Former Inter and current Italian national team manager Roberto Mancini has praised Inter for their continued good performances this season.

Over the weekend Antonio Conte’s side returned to the top of the pile in Serie A with thanks to them winning 2-1 at home to SPAL and Juventus dropping points as they drew 2-2 with Sassuolo.

“Inter are doing very well, they deserve to be where they are. Inter are keeping competition alive. Without the Nerazzurri, Juventus would be eight or nine points ahead and the season would be almost over,” he remarked in an interview with Italian radio station Radio Anch’io Lo Sport.

Mancini, who managed Inter for six years over two spells, then spoke on what he thinks would have made this season in Serie A better.

“I am sorry that Napoli, Roma and AC Milan are not up there competing as it would have made for a more exciting season.”