APPIANO GENTILE - Stefano Pioli has underlined how important it is for Inter to secure victory against Genoa - both for the Serie A table and for morale.
The Nerazzurri go into Sunday night's clash at the Meazza following a midweek Europa League success over Sparta Prague but having lost to Napoli in their last league game.
Pioli says it is now imperative Inter get back on track in the league ahead of a big month.
"Winning tomorrow would be a huge result in terms of our league position and for morale. We really want these three points,” the boss told journalists at a news conference on Saturday.
“December is going to be a busy month but we have to take each game as it comes. There are still plenty of points to play for so it's early days to be drawing any conclusions from the league table. We have to stay focused on the here and now.”
The coach then fielded questions about his possible team selection.
"Felipe Melo is available for selection and so is everyone else.
“Will Banega play? I have lots of quality players who are capable of coming up with something special to win the match.”
The coach also had praise for his opposite number Ivan Juric.
“Juric has done a fantastic job this season. Genoa are playing with real grit and determination and they've done well against the big teams. They also have the second-best defence in the Serie A. If we want to beat them, we'll need focus, clear heads and resolve.”
The manager was asked about the fans expressing their disappointment during Thursday's match against Sparta.
"The fans made their feelings known and we have to accept criticism. We won on Thursday and now we have to make sure we honour every game from here until the end of the season. We have the Coppa Italia to play too.
“We must work hard every day to build confidence and bring joy to our fans.
“You won't go very far unless every player is pulling their weight and running for the team from the first minute to the last. When we're not in possession we must work hard as an organised unit.”
Finally, Pioli was quizzed about his impact on the team since joining the club and possible comings and goings in the January transfer window.
"A month isn't enough time to build a team mentality but we're getting to know each other better and we're heading in the right direction.
“I don't want to talk about transfers. I'll look at things with the club after these last three games we have before the Christmas break and decide what's best for the team and each of the players. The squad we have here has great potential.”
