Claudio Ranieri’s words after win away to Inter

Here’s what our coach had to say…

The decision to bring on Matias Soule was entirely yours and he was the match-winner, with the team building their advantage through one-on-one situations.

“This win is dedicated to our fans. They could not be with us today and we really wanted to make them proud of us with a performance like this. We came here determined to win. I told the players that if an incident punishes us, we must still leave the pitch with our heads held high, but we must go toe to toe with them. We are in good shape physically – so why not go for it?

“I think the first half an hour was really very good. Of course, we were playing against Inter, not just any side. They are strong, they adjusted well and we did very well to stay organised and close off all the spaces that they tried to exploit.”

I really liked the way you stopped Inter playing their game with four players – Lorenzo Pellegrini, Artem Dovbyk, Eldor Shomurodov and Bryan Cristante – and with Manu Kone acting almost like a sweeper in midfield. I had seen him play like that for France and really liked him. And then the Soule move. Could you tell us a bit about these two tactical choices, which in my view made the difference?

“We’d already used this system away to Udinese. Back then it was [Devyne] Rensch rather than Soule and we executed it really well. That’s why I showed the lads that match again and told them we needed to reproduce that kind of performance, with focus and hard work. And the lads did just that brilliantly.”

This might be your last time here at San Siro, so it must’ve been emotional?

“I am genuinely happy for the fans and the players, for the sacrifice they are making. It wasn’t easy and we hadn’t beaten a big side this season. Today we put an end to that against a team we all know the strength of.

“Now we must move forward. Fiorentina are next and we must focus on that match. They’re a good team too and in fine form.”

Winning 1-0 shows great control and nerves of steel. Roma rarely looked vulnerable today. Do you think the one area for improvement is taking chances, as Roma had several opportunities to kill off the match earlier on, particularly with Inter committing numbers forward in the hunt for an equaliser?

“Yes, especially in the first half. In that opening 30 minutes, we did really well, so it is a shame. We’ve had a few 1-0 wins this season where we’ve missed lots of chances, but what matters is always bringing home the three points.”

Florent Ghisolfi said before the match, “We’ll enjoy Ranieri until the end of the season.” How much are you enjoying it yourself now, with only a few matches left?

“Honestly, I’m already thinking about Fiorentina. I’ll enjoy it when everything is over. Right now, all I care about is the good of the fans, the club and the players. That’s what matters most to me.”

Still a 0% chance of a rethink?(Smiling) “I’ve already handed back my coaching licence at Coverciano.”

But if you finish so well, you’ll miss being on the bench.

(Joking) “Yes, I know. I’ll go and sit in little parks.”

May we ask about your emotions during the Pope’s funeral week?

“Of course, it was very emotional. When we went there, just a couple of metres from the Holy Father’s body, it was deeply moving. And again today, during the minute’s silence.

These are intense moments, for a man who tried to do good for the church and, above all, for the most vulnerable. That’s the greatest gift a man of faith can give. I just hope his example will be followed because otherwise it’ll all have been for nothing.”