Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti says Samir Handanovic deserves the club captaincy.

The goalkeeper led Inter to victory at Europa League opponents Rapid Wien after replacing Mauro Icardi as skipper.

Spalletti said, “I think he will react in a professional manner. Just as we had difficulty in making this decision, he had difficulty receiving the news. We go to work, there is nothing different.

“Handanovic was already the captain in the past, even when Mauro was around. We all know him, how well-balanced and professional he is. Samir is someone who knows how to transmit the right values to his teammates both with words and actions.

“He is appreciated in the locker room, a characteristic that Mauro also had in some ways. In terms of character, Handanovic has more experience and more potential as a captain than Mauro."