Ranocchia hoping to help Hull up the table

Switching Milan for Humberside may not be everyone’s idea of career progression, but defender Andrea Ranocchia has done just that in the hope of boosting his chances of regular football and helping Hull up the Premier League table.

The 28-year-old has played more than 150 times for Internazionale, and has 20 international caps to boot, but has made just nine appearances for I Nerazzurri so far this term.

Having studied the Tigers’ recent games the central defender was keen to join new boss Marco Silva at the KCOM Stadium and help Hull maintain their Premier League status – with a tough trip to Old Trafford the first challenge on Wednesday night.

“I want to contribute to this team and this is a great opportunity for me to play in the Premier League,” said the former Arezzo man who has also been loaned to former club Genoa, and Sampdoria during his time at the San Siro.

Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images

“It is a famous league throughout the world and I have watched the last three games that this team has played. The coach here is very good and we have some very good players.

“I am a tall defender so I am good in the air, but I am also happy with the ball at my feet.

“We have a big match against Manchester United on Wednesday night and if I can play I will be very happy.

“But there are a lot of matches left in the season and the longer objective is for the team to be safe. This is what I want to help with.”