Ranocchia scores stunner, "but winning was the main thing"

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Ranocchia scores stunner, "but winning was the main thing" - MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 19: Andrea Ranocchia of FC Internazionale scores the goal during the Coppa Italia match between and FC Internazionale and Empoli FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 19, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot - Inter/Inter via Getty Images) || FC Internazionale Milano via Getty Images

Ranocchia scores stunner, "but winning was the main thing" - MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 19: Andrea Ranocchia of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring the goal during the Coppa Italia match between and FC Internazionale and Empoli FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 19, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot - Inter/Inter via Getty Images) || FC Internazionale Milano via Getty Images

Ranocchia scores stunner, "but winning was the main thing" - MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 19: Andrea Ranocchia of FC Internazionale celebrates with Edin Dzeko and Danilo D'Ambrosio after scoring the goal during the Coppa Italia match between and FC Internazionale and Empoli FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 19, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot - Inter/Inter via Getty Images) || FC Internazionale Milano via Getty Images

Ranocchia scores stunner, "but winning was the main thing" - MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 19: Andrea Ranocchia of FC Internazionale celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's second goal during the Coppa Italia match between FC Internazionale and Empoli FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 19, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli - Inter/Inter via Getty Images) || FC Internazionale Milano via Getty Images

19/01/2022

MILAN – A stunning, magical, unrepeatable goal by Andrea Ranocchia in the 91st minute kept Inter in the Coppa Italia, sending the last-16 tie with Empoli to extra time. Stefano Sensi's strike ultimately won it for the Nerazzurri but the defender's poster goal will go down in club history and long be remembered by those who witnessed it.

“I'm delighted that we're through to the next round because it's what the club and everyone wanted – and to do it by scoring such a great goal just makes it that much better,” the captain for the day declared after the final whistle.

“I try to make sure I'm ready whenever I'm called upon but it's a team game and we have a close-knit squad – we show that every time we step out there.

“I'm happy to be part of this club and this team. I'm so proud of these lads. It wasn't easy because some of us out there today have been playing less and were a little rusty. The main thing was reaching the next round. My goal helped us achieve that and that's all that matters.”

The defender also commented on the contribution of match-winner Sensi.

“He's a smashing lad and despite all the transfer talk he came on, played superbly and scored a cracking goal to win it. We all know what he's capable of and I'm happy for him.”

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