Inter want to win Coppa for Leonardo

Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti said the club is keen to win their first trophy under Leonardo in Sunday’s Coppa Italia final against Palermo.

Leonardo was instrumental in turning around Inter’s flagging fortunes when he took over from the sacked Rafael Benitez last December.

But after being eliminated from the Champion League in the quarter-finals by Schalke and losing out on the Serie A title to AC Milan, his critics have been numerous.

Now Zanetti insists the team is looking to reward their manager with his first piece of silverware.

“We know how much our head coach is worth and we know how much he wants to win this trophy with us,” Zanetti said.

“So hopefully tomorrow we will win the first trophy with Leonardo as our head coach and hopefully another lucky cycle will start.”

“We know it will be important for both teams, both Palermo and Inter want this trophy. We want to continue being leaders and winning as much as possible.”

“We know we will be playing against a team with excellent players and it will be a difficult final, but I believe it will be a great final and, I repeat, we hope we can win it.”

Palermo coach Delio Rossi, meanwhile, is looking forward to the challenge of meeting Leonardo’s side but concedes his men will be underdogs for the clash.

“Well, we are here with the knowledge of having to face a team which is surely stronger than us,” Rossi said.

“They are also the world champions. Last year they have won everything and this year they have further improved their skills.”

“Our team is made of young guys who are very willing. They have determination.”