Ranieri: ‘Roma faced Inter with determination to win’ | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri explains how Roma visited Inter with ‘the determination to make the fans proud and try to win’ even though they could’ve scored more goals in the 1-0 result.

The Giallorossi extended their unbeaten run in Serie A to 18 rounds with this morale-boosting victory at San Siro, keeping them in the hunt for European qualification.

“We dedicate this to our fans, as we missed them not being here. We came here with the determination to make them proud of us and to win. We said if it goes wrong, we leave with heads held high, but why not try to win?” Ranieri told DAZN.

Roma fans are starting their travel ban following the crowd trouble around the Derby della Capitale.

“The first half-hour was excellent, Inter are a very strong team, so after that we were diligent to close down every chance they tried to create.”

They pulled a surprise with the starting XI tonight, using Matias Soulé wide right, using Eldor Shomurodov and Artem Dovbyk together.

“We used Rensch wide against Udinese, but it was the same basic system. I told the lads we had to replay that approach, we tried it again and again in training, they did it very well.

“I am really happy for the fans and the players, all the sacrifices they made. We had never beaten one of the big clubs this season, but we came here to San Siro and beat the leaders.

“Now we’ve got to focus on Fiorentina next, as they are a good team in excellent form too.”

Ranieri plunges Inter into crisis

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 27: Matías Soule of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 27, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This result seems to have plunged Inter into a genuine crisis, as it was their third consecutive defeat between Serie A and the Coppa Italia, all without scoring a single goal.

Meanwhile, Roma have won eight games by 1-0 results in this run and showed remarkable defensive solidity.

“It’s a pity we didn’t score more, we’ve had a lot of 1-0 wins while wasting many scoring opportunities, but it’s the three points that count.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Inter 0-1 Roma

These are the final games of his coaching career, but Ranieri is again adamant he will retire at the end of the season, no matter how much players, fans and the media beg him to reconsider.

“I am honestly already thinking about Fiorentina, so I will enjoy it when it’s all over. What’s important for me is to make the fans happy.

“I already handed in my coaching badges at Coverciano. I know I will miss the pitch, but I’ll have my little garden to tend instead,” smiled Ranieri.

It was a tough week for the Eternal City with the death and funeral of Pope Francis, where both Roma and Lazio squads paid their respects over the last few days.

“Naturally, I was moved when we saw the Pope and again today during the minute’s silence. These are intense moments for someone who tried to help the church, but above all tried to help those who needed it the most,” concluded Ranieri.

“I hope his example will be followed in future, otherwise it’s all futile.”