Inter Club Focus: Nerazzurri marching fourth

Date: 19th March 2014 at 9:46pm
Written by:

Internazionale temporarily finally climbed to fourth place in the league table after defeating Hellas Verona 2-0 in round 28 of Serie A, thanks to goals from Rodrigo Palacio and Brazilian wing-back Jonathan. However, due to Fiorentina’s 3-1 win over Chievo Verona, La Viola regained their position in the automatic Europa League qualification spot.

It was a typical away performance under Walter Mazzarri’s stewardship, with the Nerazzurri grabbing an early goal in the 13th minute, when Jonathan burst down the right wing to play a cross which found Palacio waiting in the penalty area ready to tap in and make it 1-0.

Jonathan then got on the score sheet himself in the 63rd minute, when Hernanes found him down the right, and he had one shot saved by the goalkeeper Rafael, but reacted to fire in the rebound, making it 2-0.

Inter’s defence was resolute in its performance once more and earned yet another clean sheet. This was the fourth occasion on their six match unbeaten run which they kept a clean sheet and the third in a row.

Surprisingly Andrea Ranocchia retained his place in the first team after an impressive showing against Torino and credit must be given to him for his performance. The Italian international made 11 clearances, was quite effective in the air and made an interception.

It is yet to be seen if this is a permanent return to form for Ranocchia after struggling earlier in the season, or if it’s just a temporary upturn in form. He was set to depart Inter in the January mercato with Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray reported as possible destinations, however, a move failed to materialise. Now Mazzarri is faced with a situation where he has a resurgent player forcing his way into the backline at a timely period when Inter are planning for next season. Whether the Nerazzurri decide to persist with Ranocchia beyond the summer, or sell him to bring in key funds, could be a key piece to the jigsaw.

This was another important win for Inter as they aim to beat Fiorentina to fourth spot, but their next challenge against Atalanta in round 29 could prove a stern one. The side from Bergamo are undefeated in five matches and defeated Sampdoria 3-0 at home last time out. Mazzarri will have to get his side more than ready for La Dea’s arrival.

Vidic - Manchester UnitedAs Inter prep for their next fixture, the club directors are starting to put plans in place for the Beneamata’s upcoming summer mercato. With the recent announcement of the signing of Nemanja Vidic from Manchester United on a free transfer, the club were swift to follow this news up with the timely boost that Rodrigo Palacio had signed a new one year contract extension which will see him stay at the club until 2016.

Palacio spoke of his delight at signing the deal, telling Inter Channel, “I am very happy with this renewal. I will give my best for this shirt, as I have always done.

“I always give my best for Inter, I am happy here and it is a dream to renew for another season.

“I thank the club, the fans and my friends because I was accepted from the first day here and I am happy.”

Some intriguing news for the club is that former coach Leonardo is reportedly interested in a return to Inter. Speaking to Sky Sport 24 Leonardo said, “With Inter there remains a craving for something more, it is true. My relationship with President Moratti is important, I admire him very much, I have great respect for him.

“Today the roles are covered – there is Piero Ausilio and it is fair to give him a chance after what he has done for many years for Inter.

“Mazzarri is an experienced Coach who is doing well, and there is a President who has arrived with a project that he is managing with precision.

“My future? I’m very attached to the project, what one intends to do. I am not one to hold back and would evaluate a possible proposal.

“Today, however, I see myself more in the field than behind a desk.”

It is reported that Leonardo could return to Inter in capacity as sporting director, a role he’s previously filled at Paris Saint Germain. However, as he suggested he may prefer to once more take up a coaching role rather than a directorial one, so fans shouldn’t hold their breath.

Finally, Fredy Guarin’s prolonged contract negotiations could be nearing an end with the Colombian midfielder set to put pen to paper on a new contract which would see him sign an extension to remain with the Nerazzurri until 2017. The deal will see Guarin earn a reported wage of €3 million per year.

Follow Ryan Ross on Twitter: @rross11

 

Comments are closed.