Inter Milan vs Novara Calcio preview - Moratti gives Ranieri vote of confidence
Posted Sunday, February 12, 2012 by PA
Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri has been given a vote in confidence ahead of Sunday's game against bottom-side Novara.
The Nerazzurri go into the encounter at the San Siro on the back of last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Roma - Inter's second loss in three games.
As a result, reports in Italy duly linked Fabio Capello with the Nerazzurri hotseat after he resigned this week as England manager.
However, Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has vehemently denied the club is looking to make a coaching change any time soon.
"The rumours circulating in the media regarding a possible change of coach at Inter, now or at the end of the season, are totally unfounded," Moratti said to www.inter.it.
"Therefore, the latest rumour about Fabio Capello supposedly taking over at Inter is also unfounded."
Ranieri replaced sacked Gianpiero Gasperini at Inter back in September and is under contract with the San Siro outfit until June 2013.
Inter are fifth in the standings, five points behind Udinese, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.
With Udinese hosting AC Milan on Saturday, Inter know the importance of taking maximum points against Novara.
"We want to make amends for last weekend's display," midfielder Andrea Poli said.
"We want to win this game at all costs."
The hosts will be without Brazilian right-back Maicon, who serves a one-match ban.
Novara are still searching for their first win since November 26.
Emiliano Mondonico's side did show an improvement in Sunday's goalless draw to Cagliari that left Novara seven points below safety.
"For the first time this season we were able to keep a clean sheet," Mondonico said.
"It felt like we came out of a nightmare.
"We will continue to give our all to try to avoid the drop."
Mondonico has yet to guide Novara to victory since replacing Attilio Tesser at the helm last month.
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