Internazionale travel to Anorthosis Famagusta high on morale after claiming a win at Reggina on the weekend.

An Ivan Cordoba goal, however, gave the Nerazzurri a 3-2 victory and put them in a positive frame of mind for Tuesday's trip to Cyprus.

"The result against Reggina was obviously very important for us," said Mourinho. "It is the difference between clinching one point and taking three home.

"The goals have arrived at a very important moment for us because we ended a two-game winless run, whereby the team lost four points.

"I am happy with my players, with the spirit, the quality of play they showed in what was a fantastic game."

A win in Nicosia would effectively put Inter through to the knockout stage of this season's Champions League.

With two wins and a draw, the Italian side hold a three-point advantage over Anorthosis, who lie in second place in Group B with four points.

"This is important for us because a positive result would allow us to play the remaining group games of the Champions League with less pressure," said Internazionale president Massimo Moratti.

When these sides met in Milan a fortnight ago a goal from Adriano proved the difference as the hosts ran out 1-0 winners.

The Cypriots will not, however, have to worry about the Brazil striker's threat on Tuesday night after Mourinho decided to drop him from Inter's squad. It is the third successive game Adriano will miss.

"Adriano's exclusion was part of a technical decision that was already agreed between the coach and the player and not due to any other reason," Moratti said.

Instead, Mourinho is set to play with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ricardo Quaresma and Mario Balotelli.

Inter will have to do without defender Cristian Chivu because of a knee injury he sustained at against Reggina. The Romania international will be out of action for at least a month.

Mourinho will be hoping to recover midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, who is struggling with a muscular problem.

Anorthosis have impressed during their debut season in the Champions League so far, but will have a point to prove against Inter after suffering a 4-0 thumping at the hands of AC Omonia in domestic action at the weekend.

That defeat brought to an end a 39-game undefeated run in Division A.

Greece international Traianos Dellas expects his team-mates to bounce back against Inter.

"Against Omonia the blame lies purely with the players and I take personal responsibility for the second goal," he said.

"It was my mistake and it cost us the game.

"But big teams show their worth at hard times, and I think we are a big team."