Icardi still 'number one' striker, says Mancini

Icardi sat on the bench for the second consecutive game as Mancini shook things up by giving Rodrigo Palacio a rare start up front with Stevan Jovetic playing just behind the main striker as part of an attacking trident.

Adem Ljajic started on the left of that line but was by far the star performer, the Serbian missing three solid chances in the first half before finding the net on 59 minutes with a spectacular free kick from the left touchline.

The ex-Roma forward's second consecutive league goal, after his consolation in a 2-1 defeat at Napoli last week, once again underlined Icardi's continued absence for the Nerazzurri.

But Mancini said the Argentinian, who hit 22 goals last season to finish tied with Luca Toni as Serie A's top scorer, remains his number one striker and is firmly in his plans.

"Tonight he didn't come on, and that's okay. We have several top strikers and sometimes it's good to change them around and keep your opponents guessing. Up until now, it's worked well so we'll continue like that," said Mancini.

"Mauro is still our number one striker and for us to qualify for the Champions League we'll be needing his 20 goals."

Icardi is goal-shy Inter's top scorer with four goals so far, with Jovetic (3), Ivan Perisic (2) and Ljajic (2) the biggest contributors to Inter's modest tally of 18 in 15 games.

Roma, in fourth at five points adrfit, top the scoring charts with 30 goals ahead of Fiorentina (28) and Napoli (27).