The latest success for Leonardo, who replaced Rafael Benitez at the helm in January, was yesterday's 1-0 win over Lecce which cut AC Milan's lead at the top of Serie A to just two points.

Milan lost 1-0 at Palermo on Saturday.

"I had confidence in Leonardo," Moratti said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "But I only dreamed of such a recovery.

"Instead, Leonardo has dreamed more than I have and has succeeded."

The Nerazzuri have won 12 of their 15 Serie A matches under Leonardo, who coached AC Milan last season and returned home to Brazil before taking over at Inter.

The team have also reached the last eight of the Champions League and the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.

The Nerazzurri, who were 13 points adrift of AC Milan when Benitez was dismissed, face their city rivals on April 3.

Victory in the derby would see Inter leapfrog Milan at the top of the table.

"We are where we want to be but even a win in the derby will only give us a one-point advantage," Leonardo said.

"The derby will not decide the league title. There will be 21 points still up for grabs after the derby.

"However, it is obvious the motivation will be big because we arrive at the derby in the best possible way."