Handanovic: Serie A title race is not over yet

Dec 28, 2012 8:30:00 AM

The Slovenia shot-stopper believes the chasing pack must continue to put pressure on the leaders, but concedes the champions currently hold a "great advantage"

Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic insists his side can still win the Serie A title this season.

A 1-1 draw with Genoa in the final match of 2012 left the Nerazzurri nine points behind league leaders Juventus, but Handanovic has maintained it is far too early to write off a title challenge yet.

He told Corriere dello Sport: "The Bianconeri are not from another planet, but they are in front of everyone, thanks to the results obtained and the performances delivered. Compared to last year when they never lost, so far they have been beaten twice, but they have a great advantage.

"Juventus aside, the league so far has been balanced. All pursuers can put pressure on them. The championship is not finished; we are at the end of December, not in May."

Handanovic believes an early start to the season in European qualification has hindered Inter's form at times this campaign, but he remains confident in his side's chances.

"We started before the others to compete in the preliminaries of the Europa League and we did well. Then, after many successes, we lost our way a little, especially at home. That's why I say that we could do more," he said.

"I am convinced that Inter must fight for the title, then we'll see whether we can put Juve in any difficulty."

Inter restart their Scudetto campaign with a trip to Udinese on January 6, and Handanovic is looking forward to facing his old employers.

He added: "I will be happy to return to a stage that I know well. It will be like coming home."

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

Real Madrid are better off without Mourinho
The Portuguese's position had become untenable in recent weeks, especially after Friday's debacle in the Copa del Rey. Now he's leaving, but the club can grow stronger without him
AVB, Levy & Lewis to thrash out Tottenham plans
After missing out on a place in the Champions League, the north London side are devising a way to keep Gareth Bale at the club and attract new stars to White Hart Lane
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
Cartoon: Casillas' birthday wish comes true
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day
Goal's Serie A awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season