Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni was delighted with two-goal Rodrigo Palacio after victory over Sampdoria.

Since Diego Milito's season-ending knee injury, Palacio has been decisive and netted all of Inter's last five Serie A goals.

"His was the first name I said to the President in pre-season, the first man we decided to focus on. His season is worth double, he has matured so much and become a leader for this team.

"We did not use Walter Samuel today because he is still recovering from a long lay-off and needs to be re-introduced gradually."