Javier Zanetti insists Inter must "remain united" after last night's defeat to Parma effectively ended their title aspirations in Serie A.

Goals by Sebastian Giovinco and Amauri condemned Inter, leaving Leonardo's team eight points adrift of leaders AC Milan and two behind second-placed Napoli who also have a game in hand.

Inter's hopes for silverware this season now appear to rest on the Coppa Italia with the first leg of their semi-final against Roma coming up on Tuesday.

Zanetti insists the team will keep fighting to the end, saying: "We have to face these last five league matches with the utmost commitment, re-finding the necessary strength.

"Then we have two semi-final matches in the Coppa Italia that are very important.

"I don't think that anyone can discuss the quality of this group, in either victory or defeat.

"We have to try, as always, to stay outside of the criticism that will come. To remain united like we've always been. "Furthermore, we want to thank our fans, who have always been there supporting us.

"To win what we've won everything functioned together: the team, the club and the fans. It must continue to work that way, even in difficult times."

Team-mate and fellow Argentinian Esteban Cambiasso accepts Inter are going through a difficult period but insists the team will stay positive.

He told Inter Channel: "Unfortunately we weren't able to satisfy anybody, neither the fans nor the president.

"But there are times when everything easily goes your way, and then there are others where you have to stick it out and work hard.

"Now we're looking forward, as this team has always done. We'll keep our heads up and move forward, hopefully with a bit more clearness of mind."

He added: "We wanted to win because we don't like losing. And anyway, I would always prefer a defeat caused by too much desire to win than not enough of it.

"This team has desire as well as commitment. Unfortunately, it went wrong."