Ranocchia throws support behind Stramaccioni

Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia insists coach Andrea Stramaccioni can count on the full support of his players.

The 37-year-old has come under fire in recent weeks following Inter’s disappointing performances in 2013, but Ranocchia said the team was still behind Stramaccioni.

“The squad are with Stramaccioni just like we’ve always been. You go through rough patches, that’s inevitable, but we’re all united and that’s how we move forward,” Ranocchia told Sky Sport 24.

The centre-back said Inter were desperate to finish in the top three and qualify for next season’s edition of the Champions League.

“We really must qualify for the Champions League. Third place? There are a number of sides in the hunt, we’ll keep fighting until the end. Third position is fundamental for all of us,” Ranocchia said.

Inter sit fifth in Serie A.