Italian national team head coach Roberto Mancini feels that the Scudetto race still remains open even with Inter looking in control in top spot.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, the former Nerazzurri and Manchester City boss emphasized that there is still plenty of time for the situation to change.
The Nerazzurri surged to the top of the Serie A table over the last few matches before the winter break, overturning a seven point gap from the top to go four points clear themselves.
Inter’s seven-match winning run between the November international break and the winter break was enough to convince many observers that the defending Scudetto-holders are now in the driver’s seat in the title race.
However, Mancini cautions against taking anything for granted given the quality of Inter’s rivals at the top as well as the amount of time left in the race.
Asked whether he thinks the Nerazzurri have wrapped up the Scudetto, Mancini responded “No, it’s still too son to say, the entire second round of matches still has to be played.”
“Inter have recovered very well,” he added, “but I think at least three other teams have a shot at it – Milan, Atalanta and Napoli.”
“The commitments cup competitions will also potentially play a part,” he added.
“Juve remains the strongest team in the league for me,” he opined, “despite likely being too far back to win the Scudetto as the situation stands.”
“There are seasons where everything seems to go wrong,” he said of the Bianconeri, “we’re always looking for an explanation in Italian football, but sometimes there isn’t one.”
“Sometimes in sport things don’t turn out as you expect them to, despite your best efforts,” he added. “This is the beautiful thing in sport, though, it means anyone can win.”
