Italian football journalist Matteo Marani has come to the defence of Christian Eriksen after his first start in an Inter shirt.

Eriksen joined Inter in a reported €20 million deal from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur on a four and a half year deal during the January transfer window and after a cameo appearance in the Coppa Italia against Fiorentina, he played from the start in Inter’s 2-0 win away to Udinese last night.

The 27-year-old Danish international attacking midfielder did struggle during the match in Udine and has come in for some criticism from some of the Italian media but Marani insists that he needs to be given time to adapt to his new surroundings.

“He has arrived at the club off the back of a period in which he played less, he must find the right place,” Marani began as he appeared in Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia’s studios earlier on today.

“Inter had become predictable but now with Eriksen they will have alternatives. There can be absolutely no doubts about his ability as a player.”

Marani also shared his belief that Inter manager Antonio Conte will soon work out what the best position to deploy him in is.

“Conte will find him the correct position and I believe that will be behind the strikers. It is only a matter of finding the ideal position.”