Wesley Sneijder was a happy man after his first goal in Inter Milan colours helped the Serie A giants to a last gasp 2-1 win over Udinese.

Dejan Stankovic had put the Nerazzurri ahead in the 22nd minute, but Antonio Di Natale equalised within five minutes.

Both sides had chances to win an entertaining game before Sneijder, returning from injury,  struck deep in stoppage time to break Udinese's hearts and take Inter one point clear of Sampdoria at the top of the table.

"It's always important to score your first goal, but it was also a very important one as it gave us the three points. That's what we really needed," the former Real Madrid ace declared.

"I think we were much better, but Udinese had some good chances at the end to go 2-1 up.

"They didn't take them and so we were still in the game, then had the luck in the last minute."

Inter coach Jose Mourinho was quick to praise Sneijder, although the Portuguese mentor also took time out to hail his side's overall team effort.

"Wesley's goal was a worth gold, one of those that kills off the match," he told Inter's official website.

"It was a goal that the team deserved because it played well. Sure, we had a few difficulties; we don't have Thiago Motta, and Sneijder was only just returning.

Diego Milito came off with a problem and some of the players were very tired at the end, even a lion like Lucio. However, this was a victory of character.

"It was a great game against a great team, and they could have won if Di Natale's touch at the end had gone in. I'm doubly happy with Wesley's goal because it gives Inter three points.

"We believed until the end and we also had a bit of luck, like the referee too. On the other hand, Udinese were unlucky, but my team showed great character."