"I wouldn't like to read tomorrow that Inter got a negative result," the Portuguese coach was quoted as saying by Inter.it after the match.

"They should all give credit to Walter Mazzarri's team, who did everything to earn a point.

"The team did everything they could tonight, so I have nothing to blame my players for."

Inter were nowhere near their best against a determined Sampdoria side as the Nerazzurri began their quest to win a fourth successive league title.

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored Inter's opener in the 33rd minute but Gennaro Delvecchio cancelled out his effort eight minutes past the hour mark.

Mourinho, who was appointed as Inter coach following the sacking of Roberto Mancini, highlighted the defensive crisis that his side faced against Sampdoria.

"Without Walter Samuel, Cristian Chivu and Nelson Rivas, and with Ivan Cordoba on the bench, I was forced to make certain choices."

"I don't like thinking about the absentees after the match," the former Chelsea boss added.