Inter still in race for Champion League’s spot, Mancini insists

Roberto Mancini insisted Inter are still well in the race for the Champions League spots despite Radja Nainggolan’s late strike denying them victory at Roma.

Inter were six minutes away from a first Serie A victory at Stadio Olimpico since 2008 after Ivan Perisic’s goal early in the second half on Saturday, but the Belgium midfielder netted with a sliding effort after Edin Dzeko had mishit a shot into his path.

That meant Roma, whose eight-match winning streak in the league was ended, remain five points clear of Inter in the third and final Champions League place, but Mancini is still hopeful of catching them.

“The team put in an excellent performance, which builds on our recent displays,” he said.

“There are still so many points up for grabs. If we finish on level points with Roma, we have got the advantage of a better head-to-head record.

“It’s still open, we have got eight more games and a long way to go. We need to win every game from now until the end. If we do that, I’m sure we will get third spot.”
• Culled from Soccerway.com