APPIANO GENTILE - Erick Thohir spoke briefly to the assembled media ahead of Roberto Mancini's news conference to discuss Fiorentina v Inter tomorrow. The coach began by saying the following: "It's significant that the president is here with us at this stage of the season even though we speak to each other two to three times a week.
"We dropped a few points in January. The team has bounced back very well over the last three weeks and we're doing well despite the draw against Verona where we conceded from three set-pieces. It will be tough because Fiorentina play good football but I'm very confident. Unfortunately, certain instances go against you and you don't win the game. But the team is on the up."
Roberto Mancini echoed the president's views on the team's targets this season: "We began the campaign with a target in mind. We had an incredible first half of the season, before a short lean spell in recent times but that's part and parcel of a league campaign. We don't need to start from scratch, rather think that we have made mistakes. Yet our goal remains the one we set at the start of the season. There's still a long way to go and anything could happen."
Sunday night sees a six-pointer at the Franchi as Fiorentina host the Nerazzurri (kick-off 20:45): "Fiorentina have a lot of technical players who can cause you problems and so we'll need to be wary. They're having a great season, it will be a great match albeit a tricky one. That said, while it's important, it won't be decisive. They concede the odd goal on the counter because they attack so much, consequently we'll have to be on our guard defensively."
European football returns next week: "We built a lead over the first five months and European football is back for the next three, so we have to take advantage of that.
"We had an excellent first half of the season with lots of changes in personnel. We're up there and credit to the players who have responded well. You have the odd off game but the players have done everything asked of them."
The coach then addressed the situation surrounding his contract: "Yes, I will stay at Inter next season."
He ended the press conference with a word on Icardi, after a minor problem prevented the Argentine from taking part in Wednesday's second session: "Icardi's fit, he's got no problem at all."
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LIVE! CONFERENZA STAMPA MANCINI PRIMA DI FIORENTINA-INTER 13.02.2016 13:00CET
