Internazionale striker Adriano has recovered his confidence but the big question on the minds of the Nerazzurri fans is whether he can deliver when it really matters against Ajax.

Adriano will have an opportunity to answer the sceptics when the Dutch giants travel to the San Siro to decide who will be the final team through to the last eight of the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Crucial away goals from Dejan Stankovic and Julio Cruz in the first leg allowed Inter to come back for a 2-2 draw and the two teams have had to wait an extra week for the return clash as AC Milan, who share the San Siro, were also drawn to play at home in the second leg.

Inter will be looking to follow in the footsteps of their city rivals, who progressed after beating Bayern Munich 4-1 last week, and Serie A leaders Juventus to make it three Italian teams in the last eight.

The Nerazzurri go into the game in high spirits after beating Sampdoria at the weekend, with Adriano claiming the game's only goal with his first strike since January 15.

"I feel much better," said the Brazilian star.

"I hope that I can return to score those goals that are so important for my team to improve this season."

Inter owner Massimo Moratti has certainly seen a big improvement from the 24-year-old and believes he is getting back to his most dangerous form.

"Adriano has trained well and has improved a lot," he said.

"On Saturday, our opponents feared him and he has proved to be the striker that we all know."

An increased output from Adriano will probably be too late to revive Inter's title hopes - they lie 12 points adrift of Juve - but he could still inspire Inter to Champions League glory.

Ajax have been even more inconsistent domestically and are 20 points off the pace so the competition has taken on an added significance for both teams, especially with Champions League debutants Villarreal lying in wait for the winners.

"This is a very important game for us," said Inter coach Roberto Mancini.

"It's going to be an open contest," he added. "We will have to suffer a lot in order to progress."

Inter defender Ivan Cordoba must serve a one-match ban so Marco Matterazzi will come into the centre of defence.

Javier Zanetti is expected to return in place of Nicolas Burdisso at right-back, while Pierre Wome should keep his place on the left after an impressive performance against Samp.

Mancini also welcomes Juan Sebastian Veron back after missing the first leg through injury and Ajax midfielder Mauro Rosales, a goalscorer in Amsterdam, knows his fellow Argentinian will bring something extra to the hosts.

"Inter with Veron is a much better Inter, but I still think we have a chance," he said.

"Inter have an experienced team and you could see that in the home game.

"In the first half they were off their game, but in the second they stretched the game to the flanks and from then the game was in their hands."

Ajax held Dutch leaders PSV Eindhoven to a goalless on Saturday, giving Rosales reason for optimism.

"We must start the first half like we did against Inter and the second like we did against PSV," he added.

"When we play we can play good attacking football, and in Milan, we must trust in that."