Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic was left satisfied with their 2-2 draw against AC Milan.
The Blucerchiati had gone a goal down, then fought back to lead 2-1 until a Jeremy Menez penalty equalised.
"It was a good game in which both teams tried everything to win. My lads gave their all and I cannot ask for more, but we met a team that has a fearsome strike force," he told Sky Sport Italia.
"Milan are solid and organised, as are we, so this is another sign of how much we have grown since last season.
"When we were 2-1 up we had some chances to win it, then changed system and stopped going so deep. I think the draw was a fair result.
"I said before the season began that our objective was to stay in the top half of the table. There's a long way to go, but if we continue like this then we can achieve some great things."
