Zanetti Applauds Adriano Effort

Inter captain Javier Zanetti has praised striker Adriano after the Brazilian returned to the starting line-up during Sunday’s game with Catania.

L’Imperatore has had numerous off-the-field problems over the past 18 months. This led to a severe loss of form and the striker has spent most of the last year on the bench.

Adriano’s name was also not included on the Nerazzurri’s Champions League squad list, meaning he is now ineligible to play in the group-stages of Europe’s premier club competition.

However the player once regarded as one of the world’s most feared strikers returned to the pitch during Inter’s 2-0 win over Catania at San Siro.

“He did well for 90 minutes of running and fighting and we are all very happy for him,” Zanetti told www.inter.com.

“He definitely deserved to score, but at least he has got it into his head that he can still play an important role for this team and that means a lot to us all.”

Coach Roberto Mancini was also pleased with Adriano’s contribution. “He’s working very hard to get the best out of this situation,” Mancio said.

“We will always do everything we can to help him, but it will be a lot easier if he carries on like this. He was unlucky today with the shots he had, but the goals will come.”

Inter, minus Adriano, travel to Istanbul on Wednesday to face Turkish champions Fenerbahce.