New Inter Milan coach Walter Mazzarri has said that his side exceeded his expectations in their 1-1 draw with Hamburg on Saturday.

Mazzarri, who took over the Nerazzurri earlier this summer after guiding Napoli to a second-place finish in Serie A last season, claims that his players performed better than he would have imagined in their pre-season friendly.

"In all honesty, it went better than expected," Mazzarri told Inter Channel. "I am happy with the way this group is growing.

"Obviously there were a few hiccups that we will correct, but if we continue like this then I am happy with our daily progress.

"At this time the result is worth only a certain amount, as the important thing was the strong performance, which was not easy in the circumstances, as Hamburg cut in from the wings and push forward with four players."

Inter finished ninth in Serie A last season, a position which largely contributed to the sacking of Andrea Stramaccioni as the team's coach.