MILAN – Danilo D’Ambrosio commented on the team’s performance following the cup win over Sampdoria, as well as the impact of January signings Shaqiri and Podolski.

“We wanted to come out and produce a positive performance after the Empoli game. We showed the right attitude tonight,” the full-back began.

“Shaqiri and Podolski? Mancini is putting across his winning mentality – a big team mentality, an Inter mentality. And with those two players it’s easier to carry out what the gaffer wants.”

On Inter’s chances of lifting the cup and where he can improve: “Our target is to go all the way. As a player you can always improve – that goes for your mentality too.”

MILAN – “We’re very satisfied. This is an important win and a shot in the arm for us. We played really well but now we have to keep on working and keep our heads down.” That was Juan Jesus’ opening comment after the Nerazzurri’s Coppa Italia last-16 triumph against Sampdoria.

The Brazilian centre-back followed up with words of praise for Shaqiri: “There’s no doubt about his talent. I’m happy that he scored on his full debut. He and Podolski are sure to give us a huge hand and they’ll help us to improve as a team.

“Are Inter top-heavy playing 4-2-3-1? No, if the forwards chip in with the work that makes it a lot easier.”

Our No.5 was asked about his league suspension: “For me that’s a closed case now. I only spoke about it once because I was saddened by the things Chiellini said after the game. I’m just getting on with it now, working away and waiting for the ban to end so I can play again.”

On Inter’s chances of hoisting the cup in June: “We’ve got a great team, we’re calmer and we’re growing in confidence. I think we can go a long way.”

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MILAN – Roberto Mancini was naturally pleased with Inter’s display against Sampdoria. Two goals scored, none conceded and lots of positives to take. But in his post-match interviews, he also made it clear there’s still lots of work to be done as he bids to mould the team into his desired shape.

He began by saying: “Credit to Samp and Sinisa first of all, because they really are doing well.”

Asked for his view of how Inter’s latest signings performed, he went on: “Shaqiri’s class and personality was clear for all to see tonight. I’m happy that he and Podolski had such a good game.

“I think we can do even better though. Once the team is more compact they’ll be able to play with even more quality.”

What needs to be done to achieve that? “First of all, we need to improve our ball circulation and play high up the pitch with confidence. We also have to improve the defensive side of our game. Once we do that better we’ll be able to push up high and risk the odd counter-attack, which is what we should have done against Empoli on Saturday.”

Federico Bonazzoli and George Puscas made late substitute appearances against Sampdoria. Questioned about their playing time, the coach said: “They may well find themselves playing more over the course of the season. If they keep on working hard – as they are at the moment – then I’m sure they’ll get other opportunities.

“Kovacic? He’s young and like all youngsters he lacks maturity but he’s got phenomenal ability. I expect a lot from him, as you do when you have great players who can and must make the difference.”

MILAN – It’s been a special week for Mauro Icardi and he could hardly have hoped for a better way to celebrate becoming a dad to Francesca than scoring in an Inter win.

After netting the Nerazzurri’s second to wrap up a 2-0 victory over Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia last 16, the striker revealed his delight at grabbing a late goal that enabled him to make up for his first-half penalty miss.

He began: “I changed my mind at the last second, Romero knows me well and he managed to keep it out. Luckily I scored in the second half.”

Icardi then commented on Inter’s difficulty in breaking down a stubborn Samp side: “After the first sending-off Sampdoria got every man behind the ball and it proved to be harder than we expected. We didn’t play at our best at the start, but then we made the breakthrough and got the win.

“Shaqiri and Podolski? Two top-quality players. Hopefully we can go a long way with their help.”

Can Inter win this competition? “We have to take each game as it comes. We’ll see at the end of the season.”