Ausilio lauds Pioli's attention to detail

MILAN - Piero Ausilio has come out and praised Stefano Pioli's attention to detail as the coach continues to guide Inter up and up.

“Pioli is a top-quality coach. I've been impressed by his almost obsessive attention to detail – the sort you see in the really great coaches. I believe he has everything he needs to follow in the footsteps of those who have won before him at this club," the sporting director said ahead of Saturday's match against Pescara at the Meazza.

Asked about the busy week ahead, with Lazio in the cup and Juventus to follow in the next eight days, he added: "We undoubtedly have a big week ahead of us but right now we're not looking beyond tonight's match. We have to focus on one game at a time, otherwise games that look easy on paper can turn out to be the most difficult."

Ausilio also commented on reports Inter want to build a team with an Italian core.

“What matters to us is the quality of the players. We may decide to favour Italians but nationality is not the most important thing. In Andrea Pinamonti we have a Nerazzurri academy product on the bench tonight and we're very proud of that."

With the January transfer window set to close shut in a few days time, the sporting director was asked if Inter expect to do any more business.

"We've done what we needed to do. [Roberto] Gagliardini was our number one target and we got him. It's not easy to play at San Siro but he's settled in brilliantly and we're delighted.

“We have a talented squad – on a par with the sides above us. We're building something here and only time will tell if we're on the right path.”