Football
ESPN staff 7y

Mauro Icardi always gives maximum on the pitch for Inter Milan - Frank de Boer

Frank de Boer defended star striker Mauro Icardi after the latter's brace gave Inter Milan a 2-1 win over Torino at the San Siro.

Inter dominated proceedings and were duly rewarded when Icardi sent them into the break with a 1-0 advantage. A defensive lapse allowed Torino to draw level before Icardi scored a late winner with three minutes left to seal the win.

Icardi took his season tally to eight but is still being vilified by Inter fans for his comments that were published in his autobiography.

"Icardi? I always said I think he is a fantastic player that can make a great contribution to the team," De Boer said.

"OK, with the book [Icardi's autobiography], it did not go so great, but on the pitch he always gives the maximum."

The result, Inter's fourth league win of the season, also took some pressure off De Boer's shoulders, as his position at the club has come under scrutiny in recent weeks.

"Do I feel safer after this victory? A little," he added. "We have to win games and for me it is also very important how you win games. Against Sampdoria [Inter's next opponents] we have to play with the same attitude that we had today and take no steps back.

"The support of the board is very important, but it is all about the attitude of the team and today it was the right one. I always thought positively, even if the times were hard. I worked hard as always and the result of that was today.

"I have great confidence in the team and I also thank the fans who have supported me so much, as well as the players during the game. Beyond the result, I saw a good performance and a very united team."

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