The Nerazzurri came from behind to beat arch-rivals AC Milan 2-1, bouncing back from their painful midweek elimination from the Champions League.

Former Inter striker Ronaldo had given the Rossoneri a first-half lead but Mancini's men reacted, with Julio Cruz equalising shortly after the re-start before Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted the winner.

"My players have shown a lot of professionalism," said Mancini.

"It was a bitter blow for us to exit the European competition in Valencia.

"But my players have played well today and they deserved the win."

The result allowed Inter to maintain their unbeaten run in Serie A this season and put them one step closer to defending the Scudetto.

Inter are 16 points clear of Roma, who beat Udinese 3-1 last night.

"If we continue like this, we can say that we have had an extraordinary season," said Mancini.

"What we now have do is to continue to do even better because I don't think we will be able to repeat what we have done this season in the future."

Former AC Milan striker Hernan Crespo admitted the win could not have come at a better time for the Nerazzurri.

"It has been a difficult week for us, considering what happened in Valencia," he said.

"I think this derby has come at the right time and we are celebrating because it's an important result for us. We have won both derbies this season and we hope to continue to do well."

Ronaldo, who got a cold reception at the San Siro from Inter supporters, was delighted to have scored in the derby but admitted Inter were the better side.

"I felt a lot of joy to have scored in the derby," he said.

"Unfortunately, it wasn't sufficient because we lost but I am nevertheless happy with my performance.

"We have faced an Inter side that have done really well so far and I think they deserved to win - they played a great match."

Rossoneri coach Carlo Ancelotti believes his team paid the price for their midweek Champions League triumph against Celtic.

Milan needed extra-time to narrowly beat Celtic on Wednesday.

"In the second half, we lacked aggressiveness," Ancelotti said.

"I think it was due to the fact that we gave a lot against Celtic and the players didn't have much time to recover for this game."

Ancelotti praised captain Paolo Maldini, who celebrated his 600th Serie A appearance yesterday.

"Maldini has done today what he did in his previous 599 league games," said Ancelotti.

"He has shown great character, great determination, strength and leadership."