Argentine hitman Mauro Icardi believes that new manager Luciano Spalletti can bring European success back to the San Siro, despite the ever widening gap there appears to be in the Serie A, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Nerazzurri finished 29 points behind champions Juventus last season, with surprise package Atalanta also ending the season ahead of Inter by an impressive 10 points. Icardi, however, is confident that under Spalletti, Inter can return to the Champions League.

I didn’t know him much. I’ve seen that with him Roma was playing very well and [Cristian] Ansaldi, who he’s known at Zenit, has said nice things about him to me. He likes to play nice football and has the ideas to make it happen. He’s changed the team’s atmosphere,” Icardi said. 

There have been some behaviours I didn’t like, especially during the week. Spalletti has immediately understood it and we’re looking to improve in many aspects. It’s fundamental to be more positive, having another spirit. We needed someone like him. [Stefano] Pioli had just arrived that he’s given us positive values, we followed him winning 9 games out of 10 and then there’s been the drop. Spalletti is changing that, distractions are prohibited.”

The Argentine then went on to speak about returning to the Champions League with Inter, understanding that there is a significant gap to close before the Nerazzurri return to Europe’s elite competition.

“Playing in Champions League. Inter must play it for their story, we can’t stay out of it,” Icardi added. “The gap was very large last year and we have to try to reduce it with Juventus, but also with Roma and Napoli. Even without [Leonardo] Bonucci, Juventus remain the team to beat.”

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I don’t like making promises but I can tell you that I and the team will try to do better than last year. We want to be in the Champions League.”

Icardi is one of the most talented forwards in European football. The Argentine has been constantly linked with a move away from the San Siro after Inter’s fall from grace in the league. With previous issues involving Inter Milan Ultra’s, Icardi appears to have buried the hatchet at the San Siro and is ready to take Inter forward as captain.