I KNOW from my playing days in Singapore that the pressure of winning trophies from supporters and the powerful figures at the top can be unnerving and at times frustrating.

That may not be a problem for Italian defending champions Inter-Milan if they can keep their big guns healthy and happy for the rest of the Serie A season.

Inter are comfortably cruising towards their fifth consecutive Scudetto which will please their big-spending owners who have invested hundreds of millions in the club.

This is a club which is accustomed to all kinds of pressure from its bosses and its adoring but sometimes over-zealous fans, who demand nothing less than the best at home and in Europe.

With an amazing 17 Scudettos to their name and a total of 26 Italian Cup titles, this great club can also count on numerous continental crowns including the European Cup wins in 1965 and 1966.

But having said that, it has been almost half a decade since they last tasted European glory, which isn't going down too well with their fanatical support base.

In fact, the main reason why Jose Mourinho was appointed is to deliver that elusive trophy to match their arch-rivals AC Milan, who have achieved more in European football.

It's amazing to think that Inter have not managed to win the Champions League trophy, considering the players who once wore the famous jersey.

They included the likes of Ronaldo, Lothar Matthaeus, Jurgen Klinsmann, Laurent Blanc and Alvaro Recoba, just to name a few.

Despite the star quality, the Nerazzurri have somehow failed in their relentless pursuit of the elusive trophy.

On the domestic front, however, this Inter team is head and shoulders over the rest, leading the Serie A with a five-point buffer over its closest rivals Juventus.

Tricky

The two teams will meet in a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash next week, provided Juventus maintain their second position.

But first, Inter will have to get pass tricky and creditable opponents Fiorentina on Sunday.

The Viola had the chance to close the gap on Inter and boost their title hopes last week, but they suffered a shock 3-2 loss at home to Parma.

Their confidence is on a high after qualifying for the Champions League knock-out stage with their win over Lyon in midweek, but they will have their work cut out against Inter on Sunday.

I'm sure Mourinho will be telling his experienced players such as Javier Zanetti, Samuel Eto'o and Patrick Vieira to forget about the Champions League loss to Barcelona in midweek and concentrate on the Fiorentina game.

I expect the Nerazzurri to go all out for a win to maintain their lead at the top of the table and not give their rivals any chance to close the gap on them.

Inter are strong enough to win the Scudetto again this season and they cannot be ruled out for the Champions League too.

But that is provided Eto'o starts scoring for them.