Adriano to repay Inter

The burly hitman's behaviour off the pitch, and his early-season form on it, has led to intense speculation in the peninsular that he could be on his way out of the Giuseppe Meazza come the end of the season.

But a return to form since a brief break back in Brazil has seen Adriano's stock with the Nerazzurri rise once more, and now the 24-year-old wants to repay the faith shown in him by staying with Roberto Mancini's side.

"I feel the supporters' affection and trust, and that is also true for our president Massimo Moratti," Adriano said after another goalscoring performance in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Palermo.

"I really want to stay here and with these conditions I have no worries other than having a great future with Inter.

"Tonight's goal was very important, we moved closer to the Scudetto although there is yet another step to make."

Inter can now win the title on Wednesday, should they beat second-placed Roma in a game rescheduled after the chaos which hit Serie A in Week 22.