With four points clear of fifth place, Inter are the favourite to take a Champions League spot for the second season in a row. The Nerazzurri, however, need the three points against Udinese to partially secure their position, as the competition for a European spot becomes more and more fierce. Coach Luciano Spalletti discussed the UCL race and his future in the pre-match press conference: "Every game is crucial, there are six teams vying for a place in the top four. Atalanta can't be deemed a surprise anymore, they have been performing well for years and they are good at constantly rejuvenate the team. Now there's also Torino in the race, and also Roma which is a strong team. Playing against Udinese will be like a six pointer, in terms of the degree of difficulty of the game. It will be a tough game, we need to win it".
Spalletti was then asked about his future and whether it is tied to Icardi's or not: "There is absolutely no issue from my side of things. The match at Udinese is my future at this moment in time, then it will be the Chievo game and the Napoli result. That's how I consider my futurre as opposed to one individual player. I have no problem with coaching any player. What I'd like to highlight is that Inter's future is the priority. Icardi's pictures on Instagram? When he comes here he's always dressed in appropiately fashion, befitting of this club. That's what I care about"., concluded the coach.
