Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni has admitted that Juventus "deservedly" lead the way in Serie A.

The Nerazzurri find themselves trailing the reigning champions by four points, despite ending their 49-game unbeaten run at the start of November.

Stramaccioni has also led his side to important victories over AC Milan and Napoli, but has seen them struggle to dispatch lesser teams. However, the 36-year-old tactician said that he is happy to have bested the Serie A heavyweights.

"I prefer this than the other way around," Football Italia quotes Stramaccioni as saying. "The feats of strength Inter have managed in the head-to-head clashes have given us the confidence that we can do well.

"The lost points are our regret, but it makes us realise that there is room for improvement. If we had lost to the big teams then it would have been worse. To start this project I prefer to have the Inter that have shown what they have so far, this should give us strength.

"[Juventus] have been shown to have more continuity, not only in the results but also in the individuals' performances, so they are deservedly in front."

Inter travel to Lazio for another big game on Sunday.