Inter Milan vs Parma preview - Ranieri urges focus

Posted Saturday, January 07, 2012 by PA

Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri expects his players to focus solely on their home game against Parma.

The Nerazzurri take on AC Milan on January 15 but Ranieri does not want his players to think about the derby just yet.

"Our only focus should be on Parma," Ranieri said. "I take it one game at a time and so should my players.

"We are fully focused on tomorrow's game and only then will we focus on Milan."

Inter go into the encounter at the San Siro riding a four-match winning streak, which has seen them climb to fifth place, eight points behind Milan and Juventus, who lead the Serie A standings.

"Our recent results have helped us to regain confidence," Ranieri said. "I see my players very determined and I'm sure we will play a good game against Parma."

Inter are still without defender Christian Chivu, midfielder Dejan Stankovic, winger Wesley Sneijder and striker Diego Forlan, all injured.

"I expect to have most of them available for the derby," Ranieri said.

Ranieri can expect no favours from his former club Parma.

The Ducale club travel to Milan hoping to improve its form on the road. Parma have lost five of their seven games played away from the Tardini stadium.

Despite this statistic, Parma coach Franco Colomba has stressed his side is fully prepared for its trip to Milan on Saturday.

"Over the last two weeks we have been preparing for this game," he said. "We are aware we need to do better away from home if we are to defend our Serie A status this season."

Parma, who are in 13th place, seven points clear of the drop zone, will be without suspended defender Alessandro Lucarelli.