APPIANO GENTILE – Stefano Pioli insisted that the sky is the limit for Inter under the guidance of Suning as he met reporters at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti on Thursday to preview Friday’s trip to face Napoli.
"We had a very positive meeting with the club yesterday. Suning and Thohir have given us a massive boost," said the Nerazzurri boss. "We want to take Inter back to the top in Italy and Europe – there is incredible motivation and ambition there. We can build something wonderful in the medium to long term. They have innovative ideas and huge ambition."
Just a few weeks after taking over the reins, Pioli stressed that his side is on the right tracks.
"We just need to find that little bit of confidence, but that comes from working hard every day. There are tough moments in every game, but we have great character in the side. There’s real competition within the squad – they give their all but it’s up to me to make the big calls based on the match in question and our form."
Pioli acknowledged that Friday’s match at the Stadio San Paolo was a significant one.
"We need more results to make sure our confidence keeps growing. Right now, we need to be focused on tomorrow’s match. It’s an important game for both sides, but it’s not the last-chance saloon. I don’t think Napoli are in trouble – they’re a great side and they play good football. We know what to expect but we’ve prepared well and we’ll go out there to get the win."
There was praise for Mauro Icardi, who has been in great form in front of goal recently.
"Icardi is proving that he’s one of the best strikers in the world, but he can get even better. He’s a great role model for his team-mates, both on and off the pitch."
Pioli also had some words of encouragement for summer signings Gabriel Barbosa and Joao Mario.
"Barbosa is adapting. He’s working hard and I’m sure he’ll step up to the plate when his time comes. Joao Mario has some fantastic attributes. My aim is to have as many options as possible for the match."
With just one month to go until the transfer window creaks open again, Pioli was inevitably asked if he expected Inter to be active.
"My thoughts on the January transfer window aren’t the be all and end all – we’ll have more meetings in the coming weeks to prepare ourselves for the window," replied the boss.
One player certainly not in the Nerazzurri crosshairs is Lionel Messi, despite Marco Tronchetti Provera calling him the "dream".
"I have no need or time to think about anything outside of our club. We just need to stay focused on our work and on our upcoming games. We need to concentrate on our day-to-day work."
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