I never had any problems with Icardi: Mancini

Argentine striker nets brace in Inter’s 4-0 win over Udinese

MILAN: Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has insisted that he never doubted his captain Mauro Icardi after the striker scored two goals in Inter Milan’s 4-0 victory at Udinese on Saturday.

Icardi has been in and out of the Inter team so far this season, and was hauled off at half-time during the 2-1 defeat by Napoli last weekend.

His indifferent start to the season prompted speculation of a rift with Mancini, while Icardi has also been linked with a move away from the San Siro.

“He put in a great performance,” said Mancini. “I was never worried about him. He has scored six goals so far which is a good return. [Stevan] Jovetic also had a great game today as their understanding with one another is growing.”

Icardi opened the scoring in the first half before adding Inter’s third in the second period after a Jovetic effort had given the visitors control of the fixture.



Marcelo Brozovic added a fourth late on as Inter stormed to their 11th victory of the season.

Inter’s triumph over Udinese extends their lead at the top of Serie A but Mancini was quick to cool talks of the scudetto.

“We’re only 16 games into the season; there’s time,” said Mancini. “A lot of teams will be fighting for the title. Our aim is [to qualify for] the Champions League. The players are starting to play well together and even when we’ve been beaten they’ve always tried to make amends.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th,  2015.

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