ROY Hodgson will remain in charge of Inter Milan until the end of the season despite Gigi Simoni's sacking by Napoli.

Inter president Massimo Moratti named Simoni as Hodgson's replacement at the weekend.

Unhappy about the timing of the announcement, the Napoli board sacked Simoni yesterday, prompting talk of an early arrival at the San Siro - and a sudden departure to Blackburn for Hodgson - for Inter's prospective new coach.

But Simoni has yet to sign a contract for Inter and Hodgson's exploits in the UEFA Cup, along with his team's continued good showing in Serie A, will prevent any change in the current situation. "If Inter get the result they need tonight (they lead Monaco 3-1 entering the away leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final) they are in the UEFA Cup final," said Dominique Antognoni, editor of the Milan-based Football Europe.

"And they are now only one point behind Parma in the league with a much easier run-in and can qualify for the Champions League next season."

Striker Ivan Zamorano and full back Alessandro Distone will play no part tonight in Monaco, both players having picked up two yellow cards in the competition.

Nicola Berti, Marco Branca and Aron Winter are struggling to achieve full fitness while Yuri Djorkaeff is expected to play despite his son's illness.

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