APPIANO GENTILE – Stefano Pioli says new signing Roberto Gagliardini is ready to step straight into the team if needed against Chievo, just days after completing his move from Atalanta.
"He's already shown what he can do. Physically and mentally he's ready to play. He brings energy to the team and has a bright future," the coach told journalists at a news conference ahead of Saturday's clash at the San Siro.
“His best attribute is his sense of positioning - that's crucial for a midfielder. If a player understands where he needs to be on the pitch then he can easily play both in a two-man and a three-man midfield. Football is all about movement.
“We're an ambitious club. We have a big squad but we're working to trim our numbers.”
Pioli also confirmed that Gary Medel would return to the matchday squad following his injury layoff.
"Medel will be in the squad. He's an extra option for us in midfield and at the back. We'll decide where to use him from game to game depending on the needs of the team.
"Lots of factors determine the strength of a team, both physical and tactical. Matches can be decided by set pieces and individual battles and Gagliardini can help us in that sense. We're all really pleased to have him here with us.”
With Serie A having reached the midway point, Pioli looked ahead to the second half of the campaign.
"We want to work our way up the table. We've been doing well recently but the sides above us keep picking up points too. We just need to focus on one game at a time.
“We're only halfway through the season and there's a long way still to go. If we keep working hard on a daily basis, we'll be in with a shout from here through to the end of May.”
The boss is wary of the threat posed by Chievo, despite their poor start to the new year. Rolando Maran's side suffered a 4-1 home reverse against Atalanta last Sunday before losing 1-0 to Fiorentina in the cup in midweek.
"Chievo didn't play well last weekend but they have few very bad games over the course of the season.
"They're excellent defensively and they'll make it hard for us. We'll need to have our wits about us and keep things tidy.”
Pioli also declared himself happy with the progress his own side are making, while insisting they are anything but the finished article.
"We're getting better but there's still plenty of room for improvement. If we want to finish in the top three, we need to maintain a very high level. Last year Roma finished third with 80 points so we'll need to get an awful lot of points on the board if we're to achieve our target.
“That said, there's no point getting ahead of ourselves. We have to keep focusing on one game at a time and showing what we can do.
"I'm sure we can be more consistent over the 90 minutes. There are times when we don't read the game so well.
"We know there are no easy games in Italy and tomorrow will be no exception. Playing with three or four in midfield is not a problem: my players can adapt to any playing system.
“My players are intelligent and flexible but we haven't been working together for all that long and we're still getting to know each other."
Finally, Pioli was asked about potential comings and goings in attack.
"We have seven forwards and [Andrea] Pinamonti will be training with us regularly, although he'll often play for the Primavera. They'll all get a chance to play – the main thing is they're ready to step in when needed.
“Gabriel Barbosa will get the same opportunities as his team-mates. I'm happy with the attacking players I have to work with.”
