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MILAN – Mauro Icardi shared his views on Inter’s success over Stjarnan after the final whistle: “No, Kovacic has to take the ball home!” he began, referring to the Croatian’s hat-trick feat this evening.

He then commented on his own two strikes and the team’s energetic start to the match:

“My first goal is something I try a lot in training. I was lucky today because it came off for me. The second was nice too. I’m delighted.

“We started very strong, that’s what the gaffer wanted from us. You can’t afford to relax for a second in the modern game.”

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MILAN – Hat-trick hero Mateo Kovacic spoke to Inter Channel’s Roberto Scarpini after putting on a sumptuous display against Stjarnan.

“I’m really happy with my goals,” he beamed. “I’ve shown that I can shoot and score and hopefully I’ll be able to carry on like this now.”

The Nerazzurri No.10 added: “I want to dedicate my goals to the fans, to Inter and to my family.”

On his understanding with Osvaldo: “I find it very easy to play alongside him, he’s really talented.”

Finally, a comment on his own position on the field: “I’ll play wherever the coach wants me.”

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MILAN – The door to Europe is now wide open and Inter can stride through it after 180 minutes against Stjarnan. A whole continent beckons and is there to be conquered thanks to the Nerazzurri’s double success in Iceland and Milan. Thanks to the backing of the 45,000 who turned up at the Stadio Meazza. Thanks to a fine hat-trick from Kovacic (including an exquisite chip), Osvaldo’s header and a brace by Icardi.

The 6-0 second-leg triumph was a victory earned by a compact, battling team that never let up. Just as the coach ordered. Now all the attention turns to the draw on Friday 29 August (13:00). But before then let’s enjoy having reached our first target of the season.

Inter 6-0 Stjarnan (HT 2-0)
Scorers: Kovacic 28, 33, 51, Osvaldo 47, Icardi 69, 80.

Inter: 30 Carrizo; 6 Andreolli, 23 Ranocchia, 5 Juan Jesus; 33 D’ambrosio, 88 Hernanes (2 Jonathan 67), 90 M’Vila, 20 Obi (17 Kuzmanovic 58), 55 Nagatomo; 10 Kovacic (9 Icardi 53), 7 Osvaldo.
Subs not used: 1 Handanovic, 13 Guarin, 15 Vidic, 97 Bonazzoli.
Coach: Walter Mazzarri.

Stjarnan: 1 Jonsson; 4 Vemmelund, 29 Rauschenberg, 9 Laxdal D., 14 Arnason; 7 Johannsson A. (16 Runarsson 65) , 8 Punyed; 11 Bjorgvinsson, 10 Gunnarsson (27 Johannsson G. 59) , 24 Toft, 17 Finsen (12 Aegisson 58).
Subs not used: 25 Johannesson, 18 Barddal, 20 Ottesen, 23 Blondal.
Coach: Runar Pall Sigmundsson.

Referee: Harald Lechner.
Booked: Rauschenberg 4, Nagatomo 90.
Added time: 0+2 minutes.
Attendance: 45,660.

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MILAN – President Erick Thohir spoke to Mediaset Premium shortly before kick-off against Stjarnan.

Tonight is the beginning of a new era. What are your feelings?
“It’s exciting that Inter are back in Europe. Now we need to continue with these results. I hope we’ve built a good team but let’s see.”

The transfer window closes in a few days’ time…
“We can’t announce anybody until we’ve signed them. There are three days to go, and then there’s the window in January too. In any case I believe that with the acquisition of Vidic, Dodo, M’Vila, Medel and Osvaldo we have a well balanced team.”

What chance is there of you signing Lavezzi?
“I don’t know. I don’t want to promise anything until we’ve signed.”

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MILAN – Here are the teams named by Walter Mazzarri and Runes Paul Sigmundsson for tonight’s match between Inter and Stjarnan at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, kicking off at 20:45 CEST.

Inter: 30 Carrizo; 6 Andreolli, 23 Ranocchia, 5 Juan Jesus; 33 D’ambrosio, 88 Hernanes, 90 M’Vila, 20 Obi, 55 Nagatomo; 10 Kovacic, 7 Osvaldo. 
Subs: 1 Handanovic, 2 Jonathan, 9 Icardi, 13 Guarin, 15 Vidic, 17 Kuzmanovic, 97 Bonazzoli.

Stjarnan: 1 Jonsson; 4 Vemmelund, 29 Rauschenberg, 9 Laxdal D., 14 Arnason; 7 Johannsson A., 8 Punyed; 11 Bjorgvinsson, 10 Gunnarsson, 24 Toft, 17 Finsen. 
Subs: 25 Johannesson, 12 Aegisson, 16 Runarsson, 18 Barddal, 20 Ottesen, 23 Blondal, 24 Toft, 27 Johannsson G.

Referee: Harald Lechner.
Assistants: Andreas Staudinger, Maximilian Kolbitsch.
Fourth official: Markus Hameter.

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