Diego Milito's late penalty lifted the Nerazzurri to a 1-0 victory and allowed the team to get rid of the bad taste from their 2-0 setback at Barcelona in midweek.

"We have seen an Inter side that has not come out with fear after the defeat to Barcelona," said Mourinho.

"We have played a great game in what was an important match against a difficult rival."

Inter thought they had gone ahead early in the second half when Walter Samuel headed a corner past Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, but referee Antonio Damato ruled the goal out, saying he had fouled Dario Dainelli.

The hosts rode their luck when Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino struck the post five minutes before Milito broke the deadlock wite but for 80 minutes my team was the better side," said Mourinho.

"We had already scored with Samuel but the referee decided to rule out that goal and then the victory came and justice was done."

The outcome has left league leaders Inter eight points clear of Juventus, heading into next weekends match in Turin between the two sides.

Inter also have one eye on the Champions League with a crunch game coming up against Rubin Kazan.

"We have played in a difficult group in the Champions League and it can happen that you lose at Barcelona," said Mourinho.

"After the game at Juventus, we have a final left to play against Rubin Kazan."