Inter Milan head coach Roberto Mancini vowed his team would keep getting better after they beat AC Milan 1-0 in the derby to go top of Serie A for the first time in five years, while adding that his rival's summer addition Mario Balotelli gave his team fits.
Fredy Guarin's strike in the 58th minute at the San Siro lifted Inter to a hard-fought win. Following the match, Mancini said: "Fredy is a great player and has fantastic quality."
The victory was Inter's third in as many games.
"To have won the derby in the third round of games where the teams are not yet in top condition is important,'' Mancini said. "We've done good things and others not as well, but it's normal at this stage of the campaign.
"With time, our performances will improve. These results must give us the confidence to carry on this path.''
Mancini admitted Balotelli, whom he coached at Manchester City, made life difficult for his side when he came on as a second-half substitute for Milan.
Balotelli, who joined the Rossoneri for a second spell when moving on loan from Liverpool this summer, hit the post and then forced Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to make a save following his powerful free-kick.
"When Balotelli came on he caused us some problems,'' Mancini said. "If you let him take a shot, he will create danger.''
The victory moved Inter two points clear of their nearest rivals, with five sides stationed on seven points.
They are eight points above reigning Italian champions Juventus, who have mustered just one point from their opening three games.
"Right now we are not focusing on the standings,'' Mancini said. "We know there is a long road ahead of us and we have to work very hard. I know Juve will return to have a starring role because it's a great team.
"Juventus, Roma and Napoli are the other contenders for the Scudetto, but as I've said before, in order to win the Scudetto you need luck, consistency and other elements to go your way.''
Goalscoring hero Guarin was thrilled to have given Inter a derby win.
"We know how important this game is,'' the Colombian midfielder said. "We are proving our value. The Scudetto is our aim but we are taking it one game at a time.''
AC Milan conceded their second loss of the season but coach Sinisa Mihajlovic was not too downhearted.
"The only difference is that they have scored and we haven't,'' he said. "We are disappointed to have lost this game because I don't think we deserved defeat.
"Results are the most important things but I'm nevertheless happy with my team. I'm certain that if we continue to play the way we did, we will win many games. I'm confident.
"My players have understood what I want from them and they proved it against Inter, even if we didn't win. I have seen a big fighting spirit and personality on the pitch.''
Inter visit Chievo next, while AC Milan host Palermo on Saturday.