The big-spending patron was livid after Tuesday's 1-0 defeat at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League and is demanding a better return on his considerable summer investments.

"There can be no excuses," said Moratti, who splashed out to land inspirational France captain Patrick Vieira, dangerous Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, World Cup-winning Italy defender Fabio Grosso and Argentine marksman Hernan Crespo for the new season.

"We didn't play well and too many players were not in form. With the squad we have, I expect better."

The most disappointing Inter player in Portugal was Adriano, who managed just one shot on target. The goals have dried up for the powerfully-built Brazilian striker.

The last time he found the net was on March 29 against Villarreal in last season's Champions League, and his last Serie A goal came 18 days before that against Saturday's opponents Sampdoria.

Adriano would seem the first in line for the axe, but Moratti had words of encouragement for the misfiring South American.

"He's improving gradually and we are only at the start of the season, so it's too early to start judging him," he said.

"He's lacking a little in confidence. That's normal when a striker doesn't score, but I'm sure it won't be long before he's back among the goals."

Inter's first match of the season away to Fiorentina last week ended in a 3-2 win, but once again they showed their defensive frailties.

The champions, awarded the title after Juventus and AC Milan were found guilty of match-fixing, opened up a 3-0 lead and seemed set to run up a cricket score.

But they relaxed after their blistering start and allowed Fiorentina to score twice late on and nearly snatch a point.

Esteban Cambiasso, who scored twice in Florence, has been ruled out for a month after suffering a calf strain in that match.

Roma, who scored four goals in the last 23 minutes in Tuesday's 4-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk, visit Siena.

Roma, likely to be Inter's closest rivals, kicked-off their campaign with a 2-0 victory against Livorno.

AC Milan, who started on minus eight points for their role in the match-fixing scandal, face a potentially tricky match away to Parma.

Fiorentina, firmly rooted to the foot of the table having been deducted 19 points for rigging matches, visit Livorno for the Tuscan derby.

Atalanta, who are top the table after the first round of matches by virtue of their better goals scored record, play away to Sicilian side Catania.