Pioli reaffirms belief in 'very talented' squad

APPIANO GENTILE – Stefano Pioli has underlined his conviction in the talented players at his disposal and his own ability to steer the club to success.

The Nerazzurri boss was speaking exclusively to Mediaset Premium ahead of Inter's visit to Cagliari, when the team will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing recent defeat to Roma.

"It's an important game for us because we lost a game we really didn't want to last time out,” Pioli explained. “We must come out and demonstrate a winning mentality. We believe in our ability and we'll go out there determined to show people what we can do.

“We know where we want to be. Winning 10 games or 14 games is good going but we need to do even better. I think we have a team packed with quality. This a very talented bunch of lads and they have what it takes to achieve great things.

“The same three or four teams have been fighting it out for the top spots for several years now. We need to keep improving so that we can be up there with the very best.”

Napoli currently occupy third place, six points above Inter, but the coach insists his side are focused on their own path.

“More than a race against Napoli it's a race against ourselves,” he added.

Asked about reports linking other coaches with the Inter job, Pioli responded: “Rumours are part and parcel of this game. It doesn't alter my conviction or unhinge me at all. I'm just as focused on being successful with Inter as ever.”