Mourinho won´t be pushed into starting Adriano

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho defiantly refused to be drawn on whether or not he would restore Brazil forward Adriano to his starting line-up despite media pressure.

Adriano suffered from depression and a loss of form last season and was eventually loaned out to Sao Paulo.

But he has come back this season looking leaner and more focussed and even scored after coming on as a substitute against Panathinaikos in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Italian press have been clamouring for the man who a few years ago was considered one of the best forwards playing in Europe to start alongside Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

But the former Chelsea boss demonstrated he would not bow to media opinion.

“The team is more important than Adriano, he’s one of 30 players I have available to me,” said the Portuguese.

“We’re delighted that he scored in the Champions League because that goal helped us obtain three points.

“Adriano will start when I say so, not the press.”

Mourinho is looking a little happier now that he is getting some players back from injury having had to play Argentina midfielder Esteban Cambiasso in central defence against Sampdoria in his first Serie A match in charge of the Italian champions.

Patrick Vieira and Ivan Cordoba have come back into the fold after missing the season opener and now Romania defender Christian Chivu is available again and pushing for a starting place.

Serbia midfielder Dejan Stankovic will have to wait a little longer, though.

“He could be an option for Wednesday’s match against Lecce,” said Mourinho.