Absence of Icardi not behind Inter improvement – Spalletti

Inter's coach, Luciano Spalletti, downplayed the persistent absence of striker Mauro Icardi, who had inspired a recent recovery in fortune.

The Nerazzurri swept the Rapid Wien 4-0 in the Europa League clash on Thursday night to seal a 5-0 win that allowed them to qualify for the last 16 of the competition.

Victory recorded its fourth straight win after a similar losing streak. It was again without Icardi, who missed his last three games as he was about to withdraw from the club after being dismissed.

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However, Spalletti pointed out that the improvements made by his team result less from a more harmonious team spirit, but from simple and effective hard work in his post-game commentary.

"It is fair to say that Inter is improving and making fewer mistakes than before, but it 's not fair to refer to something else. another that happened during this period, "he told Sky Sport Italia.

"Let's look at the right angle, that the team is working hard and making fewer mistakes.

"Do not talk all the time about it [Icardi]. Let's focus on the players who were in the field today, who play, run, get kicked and let's not lose sight of the reality of the situation.

"We try to reach this level as our normality, without the ups and downs, we have to settle this as soon as possible, because again, last season, we only played well for spells. . "

Goaltender Samir Handanovic has taken over the captaincy at San Siro, but Icardi has been relieved of his duties, but insists that a large number of senior players could lead the team.

"The armband is not a title of nobility nor a trophy," he said.

"This is a great responsibility and an honor to Inter. We do not need a single person wearing the armband because we need five or six leaders who are pushing the team. It does not matter who wears the armband.

Inter are back in Serie A on Sunday, when he will travel to Fiorentina to strengthen his place in the top four.