Stramaccioni upbeat after derby victory

Andrea Stramaccioni applauded his Inter side after ending rivals AC Milan’s title challenge with a 4-2 win on Sunday.

A Diego Milito hat-trick inspired the Nerazzurri to a memorable win against Massimiliano Allegri’s side, which boosted their hopes of Champions League football next season while putting an end to their opponents’ pursuit of the Serie A title.

And interim coach Stramaccioni was proud of the achievement of his side since he took over in late March.

“It was a beautiful game which was played openly by two teams that wanted to win,” Stramaccioni told Premium Calcio.

“We displayed quality, good football, character and a will to win. However, Milan going 2-1 up, the penalty (we conceded) and Ibrahimovic’s goal took a little off the gloss.”

“It was important for us to win and we did so in a spectacular encounter. The first half was perfect, apart from a few incidents.”

“There was bitterness after the penalty handed to Milan, but I had to bring the players back to the right path. There was a great reaction from the squad after Ibra’s goal.

“I like to look on the positive side, such as the fact since I have been on the Inter bench we have earned more points than Milan.”

Inter remain sixth in the league standings, and must now beat Lazio next weekend to have any chance of finishing in third place.