RAN’S TIGERS FEAT
ANDREA RANOCCHIA wants to follow in the footsteps of Antonio Conte and take the Premier League by storm.
The Italian centre-back is trying to rebuild his reputation after joining Hull on loan from Inter Milan until the summer.
Ranocchia, 29, became a hate figure at the San Siro after failing to live up to his early promise.
He was part of the Bari side to earn promotion to Serie A under current Chelsea boss Conte, which helped him seal a move to Inter in 2011. The Blues chief remained a fan, giving him the last of his 21 Italy caps a year ago.
Now Ranocchia’s helped the Tigers to two clean sheets in four games.
He said: “I spoke to other players who had played in England and they said it would be difficult and that I might struggle.
“But I’ve been on the phone to tell them it’s great and that I’m happier here than I was in Italy.
“I spent six great years at Inter, but it was difficult because playing for a top team in Italy always is. It was time for a change.”
Ranocchia cites Conte as a big influence, saying: “I’d put him at the top of a list of managers I’ve worked for. He improved me.
“We won the league at Bari together and we have gone on the same path.”
Ranocchia played under ex-Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri at Inter and ahead of today’s game he said: “It would have been nice to meet up with him.
“I think his sacking has been met with the same reaction back in Italy as it has here. It’s a surprise.”