New Portuguese Signing Joao Mario Claims That Frank De Boer's Inter Milan Can Win Scudetto

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New Inter signing Joao Mario has claimed his new side can challenge for the Scudetto this season, despite Juventus’ strong presence in Serie A, 90min reports.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport as reported by Football Italia, Mario stated that, while his new team are ‘under construction’, he wanted Inter to be in the race for the league title come the closing stages of the season. Mario did, however, reiterate that his club’s main ambition was to qualify for the Champions League.

“I am getting back to full fitness and will be in good shape once the Serie A season resumed next weekend,” said the former Sporting midfielder.

“I think it’s normal for a team like Inter that is under construction to go through some difficult periods, as we are now.

“Having said that, I certainly don’t think Inter are out of the Scudetto race. It’s true Juventus are very strong, have won the last five titles and had a good start.

“Our principle objective is to qualify for the Champions League, as it’s obvious a side like Inter has to be in the most prestigious tournament. Then, if we are able to consolidate that position, we will still be close enough to gamble for the Scudetto. We’ll ensure we are ready for that final sprint.”

Mario has so far been deployed as a deeper lying midfielder in Frank de Boer’s Inter side with fellow new signing Ever Banega being pushed forward, and Mario has said he is fine with his new role under the former Ajax boss.

“I like playing centrally and I don’t see where the problem is,” Mario continued.

“De Boer has a specific tactical idea and he goes forward with that. Ever is a great player, fantastic, and with his incredible technical abilities he is the right man for this Inter side.”