Palacio lauds Inter resilience

MILAN - Rodrigo Palacio insists Inter have become harder to beat after they extinguished Bologna's hopes of pulling off an unlikely turnaround in extra time

The Argentine forward, who captained the side at San Siro on Tuesday, notched the Nerazzurri's second of the night before the visitors fought back to 2-2. But like in previous fixtures, Inter held their nerve to emerge victorious.

“We're a different Inter side now and we never give up,” the veteran striker told Inter Channel after the full-time whistle.

"I'm happy with my goal and I'm happy for the team. We needed to go through and that's what we managed to do. We have to keep going, though.

“We were excellent in the first half and it's a shame about that unlucky goal we conceded.

“We ran hard and fought for every ball in the second half, despite conceding an equaliser, and we deserved to go through. Now we have to focus our attention on Palermo.”

El Trenza's 39th-minute strike against Bologna was his first goal since September and he admitted it felt good to be back on the goal trail.

“I did hope to score today – I always want to do better. Goals are good for confidence and I'm thankful to the coach for the playing time he's given me.”