Journalist Matteo Marani has praised Inter for their recent growth on the field in the matches that they have done without Mauro Icardi, a player Inter many believed they wouldn’t be able to do without.

“I see an Inter team that is growing,” he said in an interview with Sky Sport.

“Subdued players like Ivan Perisic, who was looking like a ghost of his former self is now making an impact. Matteo Politano was excellent and he is a player I really like a lot. He does not suffer.

“Radja Nainggolan has grown while Marcelo Brozovic has done well directing games.

“In Icardi’s absence, nobody would have believed it if beforehand they were told Inter would win three and draw one.”

Marani concluded the interview by stating: “I understand Luciano Spalletti’s anger. Winning would have kept Inter more distant from Roma and MIlan but it has been a comforting period from Inter.