Mazzarri: I want to make Inter competitive again

Walter Mazzarri says his target for 2014 is to make Inter fans feel like their side is competitive again.

Since winning an unprecedented treble in Italy under Jose Mourinho in 2010, the Nerazzurri have failed to come close to those heights and stumbled to a ninth-placed finish in Serie A last season, meaning they missed out on European qualification.

However, having seemingly turned a corner in this campaign - Inter sit fifth after a 1-0 win over city rivals AC Milan - Mazzarri is hoping to return the club to its former glories, even though he admits it will be difficult journey.

“What do I expect from the New Year? I never see a smooth road when it comes to these things,” Mazzarri told Sky Sport Italia.

“I would like 2014 to follow the same path that other good years did. I hope the year will be a good one for Inter fans.

“I do not like to make predictions, but I can say we will give our all so Inter fans can feel competitive - just as they did in the old days."

Despite being linked with Chelsea striker Demba Ba in recent weeks, Mazzarri remained tight-lipped about potential targets in the January transfer window.

“The club know about our transfer market possibilities and the budget. I will listen to what the President will say and then I will give my opinion," he continued.

The Inter coach, who arrived at San Siro from Napoli in the summer, admits the success of his tenure at the club will be judged solely on results.

Mazzarri continued: “I like Spanish football. I like their mentality - they think more about performances than results. Unfortunately in Italy things are assessed only by results.

“When looking at it that way I can say that we could have four or five more points at this stage of the season."

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Mazzarri : Roma are the favourites to win the title

Inter boss Walter Mazzarri has played down the significance of his side's recent defeat to Roma and says the capital club can go all the way in their bid to take Juventus' league crown.

The Nerazzurri were humiliated 3-0 by Rudi Garcia's men on home soil two weeks ago, with the Giallorossi now five points clear at the top with eight wins out of eight.

"It's normal to suffer a little playing against a Roma of that quality," the 52-year-old told reporters ahead of Sunday's clash with Torino. "They look like a team with a top coach. They have every chance of going all the way."

"We lost the game but we didn't play all that badly. Torino have also picked up fewer points than they deserve so far this season. It's going to be another big test for us.

"I'm confident we can put on a good performance. I'd like us to be more clinical and make the most of situations in the final third."

Ricky Alvarez is unavailable for the trip to the Stadio Olimpico, but Mazzarri does not believe under-fire midfielder Fredy Guarin is a suitable replacement in a more advanced position.

"[Mateo] Kovacic is one possibility but I must say it's a shame Alvarez isn't fit," he continued. "In any case I'm confident about whoever comes in to replace Ricky.

"Guarin in the hole? I tried that out [on pre-season tour] in the States. With the attributes he has, he could find it hard receiving the ball in a certain way.

"I wouldn't rule anything out between now and May but it would be wrong to confuse him by giving him a different job to do right now."

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