Bologna coach Alberto Malesani admits Inter Milan played like champions for their 4-1 defeat.

Dejan Stankovic, Diego Milito and a Samuel Eto'o brace tore Bologna to shreds yesterday.

"I don't know if it was the best Inter performance of the season, but we made some mistakes and champions like Inter do not let you get away with them," said Malesani.

"I liked the fact my team never gave in and kept trying to play its football, but unfortunately Inter would score every time they were remotely dangerous.

"When they have a full squad at their disposal, Inter are the only credible title challengers to Milan, and perhaps Roma. If they won't win it, then they'll certainly come second.

"Having said that, Dejan Stankovic's goal was clearly offside and I don't understand why it was allowed. I could see from the bench that it was offside."