Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini has played down suggestions that his team are favourites to win the Serie A title this season.
The Nerazzurri have enjoyed a strong start to their league campaign and a 4-0 victory over Udinese on Saturday evening saw them move four points clear at the top of the table.
However, despite Inter's early-season form, Mancini has said that it is too soon to label his team as potential champions, and that their main objective is to secure a Champions League spot.
"There are seasons in which things go your way, but we're not even halfway through yet," Mancini told Sky Sport Italia. "There will be many teams fighting for the Scudetto. Statistics are all well and good, but they're worthless until you win a trophy.
"We knew that this was a difficult arena to play in against an Udinese side in good shape. In a game you have to be ready to take advantage of situations and we made the most of our opportunities after suffering a bit under pressure.
"Our objective starting out was a Champions League place. The players formed a strong bond between them and even in defeat always tried to work a way out. I think this connection is very important. The goals will come and the style of football will improve, but the important thing is having a team that wants to work for one another."
Inter will take on Cagliari in the last 16 of the Coppa Italia on Tuesday evening, before resuming league action with a clash against Lazio next Sunday.
Alex Meyers
