'Humiliating' says Inter's Spalletti of mediation with Icardi

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The manager of Inter Milan Luciano Spalletti described negotiations between the team and striker Mauro Icardi as "humiliating" for the club's fans as he explained why he didn't send the Argentine player to the pitch during their match against Lazio, which they lost 1-0 on Sunday at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.

The home loss was a great hit to Inter especially as they are in stiff competition to enter next season's UEFA Champions League.

"It is certainly a heavy defeat against a direct rival for position. We controlled the game for long periods, but were unlucky to waste our chances and then go behind, which allowed Lazio to focus on the defensive approach they wanted even more," Spalletti admitted.

Luciano Spalletti, manager of Inter Milan, gives instructions to his players in the game against Lazio at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, March 31, 2019. /VCG Photo

When asked about why Icardi was excluded from the game, the Inter boss said that Icardi should not play, following weeks of tension and controversy between the two sides.

"It is clear for everyone to see what happened and how events unfolded," Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.

Since being removed from his position as the team's captain in mid-February, Icardi has not played a single game. Though it remained unclear why Inter made their decision, many believed that Wanda Nara, Icadi's wife and agent, who took a lot of shots at Icardi's teammates, is one of the major reasons.

Things perked up this week when Icardi agreed to attend team training after negotiations involving lawyers. However, the respite was short lived.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, before the training had started, Icardi was given a chance to speak in front of his teammates, which was seen as a way for him to apologize before both sides could move on.

Mauro Icardi attends the training session of Inter Milan, March 28, 2019. /VCG Photo

Nonetheless, the Argentine said he had nothing to say because all the problems were solved. Spalletti was reportedly enraged by his attitude and decided to sit him out in the game against Lazio.

"I think he could've played 20-30 minutes, even half a game, but that's not the point. Those who are in the locker room need to play. You need to have credibility in a group. I have had credibility for 22 years in my career, I have credibility with my players," said the Inter boss after the game.

"This mediation is humiliating for Inter fans and for those who love Inter. The need to mediate with someone just to get him to pull on the shirt that they love. It's humiliating. Negotiating with someone just to get him to pull on the Inter shirt. What, do I need to email 20 lawyers and ask them if I can call someone up?"

Spalletti also denied that the team lost because Icardi did not play.

"Inter didn't get into the Champions League for years with Icardi. Inter lost worse games than this with Icardi. Lionel Messi makes the difference, not Icardi, with all due respect. Professionalism and self-respect are everything. Discipline is everything."

Giuseppe Marotta, CEO of Inter Milan. /VCG Photo

Though he was sitting on thorns thanks to the disappointing performance of Inter this season, Spalletti had the club's support over his decision to cut Icardi out. CEO Giuseppe Marotta said the manager has the right to choose players for the squad.

"Icardi is being brought back in gradually. It's a very difficult role, but the Coach has the right to choose his collaborators, the players to put on the field and the players to call up for every match. Nobody can complain about Spalletti, as he is doing what is best for Inter," said Marotta.