Mancini Rubbishes Lazio Conspiracy Theories
Inter boss Roberto Mancini has rubbished claims that Lazio may deliberately lose to his side tomorrow night in exchange for a favour in the Coppa Italia.
Conspiracy
With just eight games of the season remaining, Inter currently hold a four-point lead over Roma at the top of Serie A.
Lazio potentially could have a big say in the title race, as if they were to beat, or draw with Inter tomorrow night, the gap at the top would tighten further. There have been conspiracy theories that Lazio may throw the game in exchange for Inter allowing them to win the Coppa Italia semi-final between the sides.
The Biancocelesti’s only realistic hope of qualifying for Europe is through the Coppa Italia, while many supporters do not want their bitter city-rivals Roma granted a Scudetto favour.
"No player goes on the pitch to lose,” insisted Mancini.
“We will go to Rome where we will face a full-strength team that is in great form, and we know it will be a very hard game. Whether we play well or not, we have to win at all costs."
Scudetto
Mancini went on to state that he was extremely confident that his side would go on to win the Scudetto, despite their dreadful recent form.
"It would be a delicate moment if we were four points behind Roma, but we're in front and the last two games have been a bit strange,” he said.
“We have eight games left and we can win all of them. It will be important to recover all our players next week. I don't think there's anything to worry about.
“Even when we had a bigger advantage, I always said the championship would go down to the wire."
Maniche
Finally Mancini offered a few words of praise for January signing Maniche, who showed a few glimpses of his true ability when coming on as a substitute against Juventus last week.
"Apart from the goal and the post he hit, he came on against Juventus and did well,” said the coach.
“He's doing better and he's calmer and fresher than the others. He can be an important player for us in these last eight matches."
goal.com