Luciano Spalletti has confirmed that Mauro Icardi pulled himself out of Inter’s squad to face Rapid Vienna upon learning he was no longer captain.
Inter’s preparations for the trip to Vienna have been marred by the fallout of their decision to strip Icardi of their captaincy, but Spalletti asserted he was still hoping to count on the striker.
Luciano Spalletti has confirmed that Mauro Icardi pulled himself out of Inter’s squad to face Rapid Vienna upon learning he was no longer captain.
Inter’s preparations for the trip to Vienna have been marred by the fallout of their decision to strip Icardi of their captaincy, but Spalletti asserted he was still hoping to count on the striker.
“Tomorrow will be a very important game. We’ll have time after that to clarify Icardi’s position,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“It was a difficult and painful decision but one supported by everyone and made for the good of Inter and the team.
“His no-show? It was him who didn’t want to join up with the team. He was called up. He was disappointed, but it was also difficult for us to make this decision and announce it to him.
“There’s a situation that needs addressing and I said it after Parma. What’s happened confirms that.
“If there’s anyone who’s thinking about anything other than the result tomorrow night, they’re wrong to do that.
“We’ve made a decision at an appropriate time and one that was well thought-out, albeit one that was very painful.
“Things around him have disturbed him and the team he captained. Now we have to focus all our attention on tomorrow’s game.”