Inter Milan vs Empoli preview - Double target for Icardi
Posted Saturday, May 30, 2015 by PA
Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi is hoping to finish as Serie A's top scorer and to fire his team into the Europa League.
The Nerazzurri have endured a disappointing campaign but go into their last match of the campaign at home to Empoli on Sunday with an outside chance of qualifying for the European competition.
Sixth-placed Genoa, who hold the last European qualifying spot, have been denied a UEFA licence from the Italian federation and if their appeal is unsuccessful, it would mean the team that finishes seventh would go on to take their place in the competition.
Heading into the final weekend, Sampdoria are seventh, three points clear of eighth-placed Inter.
Roberto Mancini's men must beat Empoli and hope Samp lose to bottom side Parma.
A superior goal difference would then see Inter climb into seventh place.
"It's only right that we believe in Europe until the end," Icardi said on his club's official website. "We have to try and get all three points, then you never know what could happen.
"We will keep going until the 90th minute, fortunately we have this small chance and we hope to take it."
The Argentinian forward has struck 20 goals for Inter this season, the same amount as compatriot Carlos Tevez of Juventus, and both players are one goal shy of Serie A's leading scorer Luca Toni of Hellas Verona.
"I have thought about it and I hope I can do well on Sunday," the 22-year-old Icardi said.
"For a young player like me to be among the top strikers in Serie A is fantastic on a personal level, as scoring goals is what a striker has to do.
"Toni is a lot older than me, but like Tevez he has done well.
"Toni and Tevez will face each other in their final game so I hope they both don't score.
"The most important thing, however, is that Inter wins on Sunday, that would the best goal for me."
The Nerazzurri have not won at the San Siro since a 2-1 triumph over Roma on April 25.
Empoli travel to Milan in 15th place with 42 points collected in 37 games.
The Tuscan outfit have won three of their last five league games and held Samp to a 1-1 draw last time out.
Empoli, coached by Maurizio Sarri, have won just twice on the road.
The visitors will be at full strength with striker Simone Verdi returning from suspension.
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