Leonardo praised Inter, felt Milan didn't move the ball quickly enough and insisted “this changes nothing.”

The Rossoneri played against 10 men for over an hour, but could not break down their city rivals.

“The start was very positive for Inter and they scored an early goal, though obviously the game changed after the red card for Wesley Sneijder.

“In matches like this the little details can be decisive and we did not make the most of the situation.

“Inter have this remarkable strength on the counter-attack and they did it brilliantly tonight. We pinned them back, but the Nerazzurri defended en masse and our possession was a bit too slow.

“We struggled to find the key to unlock them and we tried to spread the play, but Inter closed up tight.”

This extends the gap at the top of the table to nine points, even if Milan have a game in hand to be played in Florence next month.

“Everyone knew Inter were strong, I don't think one match can decide what we can do. The team is maintaining its quality and found an Inter side fired up, who played far better than in recent weeks,” continued Leonardo.

“In the second half we created a lot of pressure, but not finding that goal and then conceding on a free kick made it all the more difficult for us.

“We have always said we're taking it one game at a time and not setting particular objectives. We are second and a game in hand, we are in a very positive position and have the Champions League to look forward to.

“This defeat doesn't change anything for us. This is another stepping stone and one that can teach us a great deal. It must be said that Inter played extremely well tonight, the whole team raised its game.

“We were convinced that we were in good shape, but not that we were favourites.”