SOCCER: INTER 7 UP BUT MOU CAUTIOUS

SOCCER: INTER 7 UP BUT MOU CAUTIOUS

(ANSA) - Rome, November 2 - Inter Milan coach Jose' Mourinho was cautious Monday despite his seven-point lead at the top of Serie A.

''OK, seven points are a big advantage but talking about escaping the rest just doesn't make sense right now,'' he said.

Goals from Milito and Maicon at Livorno put the Nerazzurri seven clear of Juventus, 3-2 home losers to Napoli, and Sampdoria, who could only manage a goalless home draw against Bari.

But 'Mou' cautioned: ''We were way clear against Palermo too and they came back to scare us with a three-goal charge and we were lucky to get the 4-3 result,'' he said, referring to the midweek match.

''It's important to be very careful in such a long campaign. An escape is good only if you get away''.

''Tough times are bound to come and that's when we'll have to be good at limiting the damage''.

Samp CEO Beppe Marotta said Antonio Cassanio's 'leave' threat after jeers during Samp's drab draw with Bari wasn't evidence he was returning to the tantrums of his younger days.

''He was rightfully upset, and he's also been under a lot of pressure, trying to play his best amid all the Italy return talk,'' Marotta said.

Milan are fourth on 19 points after a strong run in which some hope the Ronaldinho of old might be returning.

''He's showing the touches we had been expecting for so long. Now he needs to go the extra mile,'' said coach Leonardo.