Spalletti: ´New player´ Icardi not ready to return

Mauro Icardi is like a new player but will not be in the Inter squad to face Lazio in Serie A, says Luciano Spalletti.

Icardi, who has not played since being replaced as club captain by Samir Handanovic, is back in training.

There was speculation in the Italian media that Sunday’s game at San Siro, which could be key for both sides’ Champions League qualification hopes, would see Icardi return.

But while Spalletti hailed the Argentina attacker’s improved mentality, the Inter head coach will not be picking Icardi for the match.

“I found him like a new player in some ways,” Spalletti told a news conference.

“He trained and we have to put him back into our training behaviour.

“I think it is right that he cannot help his team-mates for this match yet. So tomorrow he is not called.

“He has returned from a long period of absence and there are new things that have happened to be evaluated.

“Then the training with the team is fundamental for me. On the next game, we will evaluate.”

| #Spalletti

“We have a squad where anyone can come in for anyone else. @miranda023 has always been another starting option, @23_Frog hasn’t played much but he’s always done his bit when called upon.” #InterLazio pic.twitter.com/PDinRfL6Ir

— Inter (@Inter_en) March 30, 2019

A 3-2 win against city rivals AC Milan before the international break moved the Nerazzurri, who go to Genoa on Wednesday, back up to third place in the Serie A table.

Lazio, however, have a game in hand on the teams around them and are only six points behind Milan in the race for Champions League qualification.

“Lazio are a direct competitor for the Champions League and, as in the past, they are having a great season,” Spalletti added. “The three points become heavier because they compete with us.

“We must show continuity after the victory in the derby. Our attitude must always be the same, the desire to play the game, to play in a certain way. As we did with Milan we will have to do also against Lazio and Genoa.”

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“Again this year, Lazio have had an excellent season like in past years. Simone Inzaghi makes the team play well. They’re three big points and it’s up against a direct rival.” #InterLazio pic.twitter.com/Y7m5dVBXrY

— Inter (@Inter_en) March 30, 2019

Stefan de Vrij and Lautaro Martinez returned carrying injuries after their international duty with Netherlands and Argentina respectively.

“What is fundamental, in my opinion, is that the players who go to the national team have an open dialogue and collaboration with the medical staff of the club and the national teams,” Spalletti said.

“We had told the players to highlight and estimate the possibility of measuring the minutes in two games so close. When it comes to young players, who want to demonstrate and contribute to their national teams, it’s not easy.”