Football
ESPN staff 9y

Roberto Mancini sympathises as Inter oust Qarabag from Europa League

Roberto Mancini expressed sympathy for his opponents after Inter eliminated Qarabag from the Europa League on Thursday.

The Nerazzurri had only pride to play for, having already assured themselves of first place in the group, but Qarabag with a win would have become the first team from Azerbaijan to reach the Europa League knockout stage.

Mancini rested a number of major Inter players, and the teams settled for a goalless draw.

"It was a good performance and both teams fought hard," Mancini told Sport Mediaset.

"We played well even with three or four youngsters on the field. We were only missing the goal, but it was tough as they wanted victory at all costs. I above all liked our character.

"Qarabag have a good side and I'm sorry that despite this they were unable to qualify for the round of 32."

The hosts thought they had scored a winner in the 94th minute, but a goal was controversially disallowed for offside.

Mancini said the outcome of the game did not rest on one decision. 

"Qarabag had other chances too and if they had scored those, the game would've gone differently," Mancini said. "In any case, I compliment them on their performance.

"This was a useful away game and we were able to use players who needed to find match fitness. Now our minds must go to Chievo and we need to get points quickly."

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