Roberto Mancini says ahead of facing Juventus that he doesn't want an Inter ‘that thinks it's impossible’ to win, whilst he updates on Lukas Podolski.
The Nerazzurri head out to Turin tomorrow evening for the Derby d’Italia, in what is set to be the big opening fixture of 2015 for Serie A.
Speaking in his Press conference ahead of the game, Mancini says that he understands the challenge, but is not intimidated.
Roberto Mancini says ahead of facing Juventus that he doesn't want an Inter ‘that thinks it's impossible’ to win, whilst he updates on Lukas Podolski.
The Nerazzurri head out to Turin tomorrow evening for the Derby d’Italia, in what is set to be the big opening fixture of 2015 for Serie A.
Speaking in his Press conference ahead of the game, Mancini says that he understands the challenge, but is not intimidated.
“There isn't a set way to beat Juventus, you just have to be very good,” said the former Sampdoria icon.
“Anything may happen. This is a classic. We must think that we are Inter, always Inter. We must keep our mentality.
“We prepared our game without [Lukas] Podolski, but if the international transfer papers come through, then we'll have him on the bench.”
Reports are that the forward has just signed his contract with Inter and will be available for tomorrow’s match.
“Palacio has some trouble with his ankle, but I've seen some real improvement in him.
“Victory is the highest result. There are some important games over the year that are worth more than the rest, even in terms of self-belief.
“I'd like two wingers after Podolski. He's an excellent player and he'll be able to lend us a hand. He still has a long career ahead of him, he's 29 years old.
“Shaqiri could be the ideal option. He's with Bayern Munich, an important club, and he could be right for us. He's got the right profile for the future.
“I'm not sure whether we'll go with the 4-2-3-1, but we'll see what the best solution is depending on whether we have new players.
“Hernanes is a player that can cover every role from the midfield onwards, but the important thing is his condition of form, he's not at 100 per cent now.
“The 4-3-1-2 is the best solution overall, but of course you've got to work on the details, and this isn't easy when your time is limited.”
In spite of these hurdles, Mancini stressed his sense of determination and expects no less from his own players.
“I don't want a team that thinks tomorrow's match is impossible. I want to win.
“The solidity of a team starts from the defence. If the defence is compact then the team can afford a much more offensive attitude.
“I'm hoping things can slowly improve in that direction, avoiding mistakes that stem from fear. We're working, but of course these important matches are going to help with that kind of progress.”
Mancini was asked whether there were any similarities between himself and Antonio Conte, who led a struggling Juventus to the top.
“How about the lack of money?” Mancini joked. “I don't know the details too well, but of course you can win when you've got hard work.
“The opportunities to do well will present themselves, but you need the hard work.
“Juventus have some terrific players, their best purchase in these years was [Andrea] Pirlo.
“I don't think the difference between us and them is too large, though they deserved these years of domination.
“When we start out well it means that something has been learned, but we need continuity over 90 minutes. I'll say it again, what we need is hard work.”