Coutinho: Loan spell improved me

Brazil winger Phillipe Coutinho believes his loan spell at Espanyol has improved his game after he scored with a backheel in Inter's 3-1 win over Azerbaijan side Neftçi.

Coutinho, 20, opened the scoring with a smart backheeled finish after good work by Freddy Guarin in last night's Europa League game.

The Nerazzurri then made it 3-0 before half time courtesy of goals from Joel Obi and Marko Livaja.

The Azerbaijans scored a consolation goal in the second half through Nicolás Canales but it proved not to be enough as Inter ran out comfortable 3-1 winners.

Coutinho spoke to reporters after the match: "Going to Spain has definitely benefited me and then coming back and finding a coach like Stramaccioni gives us all confidence."

The winger has played ten times for the Italian giants this term and is hoping to feature in Sunday's Milan derby.

"I'm happy we played so well. Will I get the chance to shine in the derby too on Sunday? It's up to the coach, not me.

"The derby is always a difficult game, hopefully we'll be able to keep up the form we've shown in the past few games and get another win."

Inter will face AC Milan in Sunday's Serie A game at the San Siro.