Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti says the club and fans deserve better after leaving Mauro Icardi out for defeat to Lazio.
Icardi returned to training this week for the first time since he was stripped of his captaincy on February 13, but was not considered for Sunday's loss.
Spalletti came clean on events in the aftermath: “I know what my job is. As things stand today, for the way he behaved, he has to stay out and the others have to play. It is clear for everyone to see what happened and how events unfolded.
“I think he could've played 20-30 minutes, even half a game, but that's not the point. Those who are in the locker room need to play. You need to have credibility in a group. I have had credibility for 22 years in my career, I have credibility with my players.
“It's obvious for everyone to see what happened. It's obvious."
Spalletti then referred to Paolo Nicoletti, the lawyer who has been acting as the intermediary between Icardi and the club to 'negotiate' his return to training.
“This mediation is humiliating for Inter fans and for those who love Inter. The need to mediate with someone just to get him to pull on the shirt that they love. It's humiliating.
“Negotiating with someone just to get him to pull on the Inter shirt. What, do I need to email 20 lawyers and ask them if I can call someone up?
“Icardi needs a game out. If he continues to behave the way he has done recently, then he can start to come back in. People say we lost games without Icardi. Inter didn't get into the Champions League for years with Icardi. Inter lost worse games than this with Icardi.
“Lionel Messi makes the difference, not Icardi, with all due respect. Professionalism and self-respect are everything. Discipline is everything.
“I've left players out for far less in my time. You must have respect and behave in the locker room. The Coach must be credible and recognised as someone who will do the right thing.
“Let's find an Inter fan and ask him – we'd have to go outside for that, mind you! – and ask him if he likes a player negotiating to pull on the Inter shirt."
