Both players arrived in the summer and have failed to nail down a regular first team place in Ranieri's plans. The coach said: "I can't wait for Tiago or Almiron to adjust to our system.

"Rafael van der Vaart is a very good player, but he is more an attacker than a midfielder. That is what we're missing at the moment."

Asked about Serie A leaders Inter Milan, Ranieri added: "If I could deprive them of one player, it would be Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"I have always said Juve must go for the Scudetto this season."