Inter midfielder Thiago Motta believes the arrival of Leonardo has brought a renewed enthusiasm in the Nerazzurri camp.

Leonardo enjoyed a winning start as the new coach of Inter on Thursday as his team prevailed 3-1 over Napoli and the Nerazzurri will be looking for a similar display when they visit Catania tomorrow.

Inter parted with Rafael Benitez before the winter break and handed the reins to ex-Milan boss Leonardo.

Motta, who scored twice against Napoli, said: "There is much more enthusiasm with Leonardo.

"He has so much willingness to do well and he is a very intelligent man.

"I don't like to talk about previous coaches, I prefer to focus on the present and the future.

"The important thing was that we won our first game of the year. Leonardo gave me so much trust before the game and I'm sure with this confidence and enthusiasm he will bring us back to the top."

The Nerazzurri were unable to gain ground on Serie A leaders AC Milan, who won 1-0 at Cagliari on Thursday.

Inter go into the encounter in Catania in seventh place, 13 points behind Milan but have two games in hand.

Leonardo, meanwhile, believes he has inherited a talented side that can point high this season.

This team has a heart and this is the best Inter in the history," he said. "I'm sure we can do well.

"Now we have to take it one step at a time."

Catania will seek home comfort when they take on Inter.

Thursday's 4-2 defeat at Roma meant Catania's winless run on the road this season continued.

The result dropped the Sicilian outfit to 13th place.

Marco Giampaolo's side have had to rely on their good performances at the Angelo Massimino Stadium, where they have lost just once, to remain above the drop zone.