Roberto Mancini has denied claims that he is at loggerheads with Inter’s veteran winger Luis Figo.
There have been regular claims in the Press that the two men don’t see eye to eye and Figo allegedly refused to come on as a substitute during the Nerazzurri’s Champions League tie against Liverpool.
Mancini opted to bring on Figo in the final minute of Inter’s win over Fiorentina on Sunday evening and there are rumours that the Portuguese international was livid.
“I don’t have a problem with anyone,” Mancini claimed. “Luis is a great player.
“But I don’t think that Luis can regularly play whole games. He was playing all the time this year until he got injured and then got another problem when he came back.
“However, he is still a player who can be very useful at certain moments in certain matches.”
Mancio also commented on striker Adriano, who is making his mark on loan to Sao Paulo and has caught the eye of Brazilian national Coach Carlos Dunga.
“Of course I am pleased for Adriano,” he insisted. “If Dunga said these things then it must mean that he is doing quite well. I think this is important for him.”
The Beneamata boss concluded by discussing tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Lazio.
“We aren’t thinking about the possibility of a Final with Roma, we are focused on getting through this round,” Mancini stressed.
“It’s not easy because we are facing Lazio, who are one of the most in-form sides at the moment.
“Some players won’t play tomorrow because of injuries, but we have still set our sights on the Final.
“We will play the lads who haven’t had so many chances recently and they will certainly give their best.”
