The ability of coach Antonio Conte to keep his side focused during difficult moments of the season has allowed them to pull away in the race for the Scudetto, Italian journalist Xavier Jacobelli claims.

A Matteo Darmian goal saw the Nerazzurri defeat Cagliari 1-0 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza this afternoon to restore their 11-point gap over AC Milan at the top of the table, and they are on course to win the title for the first time since 2010.

Speaking on Italian television programme Tutti Convocati earlier today, Jacobelli pointed to Inter’s form since being eliminated at the Group Stage of the Champions League as evidence of Conte’s ability to galvanise the team.

“He was very good at keeping the team together at the moments of greatest difficulty this season, such as the elimination from the Champions League. Now they are a steamroller in Serie A,” Jacobelli declared.

Inter have enjoyed a perfect record in the second half of the season, with the win over Cagliari their 11th consecutive victory, and are closing in on the title with just eight league games remaining.