Luciano Spalletti confirmed Mauro Icardi is “not in any condition to play” against Sampdoria and reiterated the decision to revoke his captaincy was “not against Icardi, but in favour of Inter.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“The Icardi decision was very painful and difficult to make, but the role you have means the most important thing is to be fair,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Luciano Spalletti confirmed Mauro Icardi is “not in any condition to play” against Sampdoria and reiterated the decision to revoke his captaincy was “not against Icardi, but in favour of Inter.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“The Icardi decision was very painful and difficult to make, but the role you have means the most important thing is to be fair,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“We have the doors open in the dressing room, we say everything to each others’ faces and are very clear. A decision was made that is not against Icardi, but in favour of Inter. That is the dialogue we had with him yesterday.
“I can’t sit here and explain all the details, but it’s a move in favour of fairness. Consequently, we have to answer to Inter and our fans. As I said, fairness in the interests of the team is what must be first and foremost. The concept of a team, of togetherness.
“You like those who score goals more, but I like the way defenders think. It’s true a striker has to focus on scoring goals and can act individually, but if a defender does that, he struggles. Everyone in a defence has the same job to do and asks for support from teammates, because on your own, you won’t go far. Defenders consider themselves a unit, all together.
“We have a common piggybank at the door of the locker room and everyone puts in what they feel they contributed at the end of a match, because in the end we share it all, just as we share results.
“We know full well that this decision made it difficult for everyone. Icardi is a very talented player, so we have to weigh up all the potential of the players in our squad.”
Spalletti was asked if Icardi really was injured or able to be called up to the squad.
“Icardi, as the club wrote in a statement, has a problem. He is having treatment with the staff and right now is not in any condition to play.
“We’ll have to wait a few days for Keita as well, as unfortunately there is still some swelling and he won’t be available this weekend.”
Icardi’s wife and agent Wanda Nara saw her car attacked this morning, as rocks were thrown at the vehicle when her children were in the back seat.
“I hope whoever did that is found and arrested, because this is unacceptable. It’s unacceptable and the police are dealing with it.
“I know this interests you, but the important thing is the team’s results. Unfortunately, he won’t be there tomorrow, so we need to show our professionalism and not hold back even an inch, we must prove we’re prepared to give everything for the good of Inter. That is what we need to talk about.
“Icardi is not there tomorrow, but the others are, so they are the ones I want to talk about.”
Spalletti was asked what Icardi needs to do in order to be welcomed back into the team.
“There are some logical steps to be taken that everyone knows. He has to be a fully-fledged member of the squad and show respect towards his teammates. It’s pretty simple.
“Look, Icardi is a very strong player and as long as he is at Inter, we want to make full use of his talents.”