Joao Mario has urged his Inter teammates to take the Europa League seriously following the Nerazzurri’s elimination from the Champions League.

Inter finished third in Group B after stumbling to a 1-1 draw at home to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday, allowing Tottenham to qualify for the last 16 courtesy of their superior head-to-head record.

But the 25 year-old is confident Luciano Spalletti’s side can make an impact in Europe’s second club competition, provided they treat it with the respect it deserves.

“It’s important for us,” he said, as quoted by Sunday’s Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We can progress in this tournament and make it to the end.”

Inter returned to winning ways on Saturday night as Mauro Icardi’s second-half penalty secured a 1-0 victory over Udinese, moving them temporarily within three points of second-placed Napoli.

“We played a good match, creating lots of chances,” Mario continued.

“We searched hard for this win and we got it. It was key for us to react after being knocked out of the Champions League.

“There’s a long way to go in the season, we just have to keep looking forward. Now we need to win our next few matches.

“Personally I’m happy because I’m playing a lot and that’s the most important thing.”