The reigning Serie A champions are brimming with confidence after last week's 4-3 victory against fierce city rivals AC Milan, which left them joint top with Palermo on 21 points and four clear of third-placed Roma.

That was followed by Tuesday's vital 1-0 Champions League win at Spartak Moscow that moved them closer to the competition's knockout stage.

"We have achieved the maximum in a decisive week and now we have to keep up the momentum," said Inter defender and Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi, who will be suspended at the weekend after being sent off in the derby.

"We desperately wanted to beat Milan, and we did that, and that gave us the boost we needed in Europe. We are in good form right now, but we have to be wary of becoming over-confident."

Julio Cruz, scorer of Inter's winning goal in Moscow, should retain his place in Inter's forward line, but Adriano is unlikely to receive a recall despite returning from Brazil on Thursday.

The out-of-sorts striker was sent back to his homeland to get fitter and recharge his batteries after failing to score since March.

Inter owner Massimo Moratti defended his decision to give Adriano a break.

"Sending him to Brazil was the right choice from a human point of view," he said. "He needs to have the right balance, both mentally and physically, if he is to rediscover his confidence and overcome his problems.

"We all want him to do well. He is not spoiled or difficult. He's a good lad, who just needs to find form."

Inter's dynamic French midfielder Patrick Vieira, who injured an ankle in the derby, has been ruled out.

While Inter are riding the crest of a wave, Ascoli, who were playing in the third division five years ago, are in danger of sinking.

The club based near Italy's north-east coast have slumped to fourth from bottom after failing to win any of their nine matches played. They also have, together with Torino, the worst goals scored record, hitting the net just five times.

Palermo, beaten 1-0 at home to English Premiership side Newcastle in the group stage of the UEFA Cup on Thursday, entertain Sampdoria.

Roma, who moved to the brink of the Champions League's last 16 despite being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Olympiakos on Tuesday, host Fiorentina.

AC Milan, whose championship hopes are slim after being given an eight-point penalty for match-fixing, play away to Atalanta.
FIXTURES
(1400 GMT kick-off unless stated)
Saturday
Siena v Parma (1700 GMT), Reggina v Catania (1930 GMT)
Sunday
Atalanta v AC Milan, Chievo v Cagliari, Empoli v Lazio, Inter Milan v Ascoli, Livorno v Udinese, Palermo v Sampdoria, Roma v Fiorentina (1930 GMT), Torino v Messina