Gasperini: Sneijder to play in Super Cup

Inter Milan boss Gian Piero Gasperini says Wesley Sneijder will play in the Supercoppa Italiana on Saturday.

Sneijder has been linked with a big-money move to English Premier League champions Manchester United, but his new manager insists the Dutch midfielder will be in action when Inter battle with city rivals AC Milan at the Olympic Stadium in Beijing.

“He’s playing for us, training with us and he’ll play on Saturday,” Gasperini told reporters on Tuesday.

“There is no Sneijder problem.”

Gasperini also spoke of his move to Inter Milan, describing the his appointment to the Serie A giants as an ‘honour’.

Gasperini had been out of a job since leaving Serie A rivals Genoa in November 2010, and jumped at the opportunity when Inter came calling in June after the departure of Leonardo.

“The biggest difference between Genoa and Inter Milan is the latter has much bigger influence,” he said.

“For me, it is a huge step forward to coach Inter Milan, a team with huge influence. I think this is a great honour in my career.”

Inter will be without the likes of Diego Milito and Esteban Cambiasso for the match, but new capture Ricardo Alvarez is likely to feature.

The Argentine attacking midfielder – signed from Argentine Primera Division 2011 Clausura champions Velez Sarsfield – said he could not wait to be involved with his new teammates.

“I am very happy to be here in China for the game,” Alvarez said.

“I am pleased to be playing with my new teammates. This is a very important match for me and I hope we can win the title.”