Roberto Mancini hit back at Inter critics after an “absurd” 4-1 defeat and is worried about Sampdoria’s strikers.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“The defeat to Fiorentina was absurd. It started badly and there was nothing more we could do,” insisted Mancio in his Press conference.
Roberto Mancini hit back at Inter critics after an “absurd” 4-1 defeat and is worried about Sampdoria’s strikers.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“The defeat to Fiorentina was absurd. It started badly and there was nothing more we could do,” insisted Mancio in his Press conference.
“The squad reacted and until the red card it was one of our best performances. Results condition the way you remember a game.
“In Italy people only talk about tactics without even knowing things. You don’t win based on a system, as the opponents are there too. The tactical aspect isn’t essential, as other things can make a difference like a refereeing error or a single moment of magic.
“Did you watch the game back? That is your job,” an irritated Mancini asked reporters.
“I thought the rest was absurd and we didn’t get anything wrong from the start. There was the penalty, then we conceded their first shot on goal and with the red card it was all over.
“What did that defeat leave Inter? The fact Joao Miranda is now suspended. We’ve got 15 points after six rounds, so I wouldn’t say we’re in bad shape…
“We were criticised even after five consecutive victories. The job of journalists is to criticise, but I am not worried by what I read in the papers. I have my ideas and I won’t let outside factors affect them.
“Everyone wants to be a Coach in Italy and thinks they know the best thing to do. There ought to be Fantasy Football for reporters.”
There was also controversy this morning with papers claiming Mancini was “furious” with Montenegro for calling Stevan Jovetic for international duty when injured.
“Stevan is intelligent and knows his situation perfectly well. He must be able to decide what to do. As there are many games coming up, it would be better for him to come back here. If he remains and decides to play… I wouldn’t be angry. I just hope to have him available against Juventus.
“I do not consider Jovetic in any condition to play tomorrow and therefore he’s not in the squad.”
As for tomorrow’s game, it is against a Sampdoria side with a perfect record on home turf, coached by his old friend and teammate Walter Zenga.
“I am glad to see Walter back in Serie A. Of course it’s always a special game for me, but I’ve returned to Marassi many times as an opponent now. What worries me about Sampdoria is they are very strong in attack.”