Ranieri reaping rewards, Milan must react

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has praised the good work of coach Claudio Ranieri. Ranieri replaced Gian Piero Gasperini at the helm of I Nerazzurri in September with the team hovering above the relegation zone. The former Chelsea manager has since overseen a major turnaround in fortunes and Inter go into Sunday's game against Lazio in fifth place, just six points behind Serie A leaders Juventus. Ranieri's men have won six straight games and eight of their last nine, including last weekend's 1-0 triumph over AC Milan. "This is a result that rewards the efforts and work of Ranieri," Moratti said. "He has woken up the team. The derby was the most important game and the team reacted very well. "I didn't think it was possible to recover from our slow start to the season when we were fifth from bottom, so there is a lot of merit to be given to the team after coming out of such an ugly situation. Ranieri is a wise man and he gets his players to understand him and follow him." Milan, meanwhile, travel to Novara looking to return to winning ways. Last weekend's setback ended I Rossoneri's 12-match unbeaten run in the league and left Milan second in the standings, one point behind Juventus. Unbeaten Juve visit Atalanta having missed a chance to move three points clear at the top of the table after being held to a 1-1 home draw by Cagliari last time out. Udinese, who have not lost at home this season in the league, host Catania on Sunday. The Friuli outfit are in third place, three points behind Juventus.