Antonio Conte was confident Inter made further progress towards being ready for the new season against Tottenham on Sunday.
The Nerazzurri secured a 1-1 draw in London after Stefano Sensi cancelled out Lucas Moura’s second-minute opener.
Inter then won 4-3 on a penalty shoot-out, ensuring they ended their International Champions Cup campaign on a high.
Conte told Inter TV: “This match provided further evidence that the team wants to improve and develop in terms of our personality.
“I’m happy because playing away to Spurs, who prioritise intensity and physical strength as their best weapons, and doing what they normally do is an important step.
“We attacked them high up the pitch without fear and I received good signs today.
“We’re creating a strong mentality within this group. The lads are enthusiastic to work and this is the key thing, as well as being positive and surprising.
“We’re doing a lot of work both tactically and mentally. It’s only August but let’s hope to go forward on this path.”
Matteo Politano returned to action at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after missing Inter’s preseason fixtures in Asia.
Conte said of the forward: “He’s a quality player who’s agile and good in one-on-one situations.
“He only restarted training with us recently and the others are a bit ahead in terms of possession and non-possession work, but he can give his contribution as a forward because he’s got stamina and intensity.
“I’m happy to have him available.”
Inter will play Conte’s former club Lecce on the opening weekend of the new Serie A season, following their final preseason match against Valencia.
“It will certainly be a special game for me because I grew up there,” Conte admitted.
“My heart will skip a beat, but you know full well that we’ll be opponents during those 90 minutes.”
