Roberto Mancini expects a “special” game with Fiorentina, identifies Inter problems and warns against selling Mauro Icardi.

It kicks off on Sunday at 17.15 GMT, click here for a match preview.

“It’s going to be a special game and the end point of an intense run of matches in quick succession,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

Roberto Mancini expects a “special” game with Fiorentina, identifies Inter problems and warns against selling Mauro Icardi.

It kicks off on Sunday at 17.15 GMT, click here for a match preview.

“It’s going to be a special game and the end point of an intense run of matches in quick succession,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“I hope the team is physically in good shape. Xherdan Shaqiri? He can play, as he rested against Cagliari and is young enough to recover quickly.

“I still think we lose the ball too often and still make mistakes that need improving. For example, the centre-backs mustn’t be afraid of a face-to-face challenge, focusing on predicting what could happen before anyone else. If they improve this, it’ll be a bonus for the whole team.

“Fiorentina have very technical players and we must be concentrated. They fixed some issues at the back, but still have an attacking mentality. They play well and have been working together for a number of years.”

Mancini was briefly teammates with Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella at Sampdoria.

“He scored many goals thanks to me! It was a real pleasure to play alongside him. He’s a good lad and deserves all his current success. He makes Fiorentina play really good football.

“Montella has enough experience to be a Coach at any club, even the biggest ones, but a young tactician has to think carefully about his future and choose the side that will allow him to work in the best circumstances.”

Mancini was also asked about the Financial Fair Play situation and reports they’ll have to sell either Icardi or Samir Handanovic to plug the gap.

“We’ll see what the transfer market will allow us. If there is a striker who scores 20 goals per season, it’s very difficult to let him go.

“With the money from that sale, you can buy two or three players and improve the team overall, but forwards are decisive players. It’s not easy to find one who scores that regularly. In any case, it’s still too early to discuss all this.”

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