian also commented on Hernanes ("He’s added quality and experience to the group"), the persistent rumours that have him about to join AC Milan on a yearly basis ("I’ve never considered leaving Inter") and Walter Mazzarri: "Is he a hard taskmaster? He works hard and knows what he wants. We’re in good shape physically and I’m happy."

Speaking to Rai reporter Thomas Villa, Kuzmanovic went on: "We started out well then slipped away a bit. We have to be among the positions that enable us to get back into Europe for next season. But, as I said, we need to take things one game at a time. I feel comfortable playing where I am at the moment, I stay further back and help out Hernanes and Guarin. Where have we improved? We’re creating more chances but we still need to get better at killing games off earlier."

Finally, a word on Dejan Stankovic: "I miss him a lot. I’m very grateful to him for helping me settle in here."

APPIANO GENTILE – Inter are at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti for a double workout today as they start beefing up preparations for their next game, at home to Cagliari on Sunday. The Nerazzurri focused on strength work in the gym and sprints this morning. They will reassemble this afternoon for their second session of the day.

MILAN – It’s Inter Forever’s first social initiative and there are six Charity Stars shirts on the auction block. Francesco Toldo, Beppe Bergomi, Riccardo Ferri, Evaristo Beccalossi, Zé Maria and Felice Centofanti all signed theirs on Monday at Solo Inter in Milan. Next the proceeds will go towards Astutillo Malgioglio’s Era77 foundation, which is based in Piacenza and dedicated to helping children with muscular dystrophy.

Astutillo Malgioglio, the 55-year-old ex-goalkeeper who represented
Inter from 1986 to 1991, won the Scudetto in the 1988/89 season and the Italian
Super Cup the following year. Coach Giovanni Trapattoni signed Malgioglio as
the backup to Walter Zenga and the keeper holds fantastic memories of
that Inter side, where he is still remembered today as a loyal team-mate.

After his career as a player ended, Malgioglio threw all his energy into
helping others, devoting his time to a situation that was anything but easy.
However, it was his fate. Of himself, he stated: "I’ve always been a man
of faith. My instinct to go where I’m needed and help others comes from the
heart. Playing and winning in the Serie A was already then a sort of secondary
activity. This was my destiny."

He speaks in a low voice, and over the years he has kept a low profile
but stayed busy, pouring his passion into this cause. Malgioglio recalls how
the fans "have always held me dear to them". And now it’s time to
lend a hand to both Astutillo and the children he helps.