Pordenone manager Leonardo Colucci was full of praise for his opposite number at Inter, Luciano Spalletti ahead of his side’s visit to San Siro in the Coppa Italia.

“I am happy for Luciano Spalletti. I faced his sides so many times as a player. He is sincere and loyal, as well as a competent coach and I will shake his hand when we play. Inter have shown that they can fight for the scudetto, as they have never lost under Spalletti, who has proven to be a manager with an important pedigree. I hope Inter can win it.”

Colucci’s side travel to San Siro later today to face the Nerazzurri in the last 16 of the Coppa Italia, where they have been the surprise package, beating Cagliari along the way. The former Hellas Verona and Bologna midfielder has been in charge of the Serie C outfit since the summer and has them fighting for promotion.