Samuel Eto'o hailed the performance of Mario Balotelli in Inter Milan's victory over Rubin Kazan last night. Balotelli set up Eto'o with a back heel for Inter's first goal and then scored the Nerazzurri's second with a blistering free-kick.

His efforts helped Inter to a 2-0 win and more importantly qualification for the second round of the Champions League.

Speaking after the game, Eto'o said: "At the beginning of the game and after the interval I tried to give him some advice. Balotelli is young and he doesn't always succeed in managing certain situations.

"However, this evening Mario was fantastic. He was perfect."

Reflecting on Inter's overall performance, Eto'o added: "Winning is what counts, the rest comes afterwards.

"Today, if possible, the strikers committed more fouls than the defenders. The key to this victory is really in the compactness of the group, in the desire to sacrifice oneself for another team-mate."