Roberto Mancini refused to get carried away after Inter’s 3-2 win over arch-rivals Milan allowed the Nerazzurri to move into second in Serie A ten points behind leaders Juventus.

The win was Inter’s fourth in succession, but Mancini refused to attach any significance to their upturn in form.

“I think we deserved to win, my guys have played in a good way,” said Mancini.

“I especially liked the reaction in the last seven minutes, we strongly wanted the win and we earned it.

“My guys have been really good.

“In the last 15 minutes we closed in our half and Milan gave us few troubles.

“I think in this moment Juve deserve to stay where they are, but there are many matches to be played and a recovery is possible.

“Anyway recovery isn’t our aim, we want to win match by match and then we will look at the standings at the end of the first half of the season.”

Mancini praised Brazilian striker Adriano who scored the late winner against Milan: “Adriano? He’s absolutely improving.”

Meanwhile Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti was angry after a disputed penalty gave Inter the lead.

“In the second half we played in a really good way,” said Ancelotti. “As for the game this evening my side didn’t offer a lot to Inter.

”Then if the referee awards a penalty that didn’t need to be awarded, Nesta didn’t touch the ball with his hand.

“On certain occasions it hasn’t been a good refereeing (performance).”