Inter coach Leonardo has urged his side to maintain their improved form when they host Bologna in Serie A tomorrow night.

The Nerazzurri head into the game on the back of three consecutive wins, including Wednesday's 3-2 triumph over Genoa in the Coppa Italia.

Victories against Napoli and Catania have lifted Inter to seventh in the standings - 11 points behind league leaders Milan but with two games in hand.

The Scudetto seemed a remote possibility when Leonardo replaced Rafael Benitez on December 30 but, after a perfect start to his reign, Inter are now firmly on course to battle for the league title.

Inter have not lost since December 3 and the the former Milan boss wants to see his new side keep up that run in the second half of the season.

"The tests never finish," said the Brazilian. "We have to always make it so we are ready, even when we have three games a week, and demonstrate that we have done our work.

"The round of the return matches is starting and we have to present ourselves well.

"My balance is positive when you look at what we have done so far.

"We have pulled ourselves out of a particular situation. There is feeling with the group.

"But there is still the whole of the second half of the season to play and we have to continue to improve."

Rivals Bologna held Inter to a goalless draw in the first game of the campaign.

Last weekend's 2-0 win at Bari lifted Alberto Malesani's men to 10th in the standings.

However, Bologna were hit with a fresh two-points decuction this week for failing to play their players' wages.

The Italian club had been docked one point in December for similar reasons.

The latest punishment has dropped Bologna to 15th in the table - just four points above the relegation zone.

Bologna remain unbeaten this year and are determined to increase their cushion over the drop zone this weekend.

"Considering all the problems the club has had, we have reacted in the best possible way," said Bologna striker Marco Di Vaio, who increased his tally to 11 goals last weekend.

"We are doing really well and we hope that we can keep it up."