Stramaccioni delighted with Inter start

Andrea Stramaccioni says he is delighted with the start to his Inter Milan career as he goes in search of UEFA Champions League football next season. When the 36-year-old took over the reins from Claudio Ranieri in March the Nerazzurri were in disarray and seemingly out of the race for third place. But having kept them unbeaten in his six games in charge, Inter are now level on points with Napoli, Lazio and Udinese in a remarkable battle for a place in next season's Champions League. While that may be in large part to the dreadful recent form of their rivals, the turnaround at Inter under the former youth team boss has been stunning. "I'm proud to be the youngest coach in Serie A and the numbers are nice to see, although they don't always reflect the work being done, for better or for worse," he said. "What pleases me more is to see how we've markedly improved over these six games in terms of performances, play and solidity. That's the most important thing. But even if things are going well, we still need more time." Inter travel to Parma on Wednesday before hosting AC Milan in their final home match of the season at the weekend. Stramaccioni is only in charge until the end of the season, although president Massimo Moratti has suggested he could take on the role permanently if results so dictate.