FROSINONE - Inter will look to take maximum points from their remaining games as they attempt to catch Roma in third place. That was the promise made by Roberto Mancini in the aftermath of today's hard-fought win at Frosinone.
The hosts made it hard for Inter but Mauro Icardi's headed goal in the second half proved crucial as the Nerazzurri clinched the points.
Speaking after the game, Mancini conceded: "Nobody's had it easy here at Frosinone. They're trying to earn their Serie A survival at this ground. We might have been 2-0 up at half time because we had a perfectly good goal ruled out and other chances to take the lead. Then Frosinone hit the woodwork twice – once on the counter-attack and then from a free kick. It's not easy to keep them at bay here in their own back yard but I thought we were excellent in the first half. The only problem was we didn't take our chances. We must learn to score goals when we're dominating the game but it makes me smile when I hear people say that Inter don't play football."
So can Inter still hope to reach third place? "We mustn't let up. We have to go out there and try to win every match. We'll put everything into it but unfortunately it doesn't depend on us alone. If other teams keep winning, there's not much we can do. In any case as long as there are points to be won we'll keep on battling."
The coach then commented on the contribution made by Stevan Jovetic and Mauro Icardi, and explained his substitutions.
"I hope everyone can play an important role between now and the end of the season. Obviously when you have the ability Stevan does, you're always capable of coming up with a piece of magic to win the game. I'm happy with how he played today.
"I was going to bring on Eder when we scored. Then Felipe Melo and Telles had physical issues.
"Icardi worked his socks off up front today and he always had two men on him. He did his job well and of course he did the most important thing, which was to stick the ball in the back of the net. He's always had goals in him and at his age he can only get better."
