I never had any problems with Icardi: Mancini
Argentine striker nets brace in Inter’s 4-0 win over Udinese
Inter Milan's forward from Argentina Mauro Icardi celebrates after scoring his 2nd goal vs Verona on November 9, 2014 at the San Siro Stadium stadium in Milan PHOTO: AFP
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.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2015.
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 14th, 2015.