Stramaccioni wants more ruthless Inter

Head coach Andrea Stramaccioni has called on Inter Milan to pick up more points against the smaller teams ahead of their clash with Palermo.

Stramaccioni’s side have managed just one point in their past three games against mid-table clubs Parma, Cagliari and Atalanta and need a win against Palermo to stay in touch with Serie A-leaders Juventus.

Inter are fourth on 28 points ahead of Sunday’s game, behind third-placed Fiorentina on goal difference, while Juventus have 32 points at the top of Serie A.

“Inter Milan has defeated the best two teams of this league, that is Juventus and Fiorentina, producing two great performances,” Stramaccioni said.

“This has given us the awareness of our potential.

“We have defeated the league leaders and the team which is said to be playing the best football in Serie A and this has given us confidence.

“But we have lost points against the smaller teams.

“I believe tomorrow’s match will allow us to understand if we have only had a difficult blip in form, which can happen.”

Stramaccioni believes the absence of games since Inter’s 1-0 loss to Parma on Monday has given him enough time to fine tune his team for the match against Palermo.

“This week has been one of the best weeks since the beginning of the championship,” Stramaccioni said.

“We have managed to work without a match in the middle of the week and without the national teams playing.

“The training and the job on the pitch is extremely important.

“Such a week is very uncommon for Inter Milan: we have even managed to have a double training session.”