Skriniar, Ranocchia rescue dire Inter

MILAN SKRINIAR and Andrea Ranocchia nodded crisis-hit Inter Milan back up into third place in Serie A yesterday with a hard-fought 2-0 win over bottom club Benevento.

“Clearly, at this moment we are not playing with much character or quality,” said Spalletti. “Because of the initial expectations, there is much pressure and tension around the lads.

“They made a lot of mistakes, but you could tell they played with heart. It’s difficult to focus with your head at times like this, but the heart can find a way.

“I think we deserved the victory, albeit with a struggle, but it was deserved.”

Rafinha got his first start since his move from Barcelona last month, with Ivan Perisic returning, but captain Mauro Icardi and Joao Miranda started on the bench.

“It’s an important result because it gets us past a mental block,” said Ranocchia.

“Now we want to better prepare next week’s derby match against AC Milan.”

Benevento – who have now conceded 60 goals this season – ended the game with 10 men with Nicolas Viola sent off after receving two yellow cards.

“Being able to take Inter on openly and play this well at San Siro is already a good sign for the future, now hopefully points can follow too,” said Benevento coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Earlier Bologna ended Genoa’s threematch winning streak with Mattia Destro scoring and setting up Cesar Falletti’s second in a 2-0 win. – AFP