Inter head coach Roberto Mancini vowed his team would keep getting better after they beat Milan 1-0 in the derby to go top of Serie A for the first time in five years.

Fredy Guarin’s strike in the 58th minute at the San Siro lifted Inter to a hard-fought win.

“Fredy is a great player and has fantastic quality,” Mancini said.

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 Mario Balotelli 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 win 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.