Inter full-back Dalbert thanked Luciano Spalletti for ‘always defending me’ following the Nerazzurri’s 2-0 win over Cagliari on Saturday.

The Brazilian provided a fine assist for Lautaro Martinez’s opening goal at San Siro as Luciano Spalletti’s side secured a fourth straight win in all competitions, and told Inter TV after the match that he can now be trusted to put in good performances.

“I think Spalletti can trust me now,” he said.

“I want to dedicate my performance tonight to him because he has always defended me. I’m very happy. I wasn’t happy with how I was playing last season but my family always supported me.

“These three points will enable us to keep moving forward with enthusiasm. Now we can prepare well for our next match [against PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday night].

“The assist for Lautaro? Thankfully the ball ended up in the back of the net.”