Moratti backs Ranieri to succeed

22 September 2011 18:35

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti believes Claudio Ranieri's "common sense" approach is just what is needed to turn around the club's dreadful start to the season.

The Italian, 59, was named the new Inter boss on a deal until June 2013 just a day after they dismissed Gian Piero Gasperini, who was only appointed in June but failed to win a game in a short but dismal spell.

Moratti told the club's official website: "He [Ranieri] is the best choice. I think he has the common sense needed to revitalise the team, both as individuals and as a unit."

He added: "There is sorrow with regard to Gasperini, he was unlucky in his efforts. Now I am happy with this choice because I think Ranieri has the necessary qualities to do well. He has above all great experience, which at this moment is what we need."

Ranieri, who will lead his players into battle for the first time at Bologna on Saturday with the club 15th in Serie A, has developed a reputation as a football fire-fighter.

He joined Parma midway through the 2006-07 campaign and managed to steer the relegation-threatened club to safety. The following year he led Juventus to a third-placed finish just one season after the Turin giants had been competing in Serie B.

After being sacked by Juve the following May, Ranieri was put in charge of struggling Roma six months later and guided his home-town club to a runners-up finish in Serie A behind Inter.

Ranieri, speaking before the announcement was made official, said: "It's been a bad start to the season for Inter and I will talk to the team to understand why that was.

"I will have to bring enthusiasm and change gear in order to wake up the team.

"I cannot promise that we will win this or that but I believe this team has a lot to give and we must prove it."

Source: PA