Roma coach Jose Mourinho tried to maintain his composure and professionalism, but saluted the Inter fans as they sang his name at San Siro.
The Giallorossi were beaten 3-1 with goals from Denzel Dumfries, Marcelo Brozovic and Lautaro Martinez, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan got a consolation late on.
During the closing stages of the match, his first back at the Stadio Meazza as a Serie A opponent, the crowd started chanting his name the way they had done throughout the 2009-10 Treble-winning campaign.
Mourinho studiously avoided looking at the crowd, but he held up a hand in salute, recognition and thanks.
“I love Inter, Inter love me, but I want to win every match,” Mourinho told DAZN afterwards.
“Obviously, we no longer have to play Inter, Milan, Roma or Napoli, so now I can say I’d like Inter to win the Scudetto.
“I couldn’t say that before, as this is my work and we are paid to win.”