Inter out of title race: Leonardo

Inter boss Leonardo has conceded his side cannot win the Serie A title after they were shock 2-0 losers at Parma on Saturday.

Goals from Sebastian Giovinco and Amauri gave Parma the three points at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, leaving Inter eight points behind league-leaders AC Milan with five games remaining.

Leonardo conceded the gap was too much for Inter to cover, but insisted they must remain focused to ensure a top-three spot.

“More than looking at the table, we must focus on getting back into shape, otherwise it becomes even more difficult to achieve our objectives,” Leonardo said.

“We still need points, as we are not mathematically certain of a top three finish yet.”

“Tonight we started with too much haste, not because we lacked petrol in the tank. Then Parma scored with their first chance and that is when the fatigue hit us.”

“Nonetheless, we kept trying to the end and eventually conceded the second. We lost many games for different reasons this year and not just for one element.”

“After an enormous fightback we needed everything to be 100 per cent, but it didn’t go that way.”

“Now we need to rediscover our calm and sharpness to get important points, climb as high as possible and prepare for the Coppa Italia.”

Parma boss Franco Colomba was understandably delighted after his side grabbed a crucial three points which sees them move four points clear of the relegation zone.

“This is a very important victory for us,” Colomba said. “It’ll give confidence to everyone at the club, especially as it was earned with a fine performance.”

“We all needed this: the club, the city, the fans, coach and above all players. It is a stepping stone, but also three golden points we will cling to while we await other results.”

“Safety is our trophy and we must earn it with these performances.”