Inter players spring to Leonardo's defense

ROME - Inter Milan's players have sprung to the defense of under-fire coach Leonardo following the side's crushing defeats to AC Milan and Schalke 04.

Inter's season went into meltdown over the last few days as they were beaten 3-0 in the Milan derby to drop five points off the Serie A summit and then humiliated 5-2 at home to Schalke in the Champions League, leaving them virtually out of that competition.

Leonardo has since come under fire both in the Italian press and fan forums on the internet.