MILAN - Esteban Cambiasso started the game alongside Nelson Rivas in the centre of defence, popping up in the Reggina penalty area after just six minutes to convert Dejan Stankovic's assist for Inter's opening goal.

"When I start in defence I don't often manage to get up front," said the Argentine midfielder after Sunday afternoon's 3-0 win. "There were a lot of free kicks and corners but I didn't get up much. My goal was all about instinct. I was there and Dejan saw me. These are the goals I like most. It seemed like the move had ended there but Dejan's assist was brilliant and luckily I managed to get there before the goalkeeper.

"We showed a great attitude today, particularly at the start. Sometimes you find it hard playing in the afternoon at a time you're not used to after so many evening matches, but we made a strong start and showed how to reach our objectives, so congratulations to the whole team.

"What you do to get in the national team is always what you do for your club. I always give my all, and after that I have to accept the decisions of Maradona and the Inter coach."