Former Inter manager Andrea Stramaccioni has admitted that it is a shame that Inter were unable to join the rest of their fellow Italian clubs in the next round of the UEFA Champions League.

Lazio, Atalanta and Juventus all progressed to the knockout stages by either finishing first or second in their respective groups but Inter finished rock bottom of their group by picking up just six points from a possible 18 available.

This is the third year in a row that Inter have been eliminated at the group stage but despite their elimination, Stramaccioni has admitted he is convinced about the potential of this Inter side.

“It’s a shame from a national point of view because we were about to make it four out of four teams in the knockout stages, but above all it’s a shame for Inter,” he explained in an interview with Italian radio station Radio Sportiva, which was broadcast yesterday afternoon.

“I am convinced about the potential of this squad, yesterday only the goals were missing and on many occasions the team has been unlucky but I think that qualification escaped them in previous matches.

“There is bitterness, the squad was built to cope with two commitments a week.”

Stramaccioni then spoke on Christian Eriksen, who has struggled to live up to expectations during his time with Inter.

“With Christian Eriksen the intent was to bring in a player who gave Inter the quality that they lacked in the midfield. The fans may be embittered by the late entry onto the field but it is also true that Inter could have score goals at every chance.”

Stramaccioni managed Inter between March 2012 and May 2013. He won 31 of his 65 games in charge of the club and last managed Iranian club Esteghlal.