Spalletti unworried on decline

Inter boss Luciano Spalletti does not fear their 2018-19 campaign will be derailed by the sort of mid-season crisis they suffered a year ago.

A 1-1 draw with PSV on Tuesday saw the Nerazzurri fail to progress from the group stage of the Champions League, with Tottenham snatching second spot behind Barcelona.

That disappointment has come amid a downturn in form that has seen Inter win just one of their last seven matches in all competitions.

A similar run last season, in which they managed one win in 10 games from December 13 until February 23, saw the Milan giants fall behind in the Serie A title race and exit the Coppa Italia at the hands of their city rivals.

However, speaking ahead of Saturday's game against Udinese at San Siro, Spalletti stressed he does not expect history to repeat itself.

"I think it's different. You just look at the result; I have to look at the incidents which determined the outcome, and to me, it seems very different," he told a news conference.

"After the PSV game, it's crucial the team reacts in the right way. We showed great character after Tuesday's match and, at the same time, great desire to immediately return to the pitch and start again.

"We only dropped out of the Champions League at the end, due to goal difference. Overall, I think the team did very well. We're obviously disappointed but we can't now demolish everything that's been created in a year and a half of work.

"The dressing room is full of 'interismo'. I have no doubt the team will get back on track."

Inter sit third in the table after 15 matches, 14 points behind runaway leaders Juventus.