20.09.2014 17:44 h

Italian players hound referees, says Vidic

Inter Milan defender Nemanja Vidic has admitted he is still getting used to the nuances of the Italian game, including seeing fellow players lobbying match officials for favourable decisions.

Former Manchester United captain Vidic ended an eight-year long spell with the English giants to join Inter in the summer.

Inter travel to Palermo on Sunday hoping to build on a promising start which saw Walter Mazzarri's men put seven unanswered goals past Sassuolo for the second consecutive season last week.

Vidic, however, said he is still adapting to the Italian game as well as the players' behaviour.

"I still have to adapt because I've come to a new country. I'm learning about Italian football and the way the referees manage the game, but also the players and how they play here," Vidic told reporters on Saturday.

"I think sometimes players make the referees' job difficult by creating situations, asking for penalties and fouls.

"I have to say I don't think that happens as much in England as it does here and obviously it's not easy for referees.

"That's why I have to adapt to the players as much as the referees."

On his Inter debut away to Torino, Vidic conceded a penalty after fouling striker Fabio Quagliarella, although Marcelo Larrondo missed the spot-kick.

Later, in added-on time, Vidic was sent off for dissent after sarcastically applauding the referee.

Vidic added that fellow defender Andrea Ranocchia has been helping with some friendly advice.

"Andrea explained to me what things I shouldn't do here and what will be punished. Hopefully I'll get used to it as soon as possible," added the 32-year-old former Serbian international.

Vidic, meanwhile, affirmed that his departure from Old Trafford was on purely amicable terms.

"Leaving Manchester United wasn't something I decided by myself. I spoke to the club about it. I had good relations with them when I was there and I'm still on good terms with them since leaving."

Inter sit fourth in the Italian top flight, two points behind leaders Milan, Juventus and Roma.