Javier Zanetti says he is ‘hopeful’ that Mauro Icardi will be back for Inter’s Europa League last-16 tie with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Zanetti was speaking after Friday’s draw in Nyon, which saw Inter paired with Frankfurt after their 5-0 aggregate victory over Rapid Vienna.
“German teams are always hard to beat, so we’ll have to work hard to go through,” the Nerazzurri icon told Sky Sport Italia.
Javier Zanetti says he is ‘hopeful’ that Mauro Icardi will be back for Inter’s Europa League last-16 tie with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Zanetti was speaking after Friday’s draw in Nyon, which saw Inter paired with Frankfurt after their 5-0 aggregate victory over Rapid Vienna.
“German teams are always hard to beat, so we’ll have to work hard to go through,” the Nerazzurri icon told Sky Sport Italia.
“Are we favourites? Inter must always try to go all the way in any competition, while in the knowledge that there are other strong teams.
“We’ll try, the conditions for doing well are in place. Inter have improved a lot in recent games and I’m convinced that we can pull through.”
Zanetti was then asked about Icardi, who continues to be unavailable for the Beneamata.
“Mauro’s an important player for us,” added the striker’s compatriot.
“We hope to have him back for this tie. I believe that when there are problems in the dressing room, you have to solve them internally.
“This group can get stronger and stronger. I’d like us to create the conditions so we can keep winning.
“I’m sorry for the situation that has arisen, but I repeat: it must be clarified with the first thought being the good of the team.
“Captain again? The decision wasn’t taken lightly, so I don’t think it’ll change. I haven’t talked to him yet.
“I’d like to let some time pass first but I reiterate, the team come first.”