Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 9y

Juan Jesus: Inter Milan players are behind Walter Mazzarri

Inter Milan defender Juan Jesus insists the team is right behind their under-fire coach Walter Mazzarri, dedicating Thursday night's Europa League performance to him.

Mazzarri appears to have lost the faith of his club's fans with the Nerazzurri struggling to mount a challenge in Serie A so far this season, but he continues to enjoy the full support of his players, according to Jesus.

"Of course we played for him -- he's our coach and we're with him to the very end," Jesus told Mediaset television. "We're just sad about the result because it was only us playing in the first half and we're sorry only to come away with a point."

The 1-1 draw at St-Etienne took Inter to within touching distance of qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa League after one of their best first halves of football this season. 

"I'm proud of the way we played," Mazzarri said. "We played some great football in the first half and we should have finished the game off, but given the lack of fit players available, we suffered a bit in the second half.

"But we were solid as a team and we take this important point home with us as it puts us within touching distance of qualifying. It's a pity they equalised and we could have avoided it had we been just a bit more careful, but the lads did great and I'm pleased with the reaction they had today."

Mazzarri boldly handed 17-year-old forward Federico Bonazzoli a starting debut, leaving Mauro Icardi and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo on the bench.

"You can see what a great future he's got," Mazzarri said. "He played a great game and it's also thanks to him that we were able to play such a great first half. He truly deserves the compliments."

Bonazzoli received more than that -- he also earned his first call-up to the Italy under-21 squad for a friendly against Denmark on Nov. 17.

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