Mancini: 'Inter had to play like this'
By Football Italia staff



Roberto Mancini explained his surprising choices for the 1-0 victory at Torino. “Inter had to play like this to win here.”

Geoffrey Kondogbia got the only goal after 31 minutes, one of only two Nerazzurri shots on target in the entire match.

Mancini was asked about his decisions, which included a 3-5-2 system, dropping Stevan Jovetic and Ivan Perisic with Mauro Icardi returning.

“I don’t see why people always have to look to create some controversy,” muttered Mancini on Mediaset Premium.

“Icardi didn’t need to send any signal. Mauro was tired and against Roma I needed fresh legs. Today he did what he was supposed to do.

“We expect a great deal from Icardi because he is a great centre-forward. In the end he’ll score more than anyone, it’s just a matter of time.

“Rodrigo Palacio was in good shape and as long as he still had steam he did really well.”

Inter scored early and spent most of the match defending, notching up yet another 1-0 win, but Mancini stands up for his approach.

“Inter had to play like this to win here at Torino today. We wasted some chances to make it 2-0, but it is very difficult away to Torino.

“In the first half we did very well, after the break we went too deep and should’ve gone for a second goal. We used the 3-5-2 because it seemed the best way to attack Toro. Clearly if we had used that system against Roma then they would’ve won 3-0.

“I don’t know where six minutes of stoppages came from at the end. Even Manchester United don’t get six minutes at Old Trafford when they’re losing!”

Mancini was also asked about the reports of a bid to take Andrea Pirlo on loan from New York City FC in January.

“We have never spoken to him and he has never received an offer from us.”
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