Ranieri Plays Down Inter Friendly
As Juventus prepare to face Internazionale in the Birra Moretti Trophy, Old Lady coach Claudio Ranieri has downplayed the importance of this 45-minute tie, instead preparing to focus on the season ahead...
Claudio Ranieri has shrugged off suggestions that he's concerned about the impending Juve versus Inter "Italian Derby" in the Birra Moretti Trophy.
The trophy, which has been running for ten years, is contested by Italian clubs playing 45-minute clashes in pre-season.
Former Chelsea coach Ranieri said of the tie, "I can understand the fans’ anticipation, but I just see this as another step towards match fitness. It is good to have this tournament, but what matters to me is the match on November 4.
"These games will help me evaluate things. For example, in England and Germany we learned where we need to improve. There’s no point playing sides that are so much worse than you.
"It doesn’t matter to me if the players are a little out of shape in this competition as long as they are ready to go on August 26."
The manager, then, may give an unusual line-up a run-out as he prepares to finalise his tactics before the big league kickoff later this month.
goal.com