Adriano given time off

Inter have given Brazilian striker Adriano time off to recover his form and coach Roberto Mancini says he hopes to have the forward back to his best by the end of the year.

The Brazilian was dropped for the midweek Champions League victory over Spartak Moscow and did not feature in yesterday's goalless draw at Udinese in Serie A.

Mancini said Adriano, who has yet to score this season, would return to Brazil before undergoing a special training plan to get him back to his best.

"He will be away for about a week and then begin a programme of work to have him available at his best by the end of the year," Mancini said.

The Inter coach said Adriano's lack of form was largely due to tiredness caused by the World Cup.