David Trezeguet's goal was enough to earn the Bianconeri victory over the holders and another win over Hamburg could see them lift the trophy - although Real Madrid, who play Arsenal on Sunday, will also be quietly confident after their 2-1 win over the Bundesliga team earlier.

However, Ranieri was less than satisfied with his side's performance.

"What pleased me was our defence, and we did a lot of things well," he said. "However we took a lot of time to get into the game.

"In the first half especially we looked tired and it's not like we've played a lot of friendlies.

"But we began to get more into it in the second half and we succeeded in doing well.

"Winning this competition doesn't interest me - apart from the fact that it's always nice to win something.

"It would be nice to win for the fans but they know that we're working to prepare ourselves well for a good season."

Ranieri might have been unimpressed by his side's performance as a whole, but the Bianconeri boss was raving about new signing Olof Mellberg's display.

The former Aston Villa defender moved to the Stadio Olimpico in the summer after signing a pre-contract agreement in January, and the 30-year-old has instantly slotted into the team.

"Mellberg is astounding," added Ranieri. "He's fantastic. It's as if he's always played with us.

"He's tremendous - determined, battling and always chasing.

"He's everywhere, even when we don't have the ball. And his passing is brilliant - it really seems as if he's been with us for years."

Trezeguet was happy with his goal and insisted the team must build on their victory to set themselves up for a good season.

"It was a difficult match where only one goal won it," he said. "It was a very difficult match for us even though we are aware that we dominated.

"But it's the team of the highest level and we are already trying to work towards the preliminary round of the Champions League.

"Tomorrow we have another difficult game and then we have another one against Manchester United in a few days' time.

"But these are matches that are at the highest level, matches that the team need and matches that we need to win.

"But I think we have a good team and that we have a great desire to win and that things are good all in all.

"We'll be fit and ready for the Champions League."