Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini has claimed that defender Nemanja Vidic will need more time to settle in Serie A following his summer switch from Manchester United.

The Serbian defender has found himself under criticism following a string of inconsistent performances for the Nerazzurri this season.

However, Mancini stood up for Vidic, telling the official Inter website: "I've known [Vidic] since the two of us were in Manchester and I'm sure he'll be useful to us.

"It's quite normal to encounter difficulties coming here because Italian football is totally different to the Premier League."

Vidic was a Red Devils fan favourite, becoming team captain and winning the Premier League Player of the Season twice while at Old Trafford.