Inter Milan boss Claudio Ranieri insists he rates midfielder Ricky Alvarez.

Ranieri threw on Alvarez for victory over Cagliari yesterday.

The Argentine proved to be the turning point in the game, as he had a hand in both Inter goals.

"I used him twice as a trequartista, in the first he did well and the second not so impressive. I decided to play him down the right, because he can shoot from there and provide golden assists. I believe in Alvarez and he has incredible technique.

"Was Thiago Motta's goal offside? Yes, that's true. The linesman didn't see that Giampaolo Pazzini got a touch. For once, the officials smiled on us.

"We had to break the deadlock and once we got the first goal it was another Inter, a more vivacious team."