Stramaccioni: The Inter and Juventus rivalry is beautiful

Posted Thursday, October 18, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Andrea Stramaccioni believes the conflict between Inter and Juventus is one of the best in Italian football, as long as it is kept in good spirits.

The Derby d'Italia as it is known, is one of the fiercest rivalries in Italy and the Nerazzurri coach says the competitiveness between the two sides is great for Italy as both teams are giants of the world game.

“It is a fact that there are two teams, two companies and two rivals. It is a beautiful rivalry,” Stramaccioni told Tuttosport.

“I see it [the rivalry] as a positive, as long it remains light hearted. Juve, to me is unpleasant, but only because I train Inter and it is normal to think this."

Stramaccioni also said he is relishing the return of playmaker Wesley Sneijder and denied trying to sign Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli.

“I do not believe that the return of Sneijder will create problems for the side. Wesley is suitable for a 4-2-3-1, but [he] can also play with other formations also," he explained.

"Mario? I do not know him well, I shook his hand once in Appiano Gentile and then our contact stopped."

Inter is currently fourth in Serie A with 15 points from seven games.