Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri has admitted that it has "not been an easy season" for his side following Sunday's goalless draw at home to Atalanta.
Diego Milito's saved penalty in the first half added to the Nerazzuri's misery as they slipped down to seventh in the Serie A table.
"We are disappointed because we could not win the match despite our commitment," Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.
"This has not been an easy season, we know it, but I cannot blame any of this on my players.
"We have got to continue with this professional attitude without talking about third place or any other objectives."
Inter's season doesn't get any easier next week when they travel to second-placed Juventus.