Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu said his side still have “plenty of room for improvement” as they bid to defend their Serie A title.
Inter will take on Cagliari on Sunday bidding to build on last week’s 4-1 win against newly-promoted Monza at San Siro.
Chivu’s side were level at the break before they delivered an impressive second half to send out a warning to their rivals.
And Chivu said: “We knew we were not at our best physically yet, and we are always trying to improve.
“There was a bit of rustiness and urgency (against Monza), and we lacked technical sharpness both individually and collectively.
“Taking the lead early in the second half helped us regain our composure and clarity and take control of the game.
“I’m pleased with how my players have trained and with the commitment shown by those who were at the World Cup and returned early.
“That’s the most rewarding thing a coach can see. This is a group of good lads, and a group that has maintained a very high level over the years. I believe in them, and there is still plenty of room for improvement.”
England defender John Stones earned his Inter debut as a second-half substitute against Monza, and fellow new signings Curtis Jones and Djed Spence will hope to be involved against Cagliari following their respective transfers from Liverpool and Tottenham.
Jones ended a 17-year association with Liverpool following his move to San Siro and has been pictured training with his new team-mates in the build-up to Sunday’s clash. Spence has also traded England for Italy and could feature at the Unipol Domus.
Inter’s opponents Cagliari ground out a 1-0 win at Parma in their Serie A opener and will look to make life difficult for the champions.
Manager Fabio Pisacane said: “Inter has changed little. They have many players that they already had last year and they have added new strings to their bow.
“It’s a red flag match, but there are no obvious matches in this championship. To overturn the prediction, we must put in all our efforts.
“Parma has given us confidence, not credit. Against Inter, we’ll need to show a different ferocity and intensity. The margin for error is reduced, and we need to play a different game.
“We did well (against Parma), but that doesn’t mean that’s our standard. We need to adapt to the opponent and our capabilities, raising the bar and knowing that that’s not necessarily enough.”
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