Mancini expecting tough test from Lazio
APPIANO GENTILE – Inter will have to put in an exceptional performance with the help of the fans if they are to beat Lazio in their last game of 2015, says Roberto Mancini.

The Nerazzurri host Stefano Pioli’s side at San Siro on Sunday before breaking up for a week’s holiday but the boss insists the team’s focus remains as high as ever.

“It was the last week before Christmas and like every year we celebrated the festive period here at the club. We’re focused on the game against Lazio tomorrow though because they’re a talented team. They’re finding it a bit hard at the moment but we’ll have to be on top of our game and not give anything away.

“Biglia, Candreva and Anderson are key players who can make the difference. It makes for a more enjoyable game if they’re on the pitch.”

One of Inter’s strengths this season has been the atmosphere in and around the team.

Mancini explained: “Obviously if you want to start over and achieve something important then you need everyone pulling in the same direction – players, coaching staff, management and fans. If everyone’s on the same wavelength, it can really help propel you forward. You get hard times and that’s when you need atmosphere and morale within the group to be good. Having lots of fans at the stadium helps the team to perform at their best.”

There are lots of teams in the title race this year and Juventus have worked their way back up the table after a slow start.

“They’ve gone on a winning streak that’s brought them back up within touching distance. They struggled a bit earlier in the season because three important players had moved on and their replacements needed time to gel.”

Meanwhile Inter have had the benefit of not having European games to contend with this season.

“That does help a bit because we’re been able to work more during the week. When you’re not in involved in Europe you always have that advantage.”

As 12 months draw a close, the coach took stock: “We’re very happy with the work we’ve done and with just how quickly we’ve managed to go back up to the top.”

Mancini was also asked about the number of foreigners at the club, replying: “That’s always been the case at Inter. Most of the players here have been playing in Italy for years so they had no problem settling in. You’ll be hard pushed to find a team with only Italians nowadays.”

The manager then ended his press conference by revealing some of his line-up for tomorrow’s game: “Handanovic, Miranda, Murillo, Medel and Brozovic.”

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