MILAN, Aug 24: Inter Milan's new hero Ronaldo launched an appeal today for Italy's referees to protect strikers from dirty tactics.

Ronaldo, speaking in the wake of Inter's 2-1 defeat to AS Roma in a friendly on Friday night, wants Italian referees to crack down on offenders when the new season starts next week.

``I'd already been told that italian defences were tough, and I'm not frightened of anyone and i'm ready for anything,'' Ronaldo said.

``What's upsetting though is that the worst foul I've had so far has come from a fellow countryman and a friend, Aldair. It was foul from behind. I want to ask referees to be more severe."

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