Ranocchia: "The true strength of this team is the group"

APPIANO GENTILE - After the international break, it’s time to turn our attention back to the league. With the team back working hard at the Suning Training Centre, we have the chance to look at Andrea Ranocchia’s start to the season. The Nerazzurri defender spoke to Sky Sport about Antonio Conte’s first few months as Coach: “We worked very hard this summer, we’ve started well but it’s only two games: now we have to continue along this path."

"I had worked with Conte in the past, he's always the same: he has a great desire to win, he has a ferocity and mentality that can get everyone going." The goal is to fight to the end: "The league campaign is long, there are a lot of games to play. But all our work is aimed at creating something special, with dedication and passion. We sweat for this shirt, we want to get to the top. But words don’t mean anything, at the end of the day it’s only facts that count."

Udinese visit San Siro on Saturday: "It won't be an easy game, we'll do everything we can to win. Whoever steps onto the pitch will be ready, there’s no room for excuses."  Ranocchia tells us, in his opinion, the secret to this positive start to the season: "The group is the most extraordinary part of this team. We're tight-knit and we always push each other to keep going. There are a lot of strong and determined players who all have a great desire to improve.”