Inter coach Frank De Boer praised "fantastic" goalkeeper Samir Handanovic for preserving a 1-0 Europa League win against Southampton on Thursday.
Antonio Candreva's 67th-minute goal put Inter ahead but Marcelo Brozovic's dismissal 10 minutes later put the result in doubt.
But Handanovic was able to keep the Premier League opposition from scoring and secured the three points for Inter.
"We knew Southampton were particularly strong in the air and it was difficult when down to 10 men, but we have a fantastic goalkeeper in Samir Handanovic," De Boer told Sky Sport Italia.
"We can improve on our marking, but what we saw tonight was an improvement. During the half-time break we talked and pledged to be less afraid. It was the same tactic, we just played the ball better and that was the result."
In addition to some important saves, Handanovic was also helped out by Yuto Nagatomo clearing two balls off the line, and the keeper was not entirely pleased with how his team maintained possession.
"We needed the result at all costs today, we suffered and did not play well, it has to be said, but the victory can give us the confidence to improve,"
"We must be more efficient on the field and not just attack. When we lose the ball, we don't make enough tactical challenges or even fouls to slow the counters, so teams swarm at us.
"At times tonight we seemed superficial. We did not play well, but we were at least more determined."