Former Inter Defender Ranocchia: Chivu Is the Perfect Choice to Coach Inter

According to Tuttosport, former Inter player Ranocchia discussed several topics after Inter's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.

Several days after the match between Real Madrid and Inter, Ranocchia gave an interview. The former Inter defender recently launched a project called Athletics Mind, focusing on athletes' mental health. Ranocchia said: “It was a strange match. Real Madrid took a 2-0 lead through two key moments, which had a major impact on the game. However, Inter responded like a strong team. I think Chivu should be happy about that and satisfied that the team kept fighting until the end, because after such a situation the risk of conceding again is very high. Unfortunately, we were unable to return to Milan with points.”

Speaking about Chivu, Ranocchia said: “He has done an excellent job, adjusting many situations, and that is not easy. He is now coaching the Italian champions, a team that is getting stronger and improving every season. In my opinion, Chivu is the perfect person to coach Inter. As for whether the European approach needs to be adjusted? No team plays one way in one competition and another way in another. I think Inter's style should remain unchanged because this style has brought results. Inter did not perform well in the Champions League last season, but against Real Madrid, two technical mistakes were decisive. That is all.”

Pep Martinez's mistake during the match also affected the game. Ranocchia said: “He made a mistake that anyone could make. Afterwards, he made two excellent saves, so his entire performance should be considered rather than focusing only on that error. I repeat, anyone can experience this situation. After going 0-2 down, his performance was still excellent. His mental state and match mentality were both very good, and he recovered. I do not see competition between him and Provedel. Inter chose ‘Pep’, and he is an excellent goalkeeper. The team has to play many matches and competitions, and former Lazio goalkeeper Provedel also has important qualities. I do not know how Chivu will arrange things, but if it were me, I would have no doubt about continuing to trust the Spanish goalkeeper.”

Ranocchia also spoke about Bastoni: “What happened to Alessandro was exaggerated, and everything surrounding him lasted far too long. To be honest, Bastoni was the first person to believe in this project, and he was also the first friend I contacted. I am happy to see him perform well at the start of the league season and in Champions League matches, which shows that last year's problems are behind him.”

Discussing Inter as a whole, Ranocchia said: “Inter should compete until the end in every competition, and for me the answer is yes. The squad is very strong, with excellent players in every position. It is difficult to clearly distinguish between starters and substitutes, as if Chivu has two teams at his disposal. Is Lautaro the perfect captain? He is a very outstanding player, has won many honors, and has continued to grow over the years. He is a model captain, all his teammates recognize this, and it is clear that everyone likes him.”

Finally, Ranocchia evaluated Inter's defense: “They are all very strong. A few days ago, I went to the Appiano Gentile training center to greet everyone. Their physical qualities are very obvious, and they are all tall! They also have strong personalities. This defensive line is truly excellent.”