Internazionale coach Roberto Mancini admits it was not easy to score against 9-men Lazio on Sunday night.
It is the second time in a month that the Nerazzurri produce a 2-1 away scoreline against 9 men after the April 25 win against Udinese at the Stadio Friuli.
And the Italian insists there is still room for improvement as they continue to chase a Europa League spot for next season.
"We created and missed many goal-scoring opportunities," Mancini told Sky Sport Italy.
"Also when a team is reduced to nine men, they of course defend and for us it was not easy to find gaps in their defence. We also missed a penalty but what is important is that we won the game.
"They also pressed us high up the pitch in the last few minutes of the game but it's clear that we have to improve. In Italy, even when the opposition is down to 9 it's still difficult to find gaps.
"We had to move the ball around quickly, waiting for the right moment to strike. We did it better than we did against Udinese but Lazio is very strong and defends well."
Asked about the future of goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, he said: "Samir is one of the best in Europe and he confirmed it tonight.
"I don't know exactly his contract situation, I know he's negotiating with the club. But I understand his position - we cannot give him Champions League football but we'll try to keep him."
