VERONA - Benitez, in Verona, talks about the defeat to Chievo: "Clearly after a defeat nobody is happy, but the players worked hard and had the right reaction in the second half, they showed everything a team with character should show. Unfortunately we lacked the goal on a couple of occasions, but as far as effort and attitude are concerned the team was there. The reactions of the players was positive, right until the end, the pitch was awful. The team demonstrated character and had we scored it would have changed everything.

The "Paladino d’Oro" statue was awarded to Massimo Moratti this evening, as President of F.C. Internazionale – Sports Club of the Year. The awards ceremony, which the President attended with Vice Managing Director Stefano Filucchi, took place at the Teatro Politeama in Palermo, on the final day of the 32nd edition of the "Rassegna Cinematografica Internazionale SportFilmfestival".

After the ceremony, according to Ansa, the President commented on the current situation at the club: "Rafa Benitez has my full confidence. At the moment we have a worrying list of injury problems but I hope things will return to normal soon." When questioned on the possible consequences of losing to Chievo tomorrow, Moratti added: "Even if we were to lose in Verona, there would still be plenty of time for the coach".

Appiano Gentile – "We know it will be difficult, but we have a will to win. After the Derby we are forced to do well, improve: all together we must always work a little more, even in the light of the problems we have. These problems must become a challenge for us", this is the opening statement by Rafa Benitez, in the press conference on the eve of Chievo Verona-Inter, the match valid for the 13th round of the Serie A TIM 2010-2011, which will be played tomorrow at the ‘Bentegodi’ stadium in Verona (kick off 3pm).

MONTECATINI – As the best European Manager in 2007, Rafael Benitez was awarded in today’s late afternoon in Montecatini, on the occasion of the Maestrelli Tournament, one of Europe’s most illustrious youth competitions. The award, connected with the tournament, remembers the Pisa born Manager  who guided Lazio to their 1974 Scudetto, and who unfortunately passed in 1976 due to an incurable disease.

Gathered for the event today was the 30th International Maestrelli Commission, chaired by Tito Stagno and formed by sportsmen and journalists alike, and the European Prize was awarded to the very Nerazzurri Manager. Prior to which, Benitez spared some words for the current situation: "I am disappointed by the defeat, I can’t deny that. We all know we must work and give more, all together, from the first to the last in the Club".

MILAN - "I don’t think Inter was lacking in character. Milan did well, but unfortunately after their penalty, everything changed". Rafa Benitez comments the game to Sky Sport: "Our opponents committed a lot of fouls, when that happens it is always difficult, we tried to control the game, but it was difficult. Then, when we had the extra man we tried and tried again, we were lacking a bit of patience in the build up play.