Napoli vs Inter Milan preview - Moratti backing under-fire Ranieri

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has not lost faith in coach Claudio Ranieri despite the team's dismal run of form heading into Sunday's game at Napoli.

The Nerazzurri have fallen to seventh place in Serie A and also face a 1-0 deficit in the Champions League last 16 tie with Marseille.

Last week's 3-0 defeat against Bologna was Inter's fourth loss in five league games and piled further pressure on Ranieri.

When asked about Ranieri's status at the club, Moratti said to www.inter.it.: "Yes we will continue with Ranieri. We will continue to move forward (with him)."

Ranieri is confident his side can end the rot this weekend.

"We only need to be more determined, more willing and positive in order to come out of this situation," Ranieri said. "We will do it."

The Nerazzurri travel to the San Paolo stadium six points behind third-place Udinese, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

Rivals Napoli are one place and one point clear of their opponents.

The Naples outfit go into the encounter with a full head of steam after Tuesday's 3-1 triumph over Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

"It was a magical night," Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi said.

"But we still have to play the second leg and we have to remain humble.

"Now our focus in in Sunday's game against Inter, which will be a difficult one."

Napoli travel to Stamford Bridge on March 14 for the return leg but in the meantime, Walter Mazzarri's men will look to keep up their good run of form in Serie A.

Napoli won 2-0 over Chievo before beating Fiorentina 3-0 in Tuscany last time out.

The hosts will be without striker Marek Hamsik, who serves a one-match ban. Goran Pandev is expected to replace him and play alongside Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani up front.

Inter are without suspended striker Luc Castaignos and injured defender Maicon.

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