Down to Ten Men

Experienced Italian manager Walter Novellino has backed Inter Milan to make progress under the control of Beppa Marotta. The 61-year-old was recruited as the new chief executive during the month of December and Novellino believes his compatriot can transform the Nerazzurri into potential title challengers in the future.

He said:“It is certainly an important and exciting arrival. I know Beppe very well and I know that he will want space to work but he will have no problems working with Piero Ausilio. I also know Piero, alongside one another they can do very well to say the least. With Marotta the Nerazzurri can only get stronger. Beppe is a director who will able to transfer his great experience to Inter. He has worked for several years at Juventus and lead them from seventh place to winning seven straight Italian titles.”

Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has indicated that there is no possibility of Mauro Icardi joining Juventus in the near future despite him turning down a new contract with the club. The Argentina international has built his reputation with the Nerazzurri over the past five-and-a-half years and his performances have recently been rewarded with a regular national team role.

Amidst this, there has been the suggestion that he could part ways with the club by the end of the campaign but Ausilio has stressed that the club have not given up on their aim of extending the striker’s contract. Speaking to reporters, he said: “His agent? She knows where to find me, in the office or on the phone. I say things how they are, Icardi received a contract two years ago and signed it. The most recent proposal was two months ago, which he received but it was not accepted. This doesn't mean a dead end, we want to continue the negotiations.”

Serie A side Lazio are reportedly in the running to sign Matteo Darmian from Manchester United when the transfer window reopens in the New Year. The Italy international has managed just one competitive appearance for United since the season has started and he is currently deemed to surplus to requirements.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Lazio are among the top sides looking into a move for the Italy international, who is capable of playing across the defensive positions. Despite this, the club remain reluctant to match the defender’s £20m price tag, although the sum could reduce, should there be limited competition for the Italian’s signature.

Former Italy manager Marcelo Lippi has been pleased with the progress made by Inter Milan under the guidance of head coach Luciano Spalletti. The Nerazzurri managed to qualify for the Champions League after a six-year wait during the previous campaign and they have since carried over the form to the new season where they have impressed with the start.

Speaking to reporters, Lippi highlighted that the Nerazzurri are now aware of their strengths unlike the previous campaign, he said: “Inter are aware of their strengths now. They know they can get a result at any time. Spalletti has made everyone feel involved, just like Ancelotti does. When I saw on Monday that Joao Mario, who hadn’t played since January, would be starting I knew that Inter would win the game.”

The representative and wife of Mauro Icardi has revealed that the striker is not in a hurry to discuss a new contract with Inter Milan. The 25-year-old has been with the Nerazzurri since the summer of 2013 and over the years, he has been handed the captain’s armband whilst being tasked with the role of leading the club’s attack.

Speaking to Tiki Taka, Wanda Nara stressed that the Argentine is content with his stay with the Nerazzurri after getting the chance to ply his trade in the Champions League. She added that Icard has three years remaining on the existing deal with the San Siro giants and there is no rush to get an extension done with the club.

World Cup winners France and Belgium are the first teams to share a joint top spot at the latest FIFA rankings.

In its 25 year run, two teams were yet to spare the top spot but with victories against Scotland and Iceland, Belgium joined France at the top of the ladder.