Inter striker Goran Pandev admits the Italian champions had to dig deep to avoid defeat at Serie A newcomers Bari last night but the result will boost their morale ahead of next week’s derby clash with second-placed AC Milan.

Inter fought back from 2-0 down in the second half in Puglia to earn a 2-2 draw thanks to Pandev’s first goal for the Nerazzurri and a Diego Milito spot-kick.

“It was a difficult match,” Pandev told Sky Sport Italia.

“We gave our all to get back into it. We went down like has already happened a few other times, but we saw a great Inter in the final 30 minutes.

“And we could have even won it in the end had lady luck smiled on us. We wanted the three points, but this is nonetheless a precious point.

“And we will now face Milan safe in the knowledge that we are top of the table.”

Inter will play host to their cross-city rivals next Sunday after triumphing 4-0 in the reverse fixture back in August.