Stramaccioni plays down Balotelli link

Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni has refused to be drawn on rumours the club may re-sign Mario Balotelli from Manchester City.

Balotelli left Inter for Eastlands in 2010 but his future in England is now in doubt after City manager Roberto Mancini said he will probably try to sell the volatile striker following his dismissal against Arsenal.

Mancini’s comments have prompted immediate speculation of a return to San Siro, but caretaker coach Stramaccioni attempted to dodge the issue during his pre-game press conference ahead of a Serie A clash with Siena on Wednesday.

“Balotelli? I’ve already answered (this question),” he said.

“He’s an asset to football but he’s a Man City player. I want to talk about my own players.”

Stramaccioni was also asked about Inter youth team product Mattia Destro, who is on loan at Siena from Genoa.

“He’s a mature player with great all-round ability,” Stramaccioni said.

“He’d be a useful addition to any team.”

Turning his attention to Inter’s league campaign, Stramaccioni claimed his team have not given up on qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

“We want third place,” he said.

“There’s no denying it and we believe we can do it. That’s what we’re working towards.”

Inter have picked up four points from Stramaccioni’s first two games in charge.

The coach says he has been encouraged by the response he has received from his players since succeeding Claudio Ranieri last month.

“It’s been positive,” he said.

“I was disappointed on Saturday (against Cagliari) but the signs are positive. Inter are alive.”

Inter are seventh in Serie A, nine points outside the Champions League qualification places.