Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho believes his side's self-belief saw them ease past Cagliari 3-0 on Sunday.

Inter moved 10 points clear of AC Milan at the top of Serie A with a convincing victory over their in-form visitors.

Winter signing Goran Pandev gave them the perfect start after five minutes' play with Argentinian duo Walter Samuel (20) and Diego Milito (47) wrapping the game up nice and early for Jose Mourinho's men.

"This was an important victory, especially as it takes us 10 points clear of second place," Mourinho told reporters after the San Siro clash.

"Cagliari are not an easy side to face and even when 2-0 down they never gave in, creating quite a few problems for us.

"We remained solid and compact to ensure we kept a clean sheet, and I was particularly impressed with Goran Pandev. He's in great shape," the Portuguese ace concluded.