APPIANO GENTILE – A new season is about to begin and there's no doubt in Roberto Mancini's mind about where Inter should be aiming. With Atalanta due to visit the San Siro for the Nerazzurri's season-opener tomorrow, the coach was quite happy to set out his stall when he met with the media today.
"At the start of the season everyone goes out with the aim of finishing top. We're aware of the quality we have here and it's all down to us. Inter should always aim for the very top. We all start off on the same level and we shape our own destiny.
"We have a competitive squad and we must make sure we stay up there in the mix with the leading pack. The foundations we laid last year will serve us well this season – it's what we'll build our future success on. I'm fairly confident about what the team can achieve this season."
The transfer market is in full swing so there were inevitably plenty of questions about comings and goings.
Mancini said: "The management are working on a few things but our focus has to be entirely on Atalanta for now and then Carpi. The transfer window still being open is a bit of a distraction because as a coach you'd always like to have your final squad to work with from the first day of pre-season. But we'll leave the transfer talk to the papers."
Probed on the possible arrival of Ivan Perisic and the players who have already joined, the coach responded: “We've worked hard to improve the squad. We'll see what happens.
"Players need time to settle in and it's never easy. We've done some good work in pre-season and that's what matters. It takes time to adjust to a different country and new team-mates.
"The summer friendlies are of little importance. They're only useful to help you get ready for the first league match and to work on tactics. Results start to matter tomorrow and it's important we start with three points."
The boss then fielded questions on individual players. "Hernanes is in pretty good shape and he's trained with the rest of the squad this week. We'll have a look at him after the last training session tomorrow.
"Will Jovetic and Icardi form the strike partnership tomorrow? We have three forwards to choose from so we'll see.
"As for the holding role, both Gnoukouri and Medel can play there. Gary's a versatile player. He can play in defence or a more attacking role."
On Martin Montoya: “No one here has ever had any doubts about him. He's joined us from a massive club and he too needs time to adapt."
The boss was then asked about the midfield 'swap' that has seen Geoffrey Kondogbia join and Mateo Kovacic leave. "Geoffrey has what it takes to become one of the best midfielders in the world. We bought him because the opportunity came about.
"For Mateo it was a different thing altogether, because of Financial Fair Play. No one wanted to sell him but sadly the necessity arose.
"Why did Shaqiri leave? We had big plans for him but in July he was the first player we got any offers for. We had to sell someone so we reluctantly decided to let him go. There were lots factors at play. I wish him all the best in the Premier League."
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