Cambiasso backs young boss

Esteban Cambiasso is adamant Andrea Stramaccioni’s age should not get in the way of him being appointed Inter boss on a full-time basis.

The 36-year-old Roman was a surprise choice to succeed Claudio Ranieri as first-team coach last month given he had no previous Serie A experience, but the club remain undefeated since he took charge, having collected 11 points from a possible 15 to propel themselves into contention for a place in next season’s Champions League.

Consequently, Cambiasso said Stramaccioni – whose contract only runs until the end of the current campaign – has already done enough to earn himself an extension.

“As you know I’m not fond of speaking about coaches,” he told Inter Channel.

“But what I can say is that we’re trying to put in our best performances, and like in the business world, there are great managers who aren’t necessarily old. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”

Inter’s 3-1 victory over Udinese on Wednesday has moved them to within three points of third-placed Lazio with four rounds of the season remaining.

“There was a bit of fatigue towards the end of the game,” Cambiasso said.

“That’s because we were taking on a side in form, but we held firm until the end, right up until the last minute.

“And we need to win all our remaining games – that much is certain. The other sides have to play one another so if we win we’ll definitely make up ground on them. But all we’re thinking about is picking up points.”

Up next for the resurgent Inter is a home game against Cesena on Sunday.