Andrea Caracciolo's goal in the 56th minute at San Siro settled the encounter in favour of promoted team Novara, who occupy last place in Serie A.

It was Inter's fourth defeat from their past five matches in all competitions, a sharp contrast to the eight-game winning run they enjoyed during December and January.   

"We knew that we were facing a team that would clam up and go on the counter, so we tried to go around them to find a space," Ranieri said.

"However, we kept plenty of possession and then lacked another striker to finish the moves off. Giampaolo Pazzini had flu this week, so I introduced him only for the second half.

"We pushed hard and did everything we could against a team that defended very well, but on one of their counter-attacks Andrea Caracciolo scored a great goal.

"We had about 20 efforts and hit the woodwork again, but things just aren't going our way at the moment. We have to stand by these lads and keep working.

"We did everything today except score a goal, which is frustrating. How can I criticise any of them for their approach to the game?

"I checked the 13 games here and we did very well when I played with three forwards, so this is a team that needs to play with three attacking figures."

Netherlands international Wesley Sneijder was a key figure in Inter's treble-winning 2009/10 season, and impressed again last term.

But the Dutch playmaker has struggled for form and fitness under Ranieri, and has been tipped by some for a move away from the club.  

"Could he be on his way to Anzhi? As far as I'm concerned, and I hope the player too, no," Ranieri said.

"I asked him: 'Do you feel you are important for this team? Because you are important for us', and he replied, 'Yes, I'm happy here'.

"He's a champion, he just has to find his rhythm again and we have to work out again how to keep him supplied with the ball, just as he has to work out how to feed our strikers."