Moratti denies Inter plan move for Benitez

The Internazionale owner Massimo Moratti has denied a report suggesting he wants the Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to take charge of the club.

Reports in Italy said Moratti wanted Benitez to replace Roberto Mancini after Saturday's goalless draw at Livorno saw Inter slip to third, 12 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus. But Moratti insists Mancini still has his full support.

"I've heard the rumours on TV," he said. "Mancini is not under fire and his job is not at stake. He has done well and is doing well. I believe in him and I think he can do well this year."

The Italy and Roma playmaker Francesco Totti is hopeful of recovering from a leg injury in time to take his place at the World Cup in Germany.

Totti has undergone a two-hour operation to repair a fractured fibula in his left leg and is expected to be out for between two and three months. "I hope to make it for the World Cup," the 29-year-old said. "I'm going home on Tuesday and on Wednesday I will begin with physiotherapy."

Totti was injured when tackled from behind by Empoli defender Richard Vanigli during Sunday's 1-0 win, Roma's 10th straight victory.