Roberto Mancini spoke of the importance of taking the Europa League seriously as Inter prepare to face Dnipro on Thursday night.
Avoiding defeat at the San Siro would secure the Nerazzurri a top-two finish needed to make the knock-out stage. This year’s competition also carries a greater incentive as, for the first time, winning the Europa League offers a path to the Champions League.
Mancini, who will celebrate his 50th birthday on Thursday, is happy to have two bites at the cherry in his bid to return Inter to Europe’s premier competition after a three season absence.
“We have two roads and we can certainly achieve at least one of those objectives,” the former Manchester City coach said at his press conference.
“We have some possibilities, through the league or this competition, but to win the Europa League is definitely a fantastic opportunity.
“From this year it will become more important to take it seriously because of the prospect of Champions League football.
“I think it is often snubbed until the second round, then teams suddenly take it far more seriously.
“It allows you to win a Cup and to play in the Super Cup.”
Dnipro though are unbeaten on their travels in the group and only lost narrowly to Inter in Ukraine after the hosts were reduced to ten men.
“It will be important to pay attention as they have been strong away from home and are a difficult team to breakdown,” Mancini said.
“Against AC Milan we did some good things in the 90 minutes but we have to build on that.
“We are so close to securing qualification that we must make sure we are ready.”
