Ranieri happy with Inter progress

Inter coach Claudio Ranieri believes his side are moving in the right direction but still have plenty of work to do.

The Nerazzurri edged Cesena 1-0 in Sunday’s Serie A clash thanks to Andrea Ranocchia’s header to give them the maximum three points, although they survived several near-misses.

The win moves Inter into fifth spot on the table after a disappointing start to the 2011-12 campaign.

“It was not an easy game and we really struggled at times. However, we eventually won and we should enjoy the final result,” Ranieri said.

“We are slowly recovering from our poor start to the season and are moving in the right direction.”

“However, we are not there yet and this is still not the Inter I have in mind. We still miss a bit of confidence and a world-class player like (Wesley) Sneijder who can change the pace of the game.”

“We are not looking at what our rivals do. We are focusing on our own performances and will now focus on the match against Lecce.”

Ranieri was unhappy with some of his team’s play as Cesena took it up to their more-fancied opponents.

“We got so many passes wrong, as I had never seen the team make so many mistakes. Evidently the synthetic turf caught us by surprise,” he said.

“These are difficult games and ones where you have to suffer. It’s tough to win at Cesena, so we are very happy with the result.”

“Let us not bother with the performance and just take the three points. Cesena were pressuring us all over the field.”

“At the start of the season we conceded too many goals, but now we all work hard when out of possession, so we are more solid at the back. Lucio, Walter Samuel and Ranocchia are also rediscovering their form.”

Inter’s last game before the winter break at home against Lecce on December 21.