[D-Kin]

Mancio: Media are anti-Inter Sunday 27 January, 2008

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Roberto Mancini broke his silence ahead of the Udinese match to slam the media for showing “prejudice” towards Inter.

The club are refusing to speak to the Press after controversy over the refereeing decisions in their 3-2 win over Parma last Sunday.

Mancio only allowed an exception for Inter Channel and took the opportunity to unleash more vitriol on the mainstream media.

“Many people are prejudiced against Inter, they prove that every day and it has gone on for months now.

“We didn’t do anything against Parma, we were awarded a penalty in an incident where the player admitted he hit the ball with his arm in the box, so there was nothing so scandalous. It will pass.”

Fernando Couto was also sent off for that handling offence and in stoppages the Nerazzurri went from 2-1 down to a 3-2 victory.

Parma were denied a penalty earlier in the game and the media took this as the latest example of favouritism for the leaders.

Inter have the opportunity to answer their critics against fifth-placed Udinese this afternoon, who were defeated 1-0 on home turf by Milan last weekend.

“Last season Udinese created a lot of problems for us, which also happened when we faced them at San Siro in August. I remember it was a tough game and we had Julio Cesar sent off. It’ll be difficult this time as well.”

The Friulani were the only team to avoid defeat against Inter last season, holding them to two draws, and they earned a 1-1 at the Stadio Meazza in Week 1 this term.

“Antonio Di Natale has more experience, quality and makes sacrifices for the team, while Fabio Quagliarella is doing very well at both club and international level. They given Udinese an extra level, but there are other players in the team who also impress. They always dig up talented youngsters with an excellent scouting network.”

Dejan Stankovic is back in the side and Patrick Vieira is working towards full fitness after many months on the sidelines, but Cristian Chivu, David Suazo, Douglas Maicon, Walter Samuel, Luis Figo and Olivier Dacourt remain injured.

“Udinese are one of the surprises of the season along with Juventus and Fiorentina. Palermo and Milan are a little behind, while Lazio paid the price for the Champions League preliminary round.”

Mancini celebrated his 200th official match on the Nerazzurri bench last week and is on track to become their most successful tactician. Does he intend to stay for life?

“I hope I have entered into the hearts of the fans – maybe not all of them, as everyone has their own opinion. I hope to remain at Inter for a long time, even if I don’t like to say I’ll stay for life. I may well be here for 10 years, but life always reserves unexpected surprises.”

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