Adriano, Kobiashvili hit hat-tricks; Shevchenko scores four
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-24 09:51

Three-goal Adriano delighted at ending dry spell

MILAN, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Inter Milan's Brazilian striker Adriano ended his goalscoring dry spell with a hat-trick in his club's 4-0 Champions League win over Artmedia Bratislava on Wednesday in a victory which secured top spot in Group H.

Adriano, who is hoping to lead the line for Brazil in next year's World Cup finals, had not scored in European competition since the August 10 Champions League qualifier against Shahktar Donetsk and had been without a goal since his double against AS Roma on October 26.

The Brazilian has only managed five goals in Serie A this season -- three of those coming against Treviso on the opening day of the season and he has come in for criticism from the media.

"I've had some tough moments," he told Italy's Sky Sports, "I didn't feel good mentally but the important thing was to get in shape physically," said the Brazilian, who spent much of the recent break for internationals at Inter's training centre.

Inter coach Roberto Mancini felt time away from travel and matches had paid dividends for his forward.

"With Adriano it was just a physical question nothing else. He has just had two weeks to train without travel and other commitments and I think that made the difference," said Mancini.

The striker said he hoped that his return to form could help push Inter on towards success this season.

"I want to improve personally and to win with Inter. I will take on my responsibilities and I won't hide. Now we have the right attitude and the season still has a long way to go. I hope we can enjoy the campaign and win," he said.