Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte insists they were worthy winners against Champions League opponents Borussia Monchengladbach.

Romelu Lukaku struck twice in the 3-2 thriller.

“Gladbach are in an excellent period of form, in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League. If you are not a team, tactically, physically, in terms of character, you don't come here and win," Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

“We absolutely deserved to win and could've frankly avoided suffering quite so much towards the end. We beat the group leaders and we are alive. I thank the lads, they had the right spirit. When they have this desire to help each other out and be a real team, we cause problems for the opposition."

Matteo Darmian also struck, while Nicolo Barella battled in midfield.

"We ran some risks by keeping Barella out there. (Marcelo) Brozovic's last-gasp sliding tackle shows that when he puts that determination in, he really can be extraordinary. Roberto Gagliardini is a reliable player, in every sense," continued Conte.

“Barella is 24 years old and has grown so much since last season. He can and must still improve a great deal. The same goes for Bastoni, who is also doing very well. Let's say these are lads you can rely on in every sense and it's my job to help them mature.

“Darmian came from a period in England, then Parma, but we believed in him because he's reliable. He can also give Achraf Hakimi the chance to grow with patience and not too much pressure."