Inter director Piero Ausilio has labelled the 2-1 win against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk on Thursday night as a valuable win.
Nerazzurri coach Roberto Mancini was suspended for the game, so it was Ausilio who spoke to the media as he emphasised the importance of the win.
“We won with ten men on the pitch,” he said in the press conference. “That makes the win even more valuable.
“However, we’ll evaluate the game later.”
Ausilio then went on to praise Dnipro man Yevhen Konoplyanka.
“He’s a very good player,” he said. “Just like some of his teammates.”
The director then went on to say that the side will begin preparing for Sunday’s clash against Roma starting Friday, as well as stating that qualification to the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 will make the side focus more on Serie A.
“We’ll start preparing for the game on Friday,” he said. “Since we’ve mathematically qualified to the Round of 32 of the Europa League, it’ll make us focus more on Serie A.
“We were excellent in the group, which makes the last matchday free of any surprise changes in the group standings.”
Ausilio then went on to speak about Southampton loanee Pablo Osvaldo, saying that the deserves to be signed on a permanent deal.
“Pablo sustained an injury early on in the season,” he said. “When he’s played he’s always done well.
“We’re really happy that he’s recovered, he only needed to work hard in order to rediscover his best form.
“Tonight, he showed that he deserves to wear the shirt on a permanent basis.
“January transfer market? I can’t discuss that, I’m here to replace the coach; I don’t think it’s the correct timing to talk about negotiations.”
Ausilio then hinted that left-back Dodo, who is on loan from Roma, could be signed on a permanent deal, as well as speaking about captain Andrea Ranocchia’s sending off on Thursday night.
“Anything is possible,” he said. “I don’t exclude that this might be a possibility.
“He has great technique, and is definitely a player for the future.”
“Ranocchia didn’t have the best of games, but if you look at his performance in the game against AC Milan and with the Italian national team, you’ll see an important player who wants to become the leader of the side.”
The Inter man then went on to dismiss that Yuto Nagatomo – who left the pitch early on Thursday – will undergo surgery, as well as praising goalkeeper Samir Handanovic who denied Yevhen Konoplyanka from the spot.
“From what I’ve heard, surgery will not be considered,” he said. “It shouldn’t be a serious issue.
“It’d be better if we don’t concede so many penalties, but with a goalkeeper like him it’s not an issue.
“His saves are not a coincidence, he works hard.”
The Nerazzurri are set to face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico at 20:45 CET on Sunday.
