Ranocchia: It is important to get Inter back into Europe

Posted Tuesday, April 15, 2014 by YAHOO Sport

Andrea Ranocchia says it is of "fundamental" importance for Inter to qualify for the Europa League next season.

The Serie A giants didn't participate in European football this season and are in danger of missing out next season as they are involved in a tough battle to clinch a place in the Europa League next season with just five games to go.

Ranocchia feels it is very important that the Nerazzurri begin competing with the top sides in the continent again.

"It is important that we get Inter back in Europe," the defender said. "It's fundamental to qualify for the Europa League next season, just as it is important that we won [4-0 against Sampdoria] yesterday, on a very difficult field, in a game that we immediately started well and were good to bring home the three points."

Ranocchia was called up to undertake physical tests with the national team as he enters contention for a spot in Cesare Prandelli's squad for the World Cup this summer.

"I'm very happy to return to the national team," he said. "I'm not thinking about the World Cup. I'm happy with how I've performed in recent games.

"We will do these two days of testing and then back to think and work on the league."