03-04-2003:

It was a great match against Roma last year. What will it be like this year?
It's one of those matches you have to win. If you want to get right to the end you have to win all the time, then also on Wednesday and in the derby. Three points could give us morale because Roma are a very strong side. We just have to win and then see what our situation in the table is.

Are you expecting any presents from Torino and Parma?
You can't ask for anything extra from Torino. It's a derby [against Juve] and they'll try to do everything possible to win. It's the match of the year for them. Parma are an excellent side and they'll try to win. It's not easy at the Tardini. I think it will be a difficult round for all three sides.

We saw a bit of nervousness in Udine...
No. Yes. But it's not at all a bad nervousness. In the past I've argued with Materazzi and Cristiano Zanetti, but then we have joked at the end. It's the same with Bobo. We say what we want on the pitch. And then, he's like this, he has his character like we all do. Besides the results achieved, the fortunate thing about this team is that we don't have nasty players.

April was a difficult month for you last season. How will it be this year?
We're working less because we're playing a lot in the championship and the Champions League. The work has been done and we've done it well. It's better for us players to play more matches in order to work less... Also, a lot of players have been out for a long time so now they'll have more energy for the finale.

Sunday's match against Roma is important...
Very important. We have the chance to play by knowing Juventus' result beforehand. This is a match we must win, and to win is within our possibilities.

Have you already spoken about the tactical module?
The boss still hasn't told us anything. I have always said I will play anywhere. To give my best I play in one position, but I can also play in another position.

You've been teased over the last few days...
When I play I try to give my best. It's usual to be criticised if you play badly. As long as the criticism isn't excessive there aren't any problems. When you win 4-0 nothing can be said. We've won and lost with that module.

Are your attempts to play with strikers over after the match against Udinese ? And now that you have more players available up front, will those that don't play create problems?
I don't have any problems. I can also play on the wing. We've played matches with three strikers, and matches with two strikers and me in a wide position. By playing a lot of championship and Champions League matches there won't be a lack of chances to play. Crespo is recovering, I'm well. Bobo is fine and Bati is ok. The boss will choose. It's natural that after Udine you can't play such an offensive game away from home, but sometimes you play by using all the options you have available.

Are you worried about a fixture schedule which is more difficult with respect to those of Juve and Milan?
If they win all their matches they will win. Juve are in front and have to win all of them, just like we had to last year. But we mustn't look at them. We just have to think about ourselves and hope they drop points. We'll have to take advantage of that.

Roma play like Real and Trapattoni's national team. Could you play in Totti's position just behind Vieri ?
I already play in this way. Against Roma last year we played in this way. I was a deep second striker and I've always got on well there. We'll see. It's possible.

Do Roma frighten you?
In terms of their position in the table, no. Perhaps they were doing a bit better in the first half of the season, but they are a good side and I'm amazed they are so far down. We're aware that these three points are decisive. We will respect them but we have to face them without fear.

What do you think about a possible arrival of Totti?
I think it's fantasy football. It's difficult. He's a great boy and a great player who represents so much for the city of Rome. I think they'd burn Rome or Milan if something like this happened.

There's been talk of a reduction in player salaries in recent days. What would you do if Inter asked you to take a pay cut?
It's natural that for Inter I'm willing to meet certain demands. There are a lot of problems in football. If it were up to me I'd sign for ten more years in order to stay here forever.

They say Vieri will leave if you don't win. And you?
I don't say 'if I don't win' because I only think about winning. It's natural. I've been here for six years, but I've only felt important to the team for two or three. We must win something. I've been here for many years because I like it here and because those who chose me willingly keep me.

Which style of football do you like most?
Inter's... Jokes apart, I like Spanish football. I've always said the Liga is spectacular, but the Serie A is more difficult. After you have played in Italy you can play anywhere.

Would you prefer to win the championship or the Champions League?
I'd prefer the championship. Perhaps the cup is easier, but I'd prefer the championship after what happened last year.

[inter.it]