I Love Inter Milan

Portugal international Joao Mario has suggested that Inter Milan are part of his past as he looks to revive his playing career. The Euro 2016 winner struggled to gametime during the first half of the season with the Nerazzurri, and this urged him to join the Hammers on a short-term loan in January. The midfielder started his Hammers career in a relatively strong fashion, but over the past month, the fans have slated his showing on the playing field.

Inter Milan have three games to go in their Serie A campaign, and they have a four-point gap to close if they are to make the Champions League. Right now, they sit fourth with 66 points, but to reach the Champions League next season they have to finish in the top four, which means catching either Lazio or Roma, who both have 70 points going into this weekend.

The climax of the Italian league at the top will be all about this battle as the title looks all but set to go to Juventus. The giants of Italian football are 1/25 to lift the title in the latest Serie A betting after building a four-point cushion over their only remaining rivals Napoli. With that battle almost certain to be over by the time we reach the final weekend, all eyes will be on Inter Milan and their quest for fourth place, something which looks set to go down to the wire.

Brazilian footballer Rafinha has revealed his desire to sign a permanent deal with Inter Milan at the end of the current season. The 25-year-old joined the Nerazzurri on a short-term loan from Barcelona last month, though the Italian side have the option to buy him outright for €38 million in the summer.

Rafinha made his maiden league start for Inter during their 2-0 win over Benevento, and shortly after the game, he highlighted his ambition to remain with the San Siro outfit, he said: "Of course, that’s what I want. I did not come here thinking that I will recover my form and go back to Barcelona. I want to stay here, then all else will depend on Inter. I feel good, I’m finding the right rhythm, I’m happy with my condition and I’m adapting."

Inter Milan sporting director Walter Sabatini has denied suggestions that the club could offload the services of Joao Mario during the winter transfer window. The Portugal international is of interest to both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain with the former looking to sign in a potential swap deal involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Speaking on Sky Sport Italia, Sabatini talked about the importance of Mario in the Nerazzurri setup, and he is confident that manager Luciano Spalletti will resolve the player's situation at San Siro, he said: "As with all those who have to earn their place at the World Cup, Joao has some issues with the lack of playing time. We don’t want to lose him, so he and Luciano Spalletti will find common ground and they’ll work out what to do. He is our player and we want to keep him."

Inter Milan head coach Luciano Spalletti has reportedly ruled himself out of the reckoning for the Italian national team job. However, the former Roma manager feels Carlo Ancelotti could the ideal choice for the position following his recent dismissal at Bayern Munich. Speaking on the club's official website, the 58-year-old said: "I want and have to work well for Inter. For the future, I could see Ancelotti doing well, he has the charisma and experience, while everyone is aware of his work. You need to aim for the best and he is the best."

Italy parted ways with Gian Piero Ventura earlier this month after they were surprisingly ousted by Sweden in a two-legged World Cup playoff. The East European nation took a handy 1-0 lead in their home leg and they managed to hold on in the reverse fixture to progress to the World Cup finals. As a result, the Azzurri will not be participating in the World Cup for the first time since 1958, and it brought an end to a generation of superstars including Gianluigi Buffon, and Daniele de Rossi who called time on their international careers.

Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar has dismissed the ongoing speculation linking him with a switch to Barcelona. The Slovakia international joined the San Siro outfit from Sampdoria in the summer for €23million, and he has since cemented a regular spot alongside Miranda at the heart of the backline.

The 22-year-old has played every minute of Serie A action for the Nerazzurri, who are currently lying third in the league standings, just two points adrift of table-toppers Napoli. His form has captured the attention of a whole host of clubs including Barcelona, whose sporting director Robert Fernandez has been keeping a close watch on the Slovakian's progress in the Italian top-flight, Mundo Deportivo claims.

Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has refused to rule out a move for Arsenal midfielder, although he is pessimistic a deal could be finalised in the January transfer window.

The German international has been reluctant to extend his contractual terms at the Emirates despite entering the final year of his Gunners deal.

Nerazzurri president Erick Thohir recently admitted that Ozil is one of the prime targets for the club for the New Year, but Ausilio appears doubtful whether a deal could be agreed midway through the season, he told Premium Sport: "We are studying our squad, we have scouts everywhere and they look at every kind of player. I don't think players like him [Ozil] will be leaving in January. Luciano Spalletti knows this team has room for improvement, which is what we are working on."

Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti has heaped praise on Ivan Perisic following his performance in the 2-0 victory over Crotone.

The Nerazzurri preserved their 100 percent start to the Serie A season after goals from Milan Skriniar and Perisic sealed the points.

Speaking after the game, Spalletti insisted that Perisic's influence is beyond the playing field as he has sacrificed himself a lot, he said: "Perisic sacrificed himself a lot. Leaders show themselves when the team needs them and Ivan has shown that he is important in these opening matches. Teams that want to get results think this way, by dividing up strengths and weaknesses and by taking on responsibility when their teammates are in difficulty."

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that Inter Milan put up a good defence in their decision to keep hold of Ivan Perisic for the summer. The Croatia international has been on United's radar since the start of last season, but unfortunately, the club have failed to strike a deal with their Serie A counterparts.

Mourinho's side have failed with two bids for the 28-year-old attacker, but neither come close to the Nerazzurri's valuation which currently stands at around £48.5m. The Red Devils have already pursued three signings in the form of Victor Lindelof, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic, and Mourinho would like at least one more addition to his squad before the transfer window closes this month.

Chelsea lost their last pre-season game against Inter Milan when both sides clashed in Singapore on Saturday.

The Blues lost 2-1 to the Italian side. StevanJovetic was fouled by Cesar Azpilicueta so the ref pointed to the spot. Jovetic penalty kick was saved by Chelsea first choice stopper Thibaut Courtois but the forward netted the rebound.