Ranieri wants immediate response

Inter Milan boss Claudio Ranieri wants his team to respond to their disappointing 2-1 loss to Catania in the Serie A on Saturday.

Esteban Cambiasso gave Inter the lead in the first half, but they conceded twice in a three-minute spell after the break.

Ranieri, who was appointed on September 22 after the sacking of Gian Piero Gasperini, said he expected his side to respond to the surprise loss, which leaves them sitting in 17th.

“We needed to pick up points and looked to succeed in that aspect, but in the second half we conceded two counter-attacks straight away,” he told Sky Sports Italia.

“We should’ve stayed compact as we were in the first half, but now we must remain calm and continue working hard, because there’s a lot to do.”

“I requested that the team keep their shape. Now, we want to react and get back on top.”

Despite a penalty from Francesco Lodi proving to be the decisive goal, Ranieri accepted the call to award Catania a spot-kick and also praised the performance of referee Daniele Orsato.

“The penalty was understandable, as it’s difficult for the referee to see the goalkeeper had taken his hands away before Gonzalo Bergessio fell. In my view, he officiated well,” the former Chelsea, Roma and Juventus manager said.

Inter travel to France to take on Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday, before hosting Chievo in the Serie A on Sunday.