Speculation in the Italian press about the future of Inter boss Hector Cuper, has intensifed in the wake of last night’s Champions League semi-final defeat to arch-rivals Milan.

“Cuper is going, it’s Mancini” stated a headline in the Gazzetta dello Sport, suggesting that Lazio coach Roberto Mancini will be taking over in the summer.

Meanwhile, Inter captain Javier Zanetti offered his backing to Cuper.

“He has done great work with Inter – it is years since we got to the semi-finals in this competition,” Zanetti said.

“Last season we missed out on the title on the last day. There is great consistency working with Cuper.

“I have great faith in a coach who has brought Inter back to the highest level,” he added.

The Argentine’s future is now in the hands of Inter president Massimo Moratti, a notoriously fickle employer who has grown increasingly frustrated with Inter’s 14-year wait for the Italian title.

Cuper joined Inter from Valencia in July 2001 having taken the Spanish club to two successive Champions League finals.

In his first season in charge Inter missed out on the title on the final day of the campaign, while this season, they again lie second and made the last four in the Champions League.

Cuper will not resign but admits he is aware of the perils of his position.

“I can’t say much about that, other people will have to evaluate what I have done,” he said.

“If it were up to me then I would stay here at Inter but these things are not up to me.

“This sort of talk is part of the job and you have to deal with it”.