England coach-elect Sven-Goran Eriksson has been given another public vote of confidence by Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti. Eriksson himself also insisted yesterday he had no intention of quitting the club. Pressure has been growing on the Swede since his announcement that he would coach England full-time from next summer. This coincided with a downturn in Lazio's fortunes. They have had five defeats in their past eight games.

Many observers portrayed Sunday's Rome derby as a make-or-break game, with Cragnotti describing it as a match which Lazio could not afford to lose. However, even though Roma won 1-0 to extend their lead at the top of the table to six points over Juventus 10 over Lazio, Cragnotti insisted that Eriksson's job was still safe.

The Lazio president told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Sven will remain with us until the end of the season. I will not get tired of saying that." Some observers peculate that Lazio are keen to avoid the pay-off which a sacking would entail.

Eriksson said yesterday: "If I had wanted to today I'd say goodbye to all. I have another job, but I am staying here in Rome because I think we can still win something. I believe in the team and in the work that we are doing."