MILAN - Piero Ausilio spoke to Premium Sport before the start of Inter v ChievoVerona, the Nerazzurri's first home game of 2017: "The four straight wins were important and they've given us consistency but all of the sides around us are on good runs and we must keep winning, week in, week out."
The sporting director was then asked whether Inter plan on making any further signings, having secured Roberto Gagliardini: "He was our number one target and we're pleased to have landed him. The window still has a long way to run but we'd planned a long time ahead and we're happy with our squad. Some players will leave the club."
Ausilio was then asked to comment on what business Inter might do this summer: "I won't make any promises or mention names but we have a strong ownership group behind us who have great ambitions for the present and future of Inter. They know where they want to get to and what they want to build but, lest we forget, they've only been here six months and they've already done great things. Either way, we mustn't forget that there are still the UEFA Financial Fair Play restrictions to consider but that doesn't mean we can't build a great team."
Are Inter too reliant on Icardi? "We have lots of players who offer something different but Eder, Palacio and Gabriel Barbosa can all play at centre forward. We've also brought Pinamonti into the first-team squad and he's already shown he belongs at this level."
Ausilio concluded with more views on the club's latest signing: "We believe in Gagliardini's ability and it doesn't matter how many appearances he's made in Serie A. He's got ability and physicality and is also a very relaxed young man. We must have the patience required for him to perform well, however, no one can question his ability. Banega and Kondogbia are definitely staying, as we are happy with our midfield. At most, Gnoukouri could leave on loan."
