Inter Milan coach Walter Mazzarri has heaped praise on Mateo Kovacicand claimed that the Croatian is similar in playing style to Andres Iniesta.

The Nerazzuri coach has been delighted with the improvement of the young playmaker and admitted that he shares similarities with Barcelona star Iniesta.

Answering a question on the club's Twitter account, he said: "We hope [he can develop like Iniesta], they are similar, but let's not pile pressure on him."

The former Napoli coach later told reporters: "Mateo has come on in leaps and bounds, partly thanks to the work my backroom team have been doing with him.

"He handles himself differently on the pitch now - he misplaces fewer passes, his off the ball movement is better, he gets himself forward. His shooting has come on too and with the talent he's got there's still tremendous room for improvement."

Inter are currently sixth in Serie A.