Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte knows they're closer to the Scudetto after victory at Bologna.

A lone Romelu Lukaku goal proved enough to conquer Bologna at the the Stadio Dall'Ara and this is their ninth consecutive Serie A victory.

“Inevitably, as we get closer to the finish line, every victory weighs more and more," Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

“Winning in Bologna against a team that plays good football and presses you hard, that was certainly a big step forward. Bologna did very well, they have an excellent coach in Sinisa Mihajlovic and it wasn't easy. This was also a very long day for us, as we were in the hotel watching Milan's game at lunch, then I watched Sassuolo against Roma. Juventus played just before us, so I didn't see that one.

“It wasn't easy playing after everyone else, especially after international duty, but the lads kept their focus and the right spirit. It was not to be taken for granted.

“I told the lads, this is a victory that we must follow up with Sassuolo on Wednesday."

However, Conte refused to admit his hug on the touchline with director Lele Oriali or the audible celebrations in the locker room were for the title.

“No, it cannot be a Scudetto celebration, because we have to earn that on the pitch and it needs to be mathematically certain. There are 10 games to go for us, nine for some others, and 27-30 points up for grabs.

“We know full well that Serie A is very difficult and every match is a battle to get the victory. The closer to we get to the finish line, the clearer we can see the prize at the end. Everyone is looking at that direction and we see it from a different angle to the others right now, but we still have it all to do. We've achieved nothing yet."