Inter went nine points clear of second-placed Juventus and 11 ahead of Milan as goals from Adriano and Dejan Stankovic secured all three points in the 270th Derby della Madonnina.

"It was a great derby," said Mourinho. "I have been involved in a lot of derbies in Spain, Portugal and England, but I have got to give compliments to all Milan fans and Inter fans.

"It was exceptional."

Mourinho is not taking anything for granted just yet though, despite Juve drawing with Sampdoria this weekend.

"We are nine and 11 points clear (of Juve and Milan) and it seems a lot, but football is like this," he said.

"There are still 33 points available, which is 11 more wins, and there is still a long distance to go before reaching the Scudetto."

The Portuguese reserved special praise for Julio Cesar, adding: "Fortunately we have a goalkeeper who, with his exceptional saves, earned these three points for the team."

Milan had right to feel hard done by as they were denied a strong penalty appeal and Adriano's goal appeared to be handball.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to criticise referee Roberto Rosetti though, saying: "Rosetti is experienced.

"Referees can get things wrong and, from this point of view, I have no problem with that, but it is a shame."

Alexandre Pato pulled a goal back in the 70th minute to give the visitors hope but substitue Filippo Inzaghi's late effort was ruled out for offside.

Ancelotti defended his decision not to bring the veteran striker on earlier than the 56th minute.

"In this type of game, if you have a very attacking attitude then Inter can hit you on the counter, as we saw when Inzaghi came on and we could have gone 3-0 behind," he said.

"I could not have brought him on any earlier.

"He came on at the right time and I am sure there are games when he will be able to start."