Ronaldo's winning plaudits again

Ronaldo's two goals in Inter Milan's 3-0 win over Verona in Serie A proved he has returned better than ever, the club's president Massimo Moratti said.

Moratti has had to wait to reap the rewards of Ronaldo's fearsome talent after the Brazilian's two years of injury anguish.

"The phenomenom has returned, the player we know, a fantastic player and his second goal was exceptional," Moratti was quoted as saying in Thursday's Corriere Dello Sport .

"It brought back the memories for me and he has exploded all my hopes. When Ronaldo plays in that manner, it encourages the entire squad. Psychologically he is very important."

Coach Hector Cuper, who watched his side regain the lead in Serie A, was also delighted with Ronaldo's performance.

"I'm very happy with what he's done and his talents are notable. Ronaldo is important for the squad when he shows he is at a strong level individually.

"He's scored three goals since his return now and that can only make him happy.

"I have always had faith in him. He could have played earlier than he did but I didn't think he was ready but now he has returned and must take all the plaudits."

Wednesday's win was the first time Ronaldo has scored twice in a game since May 1999.

His partnership with Christian Vieri -- scorer of the first goal against Verona on Wednesday -- is finally paying dividends for Inter, who invested $77 million in bringing together two of the most potent strikers in the game.

Vieri, who also looks back to full fitness after his achilles tendon injury, has now scored nine goals in his last five outings.

Ronaldo, who scored his first goal in over two years against Brescia on December 10, has now scored 45 goals in 62 Serie A games.

Inter lead Serie A by a point from champions AS Roma. Third-place Chievo, whose game against Lazio on Wednesday was called off because of a frozen pitch, are a further point back with a game in hand.