Inter can dominate - Mazzarri

A ninth-placed finish in Serie A under previous coach Andrea Stramaccioni was Inter's worst league performance since 1994 and included 16 defeats - a statistic that would have been unthinkable in the treble-winning summer of 2010.

Mazzarri arrived at the San Siro at the end of his contract with last season's runners-up Napoli and, after meeting and assessing the Inter squad over the last few days, he has started to address the psychological frailty that caused such a grim implosion.

"I want a team that people enjoy watching, with a soul, that never gives up," he told reporters. "And I can promise you that.

"People are free to assess the potential of the team, but it's my job to convince the players that we can win every game.

"I haven't had individual chats with all the lads yet but they've exceeded my expectations. They're determined to bounce back.

"I prefer actions to words. And I get the impression these players are going to give me everything they've got."

The Tuscan would not address transfer rumours but welcomed forward-line reinforcements Mauro Icardi and Ishak Belfodil in the wake of respective moves from Sampdoria and Parma.

He added: "I know you've got jobs to do but I'll only talk about transfers with the club. I'm here to discuss technical, tactical matters.

"The squad is pretty well equipped in terms of players per position. I'm working on different tactical formations.

"Numbers-wise we have more than enough players in the squad. Perhaps we could do with another wide player.

"Belfodil and Icardi? Inter have invested because they believe in them. I'll help them to develop in a demanding environment."

Mazzarri's immediate brief is to return to European competition after Inter missed out for the first time in over a decade, but the 51-year-old was reluctant to make any promises.

"I'm not coming out and making any grand statements of intent," he added. "I want to build an Inter team that has a soul and an identity.

"Every game is worth three points. Further down the line we can see where we're at."