New Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri saw the 2010 European champion chalk up its first points in Champions League Group B with a 3-2 win at CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.

It was a difficult night in the Russian capital, however, with victory not assured until Mauro Zarate netted in the 78th minute, after CSKA had fought back from 2-0 down to level the score.

Ranieri took over the Italian giant last week after Gian Piero Gasperini was sacked following a run of two defeats and a draw in its opening three Serie A games.

"We played in a proper manner today," said Inter manager Claudio Ranieri.

"I enjoyed my team's play. We linked up well and the players understood each other pretty well.

"But our mental strength was the key to our success. CSKA played very well, but there can be only one winner, and today it was Inter."

Ranieri had already overseen a 3-1 Serie A win at Bologna, but Inter remained fragile after the shock of its 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Turkish side Trabzonspor in its Champions League opener.

Brazilian defender Lucio and forwards Giampaolo Pazzini and Zarate were all on target as Inter recorded its fifth win over CSKA in as many Champions League meetings.

Midfielder Alan Dzagoev and Brazilian forward Vagner Love found the net for the Red Army side.

AFP

(China Daily 09/29/2011 page22)