Roberto Mancini: Celtic became 'extraordinary' due to passion of fans

Mancini's men were 2-0 up and apparently coasting at Celtic Park in the Europa League on Thursday, but managed to throw away the victory for a 3-3 draw.

“In Glasgow we started so well that the game seemed almost too easy. After a while we got lax with our marking, but in these arenas the results can change in a minute. They just needed one goal to become extraordinary thanks to the passion of the fans.”

Mancini hopes Inter can register a third consecutive victory at Cagliari in Serie A before the return leg with Celtic at the San Siro on Thursday.

“Can we get a third straight win? Nobody can say that for sure. It will be difficult, as always, because Cagliari are very solid on home turf,” said Mancio in a Press conference.

“Obviously we hope to win and hope to improve our defensive record. Gianfranco Zola’s teams are always tough to beat. We’re almost the same age and I’m happy to have him back in Serie A.”

[DES KANE BLOG: Celtic Park on a grand old European night: £5.136 billion of Premier League TV cash can't buy greatest atmosphere in world football]

Mateo Kovacic and Lukas Podolski have been dropped recently, but Mancini insisted there was no decision to drop them.

“We are evaluating the form and fitness of several players. Mateo is a first choice pick like everyone else, such as Hernanes. He needs patience and will get his chances. There will be a few changes, I can say that.

“Podolski is improving and I hope he can find the goal as soon as possible.”

Andrea Ranocchia could be rested due to a persistent knee problem that has troubled him for a month.

“He’s doing everything possible to play. When we concede goals it is never the fault of an individual, but of the whole team.”

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