Mourinho calm amid Inter storm

(GETTY IMAGES)

Internazionale coach Jose Mourinho says he is happy to ride out the storm that followed his side’s dismal 3-1 defeat at Atalanta at the weekend.

Nerazzurri president Massimo Moratti hit out at the former Chelsea boss after seeing Inter humbled in Bergamo, saying: “I don’t think it is possible to see a worse Inter than the one we saw on Sunday.

“Mourinho makes the choices that he wants and we support him. He decided everything, even on the winter preparation.”

However, Mourinho has played down talk of a major rift and says he will let the matter lie and get on with the job in hand at the San Siro.

The Portuguese commented: “Obviously after a game like that we had to talk about what happened. My message is always very direct and honest.

“It isn’t the end of the world, though, as if we’re in trouble then the other 19 clubs behind us must feel worse.

“I am not easily offended, I’m honest. I am not irritated by criticism and must accept it.

“I never comment on what the president says and always have respect. He can comment on me, I cannot do the same.

“I will only speak out if he asks me to. I have sufficient character and strength of opinion to tell anyone what I think, but not publicly.”

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini does not expect to live up to his impatient reputation and sack coach Davide Ballardini any time soon.

Zamparini has the reputation of sacking coaches who fail to meet his high expectations but, with the Sicilian club currently occupying a top half position in the Serie A table, the president has vowed to keep faith with the current incumbent.

“For a long time I will not sack any coaches,” he said.

“With Ballardini I have a very good and serene rapport.”

Meanwhile, Zamparini has tipped promising youngster Edinson Cavani to be “amongst the best attackers in Europe” within three years.

Meanwhile, Bologna have completed the signing of Fiorentina striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo for a fee believed to be in the region of £5m.

The former Italy Under-21 international had been expected to leave Fiorentina this month after failing to hold down a first-team place.

Premier League side West Ham United, who are coached by former Italy Under-21 joint manager Gianfranco Zola, was reported to be his likely destination.

However, Bologna have swooped to sign the 23-year-old frontman, who joined La Viola from Lecce in 2007.

Osvaldo has made just eight Serie A appearances this season.