Joao Mario has insisted that Inter Milan have the credentials to win the Serie A title this season.
Frank de Boer's side have collected 11 points from their seven league matches this term to sit down in 10th position in the table, some seven points behind the leaders and champions Juventus.
Inter have not won Serie A since 2010, which was their 18th domestic crown, but Mario, who joined the Italian giants in the summer, is predicting a title challenge this season.
"I think it's normal for a team like Inter that is under construction to go through some difficult periods, as we are now," Mario told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "We often go behind in games and this should not happen, especially as it's difficult to reach the Champions League and aim to win something if we always have to fight back.
"Having said that, I certainly don't think Inter are out of the Scudetto race. It's true Juventus are very strong, have won the last five titles and had a good start.
"Our principal objective is to qualify for the Champions League, as it's obvious a side like Inter has to be in the most prestigious tournament. Then, if we are able to consolidate that position, we will still be close enough to gamble for the Scudetto. We'll ensure we are ready for that final sprint."
Inter return to league action with a home game against Cagliari this weekend.
