Inter concentrating on Atalanta

Inter coach Claudio Ranieri says he is focused solely on Wednesday’s clash with Atalanta, rather than Saturday’s blockbuster against Juventus.

The San Siro outfit travel to Atalanta for a midweek Serie A fixture hoping to take maximum points and put their disappointing start to the season behind them.

Ranieri believes that Atalanta are a strong side at home and reminded everyone how they would be in a much better position in the table had they not been docked six points for their part in a match-fixing scandal.

“Atalanta do not just run, playing there is difficult for everyone,” Ranieri told reporters.

“They have started very strongly. Perhaps the six-point penalty stimulated them even more, both the coaches and players. They would be in second place if it was not for that.”

“They have quality players like (Maxi) Moralez, (German) Denis. They play compactly and quickly, with good movement. But we are united and we will go there looking for points and to maintain a clean sheet.”

The trip to Atalanta will come as a test before the crunch match against Juventus, but Ranieri stressed he is not yet making plans for the weekend.

“The most important game is always the next one,” he said. “I always think about the next match to be played.”