Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni believes that his team can still achieve their objective of Champions League qualification despite a slump in form.

The Nerazzurri were billed as title challengers before the winter break, but today's 3-1 defeat to relegation-battlers Siena means that they have taken just six points from their last seven games.

However, Lazio's 3-2 defeat to Genoa keeps Stramaccioni's men within striking distance of third place.

"Despite the fact we lost, we are still only three points away from the Champions League places, so we cannot give up and have to keep fighting," Football Italia quotes Stramaccioni as saying.

"We are going through a difficult moment, but I am sure we will get out of it. We can still achieve our objective."

Inter welcome Chievo to the San Siro next Sunday evening.