The experienced midfielder understands that the Nerazzurri find themselves in the midst of a crisis, but stresses the importance of returning to winning ways against Atalanta.
Inter Milan's Serbian midfielder Dejan Stankovic affirmed that the Italian giants have to put Tuesday's Champions League elimination to Marseille behind them so that they can concentrate on ending the season on a high note.

The Nerazzurri have experienced a highly frustrating 2011-12 season, where not only were they eliminated from the Champions League and the Coppa Italia earlier than had been expected but are also out of the race for the Scudetto.

"It is a tough time but we have to start again. Let's finish the season off with our heads high, proud of what we have achieved and of the season itself," Stankovic said to Inter Milan's official website.

"We need to take the positives even if we haven't had good results, and work together, as a unit. As I've said, if I think about the future I've got faith because I believe in [Massimo] Moratti."

Moratti, the Inter Milan chief, has recently admitted that Inter need a complete facelift, in order to increase the club's chances of long-term success.

Stankovic then turned his attention to Sunday's league fixture against Atalanta at the San Siro, a match which he expects to be very hotly contested.

"If I think about the next game, I'm happy to play right away at the San Siro, at our stadium. On Sunday we are up against Atalanta, awkward opponents, they're having a great season and they have good players. It will be a great game," he concluded.

Inter Milan currently find themselves in seventh position of the Serie A, and will need to obtain maximum points against Atalanta in order to remain in contention for a Champions League place.