Luciano Spalletti praised Radja Nainggolan and Ivan Perisic after Inter beat Parma, but warned they “need to sit down and talk about” the Mauro Icardi contract issue.
Lautaro Martinez came off the bench and within 120 seconds had scored the decisive goal at the Tardini, which was also the first Serie A goal of 2019 for Inter after firing blanks for three rounds in a row.
Luciano Spalletti praised Radja Nainggolan and Ivan Perisic after Inter beat Parma, but warned they “need to sit down and talk about” the Mauro Icardi contract issue.
Lautaro Martinez came off the bench and within 120 seconds had scored the decisive goal at the Tardini, which was also the first Serie A goal of 2019 for Inter after firing blanks for three rounds in a row.
“We have the potential to overcome difficult moments. Clearly, at times we cannot handle the pressure of what others try to place on our shoulders,” the Coach told DAZN.
“This time we were well-organised. Parma tried to nibble at us in the first half, but they are unaccustomed to being given the initiative. When you get drawn in by their passing, you lose the ball and find yourself up against a deadly counter-attack.”
Radja Nainggolan provided the assist for Lautaro Martinez and seemed to be a little closer to his old self.
“He showed some of the old breakaways as a defensive playmaker, so ensured Parma could only attempt shots that Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij interpreted very well.
“Ivan Perisic is capable of using both feet, so he needs to practice more on his right-foot finishing.”
Spalletti was asked about Icardi’s mood with this his seventh Serie A game in a row without a goal, but the response from the Coach seemed to be aimed more at the club and contract renegotiations than the player himself.
“I have not created any problems for Icardi. Issues need to be clarified, because when you leave things half-cocked, they become open to interpretation.
“People have said a few too many things, now there is time to sit down and talk about something we’ve avoided and dragged along with us for months.”
Icardi seemed very isolated in attack until Lautaro Martinez’s introduction, so could Inter go down the route of the two Argentines together?
“Icardi and Martinez are two centre-forwards, so we must find the right moment. They have very similar characteristics. Besides, we need more support from the wingers, as today Perisic put in a great performance.
“Unfortunately, we gave away some cheap possession that normally would’ve allowed us to create chances.”