APPIANO GENTILE - Roberto Mancini held a news conference earlier today in which he discussed tomorrow evening's match against Juventus, giving his thoughts on individual players and the opposition, as well as extending an invitation to Inter Night, the event the club is organising for 2015/16 season ticket holders on 26 May at San Siro.
The gaffer began by talking about the fans and Inter Night: "Obviously we need the supporters because playing in front of a packed San Siro is something else. They can help us and the hope is we have as many season ticket holders as possible."
He then turned his attention to the game tomorrow, beginning with the unavailable duo of Hernanes and Guarin: "I'm disappointed I can't select them. The Brazilian is on good form, while Guarin is an important player for the side. I think the team is improving and with that so are our performances. Tomorrow's match will be tough. When a team wins and makes a final, it gives their players a lift. Plus, those who play will put in even more than those not involved. It will be an awkward fixture. Shaqiri's fitness has improved and I hope he puts in a big performance.
"Juventus deserved to win the title and I would like to congratulate them on reaching the Champions League final. As for those in line to play, they'll definitely be fresher than their other players. I don't believe it's going to be easy by any means. There's a rivalry that stays on the pitch. Juventus had a tough time of it but managed to rebuild. The same goes for Inter, projects like these take time.
"Kovacic is a player with great ability and he's improving. He's got massive potential and we're looking to him going forward."
Mancini also faced Juventus in the first half of the season. How does he assess his side's progress? "In terms of the difference in our results at home and on the road, you need to consider that teams come to San Siro and keep things tight which makes it hard to find space. We need to improve on that. There are two main factors we have to assess in the second half of the season compared with the reverse fixture. The team has improved and we've become just that - a team. That's positive. The negative side has been the results because we hoped to finish in the top three."
Finally a word on the hot topic at the club: "UEFA appreciate the efforts Inter have made, the president will invest and we'll definitely improve the team. Thohir wants a winning Inter side. We need to see who we bring in and who leaves the club," concluded Mancini.
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LIVE! CONFERENZA STAMPA ROBERTO MANCINI PRIMA DI INTER-JUVENTUS 15.5.2015 14:45CEST
