Mancini plays down Inzaghi dispute

Inzaghi has been unhappy at his lack of first team opportunities at the Stadio Olimpico and made a gesture to Mancini after coming off the bench to score in last weekend's defeat to Parma.

Mancini has played down the incident and admitted he was happy to see Inzaghi's desire to play.

"For a player it's absolutely normal to crave action and for a striker it's quite normal to score goals - that is their job," said Mancini.

"I am happy that Inzaghi wants to be on the pitch, but I have to say scoring goals is part of his job.

"During the week his duty is to train well. When I see him in good shape I have no problem to play him.

"Anyway I am happy to see such motivated players."

Lazio have struggled in attack with Claudio Lopez still looking for his first goal of the season, but Mancini is not overly concerned.

"I have been an attacking player myself and I know that these moments can happen," added Mancini. "I hope it will end soon.

"In my opinion we are having problems because some players are not fit. For instance it is not easy for me to replace Cesar on the left wing as I don't have another player with his same qualities."