REFLECTING upon the match against Inter Milan, Vialli said: "I think we did alright. Obviously, we were a bit concerned before the match because when you play a side like Inter Milan, you expect to be beaten, and so it is quite difficult to bring the best out of you. You become more concerned about the defensive side of the game than the offensive.

"However, I thought we settled down quite quickly. We showed good composure on the ball and we tried to create goal opportunities. We played reasonably well bearing in mind we are playing a fantastic team.

"In the second half, Inter made a lot of changes. All the players who came on were great players and fresher than us."

Vialli acknowledged Inter increased the tempo straight after the break.

"They managed to increase it and we made a couple of defensive mistakes while we were under pressure, which is normal when you are under pressure from a team like Inter Milan.

"We found the courage to get back into the game and score a goal. I think all the players should be proud of themselves."

The new manager is aware that the challenge from first division clubs will be somewhat different from that of Inter and Sampdoria, but believes his players "passed the exam" in their first test against Inter.

"We will be facing teams from Saturday, August 11, who play very differently, but it was important to gain experience and face ourselves against the best players in the world and find courage, believe in ourselves and find courage in ourselves. I thought we did very well. We passed the exam if you like," he said.

Looking ahead to the season, the manager admitted that "it might not happen" but although it would be "very, very difficult", the target is promotion.

"We know it is going to be very, very difficult, and, also, that every team that plays against us, because of Elton John and because of me being in charge, and the Premiership players we have bought in, it will be their match of the season," he explained.

"In that way, we know we will be regarded as the Manchester United of the first division. That means we have to find the desire, the motivation and the determination to make it difficult for the others to beat us."