Pioli aims to continue climbing

APPIANO GENTILE – Stefano Pioli has called upon his players to offer Bologna due respect but concentrate on their own performances above all in the build-up to tomorrow's game. 

"Bologna are a well-built and well-coached side," he began in an interview with Mediaset Premium, "but this aside, we need to stay focused on ourselves, be clinical and continue our climb up the table. We have to take things one match at a time.

"Not being in cup competitions means we have a full week to prepare well; this allows us to go into games with clear ideas in our heads, but in any case we only have control over our own performances and results. We need to look at ourselves and win as many games as possible."

Pioli also spoke about the upcoming head-to-head clashes against Inter's competitors for league positions, as well as commenting on the suspensions in the squad.

"We have to go into those games in a strong position and therefore win the matches before them," he said. "I always prefer to have as many choices as possible. Of course, I'm disappointed that Icardi, Kondogbia and Brozovic are missing, but I've got a decent squad and we have to focus on the game and do our best to win."

Finally, he touched on Andrea Pinamonti's development in the first-team squad.

"The lad's got quality and he's progressing well. He's doing well with us and working hard. He's an added weapon for us."