Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini insisted that he would be pleased to finish the season as runners-up in reply to club president Luciano Moggi’s sarcastic remarks earlier this week.

“I have always said Inter have the quality to finish second in Serie A,” Moggi was quoted as saying by Italian daily Football Italia.

“Considering I never agree with anything Moggi says, our objective is to improve upon last season, so second place would indeed be a step up and we’d be happy with that,” Mancini told a press conference.

Inter, who came in third place behind Juventus and Milan last season, are this season’s only rivals to Fabio Capello’s squad, despite an eight-point gap between them.

Mancini insisted that they must concentrate on their coming match against Chievo that will take place on Sunday before worrying about their game against Juventus on February 12th.

“We must remain concentrated on each game as it comes. It will be a very difficult week, but I won’t make calculations on who to play so that they can remain fit or avoid suspension.

“Inter have the duty to win at all times and that’s why I’ll always field the best available line-up, especially against an organised outfit like Chievo,” Mancini said.