Adriano has been in impressive form since returning to Italy following a six-month loan spell with Sao Paulo in his native Brazil, where he was sent to rediscover his form and fitness.

He admits he is yet to live up to his nickname 'L'Imperatore' (The Emperor) but is delighted with his progress.

"No, L'Imperatore hasn't returned, but he is returning," Adriano told Italian sports daily Corriere dello Sport. "Little by little, working with calm and humility.

"I am very happy because things are going well, but I can't sit back now. I have to continue training hard during the week."

Adriano, 26, scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Ajax on Saturday and linked up well with strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He hopes the pairing can blossom in Serie A next season, starting with Inter's opener against Sampdoria on August 30.

"We played a good match, everyone not only me," he added. "I am convinced I can give even more because my mind is calm and in certain conditions I give my maximum.

"The partnership with Ibra? We have to work a lot more, but I like pairing up with him and creating spaces with certain movements.

"Last season we didn't play much together. I hope we can do so more this season to help the team win something important.

"I'm happy at Inter."