Ranocchia says he has not enjoyed playing for Inter until Stramaccioni took over at the end of last season.

“Last year I didn’t enjoy myself at all,” he told Inter Channel.

“Whether it was in training or playing a game, there was always more tension than enjoyment. I didn’t experience it well, but I learned from those mistakes and this year started off with great hunger.

“I am enjoying myself and hope to feel this way for the whole year. I want to play as much as possible and continue along this path then, if the Italy call comes, it’ll be because I earned it."