Inter play Udinese” data-scaytid=”1″>Udinese in the Coppa Italia on Thursday and Walter Mazzarri blasted those comparing them with rivals Milan.
The Round of 16 tie kicks off at the Stadio Friuli at 20.00 GMT tomorrow and the winner goes on to face Milan or Spezia.
Inter play Udinese in the Coppa Italia on Thursday and Walter Mazzarri blasted those comparing them with rivals Milan.
The Round of 16 tie kicks off at the Stadio Friuli at 20.00 GMT tomorrow and the winner goes on to face Milan or Spezia.
“I told the lads let’s not make the same mistakes we made against Lazio because regardless of what happened over the 90 minutes, we didn't deserve to lose. We need to transform this particular mood in the camp into something positive,” Mazzarri told Inter Channel.
The Nerazzurri are feeling the pressure after Monday night’s 1-0 defeat to Lazio, which saw them fall to sixth place in Serie A.
“We need to play every match as if it were a final so that we can grow and become competitive again. It's great if we win the Coppa Italia but it mustn't be seen as a specific target. Having said that, we'll obviously do everything we can to go through.”
The Coach was visibly irked by recent criticism of his side, particularly when compared in the media to Andrea Stramaccioni’s team from last season or the current Milan squad.
“I hope that the Inter fans – who seem to know their stuff – are not misled when incomplete information is given. I also saw a comparison made between Inter and Milan today. If people want to do that, then let’s not forget how many points this team I inherited earned in the second half of last season.
“Last year Milan finished third with the same squad that began this year – they even strengthened during the close season. And at the moment nine points separate us. I don't really want to get any further into this, I'd just like to say that I saw our season being put on a par with Milan's and I don't think that's right because there's a huge difference, even without considering that they're nine points behind us.
“I’ve even heard people say that in some games Inter did nothing but defend and attack on the counter. In fact we've done very little counter-attacking; if anything we've been caught out on the break.
“It is always tough in Udine. They have a fine Coach and very good players, so we mustn't take this lightly. Unfortunately we'll be playing away from our fans and that's a shame because we could have done with them behind us at the moment.”
Ishak Belfodil is left behind ahead of his move to West Ham, while Mauro Icardi is still struggling with flu symptoms.
New buy Ruben Botta is already in the squad along with Hugo Campagnaro, who returns from suspension.
Inter squad for Udinese: Handanovic, Carrizo, Castellazzi; Jonathan, Zanetti, Juan Jesus, Andreolli, Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Samuel, Rolando, Nagatomo; Kovacic, Alvarez, Guarin, Mudingayi, Kuzmanovic, Cambiasso; Palacio, Botta, Milito