Since taking over the Nerazzuri in the summer, Mourinho has been deploying his favorable 4-3-3 set up with two attacking wingers. However, the Portuguese opted for a classic 4-4-2 against Juve.

Inter started the game with Javier Zanetti, Patrick Vieira, Esteban Cambiasso and Sulley Muntari in midfield, as the former three played a more defensive role throughout the encounter.

"I think the team has found the best balance this way. I like three players upfront, but this team has better balance playing this way," Mourinho said after the game.

"I wanted a great deal of intensity and tempo in midfield, as Juve's full-backs push forward, so I wanted to keep the three midfielders able to run and fight for 90 minutes."

The Animal

Playing with two strikers up front, Brazilian hit-man Adriano was given the chance to start his first game for Inter since the player's public row with Mourinho.

The 26-year-old missed training sessions on more than one occasion this season due to his partying lifestyle. Nonetheless, Mourinho said recalling the former Parma man against Juve was justified.

"With two centre-backs like Giorgio Chiellini and Nicola Legrottaglie who are very aggressive, I thought it important to play with an 'animal' like Adriano. In the nicest possible way! He is very powerful and can do battle with two defenders.

"He created the goal and is very fast as well as effective helping out in defense. I am happy with his contribution."

The big win enforced Inter position as top of the league table with 30 points, four more than city neighbors AC Milan, who will face Torino later on Sunday.