After the third straight defeat in all competitions last night against Milan in the Coppa Italia, Luciano Spalletti gave a speech to the hurting Inter team in the dressing room post match.

Sky Sport understand that the Nerazzurri boss reiterated to his team that they must find it within themselves to get out of this poor run and not think of possible reinforcements that may or may not come in January to assist them.

Since thrashing Chievo Verona 5-0 at the start of December, Inter have not won a game and have just one goal scored in the past five games in all competitions while they have conceded five. This Inter look a shadow of the side that started the season in blistering form and went no less than 16 games unbeaten.

Next up for the Nerazzurri is a crucial fixture for their Champions League qualification ambitions. On Saturday evening they will play host to Lazio and could ensure that the Roman club can not overtake them after they play their game in hand if they can beat Simone Inzaghi’s men.