Lazio president Claudio Lotito has rubbished claims that coach Delio Rossi will leave the Rome club at the end of the season.

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Rossi's men defeated Sampdoria 2-1 at the weekend to end a poor run of form and move away from the relegation zone.

There had been high hopes at the start of the campaign following a third-placed finish last season - and that despite a three-point deduction due to the Calciopoli scandal.

"Rossi has a contract with us until June 2009," Lotito said. "Therefore he will be the Lazio coach until that point.

"Only Lazio can decide when and how to part company with him.

"I really don't think that he wants to leave. On the contrary, he shares our vision for the future of the club."

Lazio are now five points clear of danger and 10 behind Udinese, who occupy the final European qualifying spot.