Mancini affirms faith in Icardi after Udinese double
MILAN: Coach Roberto Mancini has insisted that he never doubted his captain Mauro Icardi after the striker scored two goals in Inter Milan’s 4-0 victory at Udinese in Serie A on Saturday.
Icardi has been in and out of the Inter team so far this season, and was hauled off at half time during the 2-1 defeat by Napoli last weekend.
His indifferent start to the season has prompted speculation of a rift with Mancini, while Icardi has also been linked with a move away from the San Siro.
“He put in a great performance,” Mancini told Mediaset Premium. “I was never worried about him. He has scored six goals so far which is a good return. (Stevan) Jovetic also had a great game today as their understanding with one another is growing.”
Icardi opened the scoring in the first half before adding Inter’s third in the second period after a Jovetic effort had given the visitors control of the fixture.
NEVILLE DOESN’T ENVISAGE UNITED JOB MADRID: Valencia boss Gary Neville has categorically denied he is positioning himself to one day take charge of Manchester United, where he enjoyed a hugely successful 19-year playing career.
Neville was handed a surprise first managerial role at the Mestalla until the end of the season by Singaporean business partner and Valencia owner Peter Lim earlier this month.
However, he didn’t get off to a great start in his first match as head coach as Los Che crashed out of the Champions League in midweek due a 2-0 defeat to Lyon.
Neville had been suggested as a future boss at Old Trafford should his six-month stint in Valencia go well.
“No, I don’t see myself managing Manchester United at all. I know what I want to do in my life, and that’s not something that’s in my mind,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“From my point of view, this is important for me and a valuable AC Milan 1 Bacca 52
experience. “I’m aware I need to succeed. Succeeding for me would be knowing these play ers have improved dramatically.”
GUANGZHOU EARN DREAM BARCELONA TIE OSAKA: Former Spurs mid fielder Paulinho snatched an injury-time winner as China’s Guangzhou Evergrande stunned Mexico’s Club America 2-1 on Sunday to set up a Club World Cup semi-final against Barcelona in Japan.
Japanese champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima upset Congolese side Mazembe 3-0 in the second quarter-final in Osaka, sending the local favour ites through to face Argentina’s Libertadores Cup holders River Plate.