Inter striker Mauro Icardi is still hoping for Europa League qualification – ‘we have a small chance and we hope to take it’.
The Nerazzurri are eighth in Serie A, but can still qualify for European competition next season if a series of things go in their favour.
Genoa, who are in sixth, have been denied a UEFA licence, something which the Grifone are appealing.
If that appeal is rejected, the Europa League place they would have been awarded would revert to seventh in the table.
Inter striker Mauro Icardi is still hoping for Europa League qualification – ‘we have a small chance and we hope to take it’.
The Nerazzurri are eighth in Serie A, but can still qualify for European competition next season if a series of things go in their favour.
Genoa, who are in sixth, have been denied a UEFA licence, something which the Grifone are appealing.
If that appeal is rejected, the Europa League place they would have been awarded would revert to seventh in the table.
That position is currently held by Sampdoria, but if the Blucerchiati lose at home to Parma, and Inter defeat Empoli at San Siro, the latter would finish seventh on goal difference, their head-to-head record being identical.
“It’s only right that we believe in Europe until the end,” Icardi told Inter Channel.
“We have to try and get all three points, then you never know what could happen. We’ll keep going until the 90th minute, fortunately we have this small chance and we hope to take it.”
On a personal level, Icardi has the chance of finishing as Capocannoniere. The Argentinian is tied with compatriot Carlos Tevez on 20 goals, with current leader Luca Toni one goal ahead.
“I have thought about it [being top scorer] and I hope I can do well. Saying that, in Genoa I had two goals chalked-off and one was legitimate…
“For a young striker like me to be among the top strikers in Serie A is fantastic on a personal level, as scoring goals is what a striker has to do.
“Toni is twice my age, but like Tevez he’s done well. Now they meet in the last game, so I hope they both don’t score.
“That said, I hope the team wins, that would be the best goal for me.”