MILAN – FC Internazionale wishes to announce that all accreditation requests from journalists, photographers and TV/radio representatives for Inter v Udinese must be sent by e-mail to press@inter.it by 13:00 CET on Wednesday 3 December. The Nerazzurri’s 2014/15 Serie A Week 14 fixture at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza is due to kick off at 20:45 on Sunday 7 December 2014.

The club would also like to remind all members of the press that:

– requests must be submitted on the headed paper of the company making the request, together with a valid identification document;

– accreditation requests will be assessed according to the number of spaces available at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza;

– requests submitted via fax will not be taken into consideration;

– any requests sent after the deadline will not be accepted;

– the Inter Press Office will inform applicants via email if their request is unsuccessful;

– if any person who obtains accreditation is unable to attend, or if any person wishes to change the name on their initial request, this must be communicated to press@inter.it no later than 13:00 CET on the day of the match;

– accreditation passes will be distributed at Gate No. 8.

MILAN – 209 goals in 466 appearances. That statistic alone tells you all you need to know about the extraordinary Nerazzurri career of Alessandro Altobelli. Skilful, agile, strong in the air: he was the complete centre-forward, a ruthless goal-scorer. Spillo is the second highest scorer in the history of the club, and the most prolific in European competition (35 goals in 69 matches) and domestic cups (46 goals in 80 matches).

Having cut his footballing teeth with Latina and Brescia, Altobelli was bought by Inter in the summer of 1977. He didn’t have long to wait to make his debut, scoring the opener in a Coppa Italia clash against Como on 21 August, which the Nerazzurri won 2-0. A week later, he’d made his Serie A bow against Bologna.

Altobelli led the line for Inter for eleven seasons, captaining the side for three. Silverware inevitably arrived – Spillo lifted the Scudetto in 1979/80, along with two Coppa Italias in 1977/78 and 1981/82 respectively.

Amongst the wealth of happy memories, who could forget his hat-trick against Juventus on 11 December 1979, a match which Inter went on to win 4-0? Indeed, Spillo would go on to make history with the national team too, scoring in the World Cup Final to down West Germany and hand Italy the crown in 1982.

An idol of the fans, Altobelli’s name has come to be synonymous with goals and success. So on the day of his 59th birthday, F.C. Internazionale and Inter Forever would like to say: Happy Birthday Spillo! 

MILAN – Victory over Dnipro means that Inter have qualified for the UEFA Europa League knockout stage with a game to spare. There could hardly have been a better present for Roberto Mancini on the day of his 50th birthday.

After the match, sporting director Piero Ausilio took stock of Inter’s Europe displays so far this season, starting with tonight’s performance.

“We went about the task in a determined fashion and showed just how much the Europa League means to us. We weren’t firing on all cylinders in the first half but after the break – despite being a man short – our qualities came to the fore. We played with grit and determination and tactically we were set out well too. Playing with ten men is not a problem if everyone weighs in.

“Dnipro are decent side and the fact we’ve beaten them home and away is testament to how well we’ve done. We’ve tackled the group stage magnificently and made sure we’re free of worries going into the last game. It means we can give a bit of playing time to some of our youngsters and those who featured less.”

The sporting director was asked about Konoplyanka. “He’s a player we know well and we’re not the only ones. He’s a very handy player and he’s been doing well for a few years now. I can say that I rate him and that we know all about him but that doesn’t mean Inter are interested in him.”

Ausilio signed off with a few words about what lies ahead, starting with Sunday’s clash against Roma at the Olimpico. “We have to take each game as it comes and prepare for them all as thoroughly as we possibly can. Now we have a chance to focus on the league and the Coppa Italia until February. We’re five points off third place but there are plenty of games left to play.”

MILAN – It was his through ball that set up the winning goal tonight. A slide-rule pass that enabled Osvaldo to score and Inter to notch up a third Group F victory, sending them through to the last 32 as group winners.

Speaking to Inter Channel after the final whistle, Hernanes revealed: “I’d tried to play a similar pass a couple of times in the first period but it didn’t come off. In the second half the defender couldn’t get to it and Osvaldo took his goal really well.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy but we dug deep when it mattered and came away with the points. Sometimes it’s important to win ugly too – it can be good for morale and confidence. Hopefully we’ll build on this now.”

The Brazilian midfielder was forced to withdraw from the game due to a muscle complaint but he was quick to reassure the fans. “I think I stopped at the right time. We’ll have it looked at tomorrow but I have a good feeling about it. I don’t think I aggravated it at all.”

Finally, he commented on his position on the field: “It’s not the first time I’ve played in a wider role. All that matters to me is being out there and enjoying myself; where I play is not a problem.

“The gaffer wants us to play the ball nice and early, taking two touches at most. We have to learn to circulate the ball quickly and time our movements.”

MILAN – Juan Jesus had words of praise for Mancini and Handanovic as he went about his post-match media duties following Inter v Dnipro.

The first question for the Brazilian was about Mancini’s 50th birthday. He said: “We celebrated because the gaffer deserves the best present possible. Fortunately we managed to get the win for him today.

“A poor start? We need to help each other and play as a team because if you don’t do that you’re always going to struggle.”

So what has Mancini brought in? The defender explained: “His experience. He’s won so much in his career and he’s had a calming effect on the squad.”

The 23-year-old also hailed Handanovic after the Nerazzurri No.1 produced the goods once again tonight. “We have to thank Samir because he’s always ready to stand up and make a difference when we’re stuck in a tight spot.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s visit to Roma, Juan Jesus ended: “They’re having a great season and we must channel all our energy into preparing as best we can for that match now.”