APPIANO GENTILE - Stefano Pioli says Inter will need to maintain a high tempo if they are to come away with a result against Palermo on Sunday.
The Nerazzurri go into the game on the back of a busy week which included an extra-time win over Bologna and the coach feels striking the right balance in his team selection could prove crucial.
“It will be our third game in a week and it's taken a lot out of us. I have to make sure I pick the right players so that we can play at a high tempo and with the right intensity.
“Competitive training sessions are a big help - they keep everyone on their toes. I'm happy to have lots of great players to choose from.
"We want to keep this run going and the lads have got the right attitude. The work we're doing on the training ground enables us to go out there and play with confidence.
"We'll weigh everything up at the end of the season but for now we just have to stay focused on the task at hand."
While the Nerazzurri keep on racking up the wins, clean sheets are at a premium at the moment.
"We've conceded goals despite not giving many chances away. We're working on a couple of areas where we need to improve. We know we have to even more careful and more determined.”
Looking ahead to Sunday's game, Pioli continued: “Palermo have quality players up front. They'll want to prove they don't deserve to be where they are in the league and they'll want to show they can cause problems for a side that's in form."
Meanwhile Roberto Gagliardini seems to have had no trouble adapting to his new surroundings since joining the club ten days ago.
"I've been surprised by how calmly and easily Roberto has slotted into the group. He's understood our ideas and our movements. He's doing what we expected him to do and is showing exactly why we wanted to sign him.”
Ivan Perisic is another player who has come into his own in recent weeks, scoring crucial goals in the Nerazzurri's last two Serie A victories.
“Ivan has everything he needs – technical ability, tactical awareness and physical and mental attributes – to be a top player. As I've always said, you expect a lot from the big players.
“He's in good form – the whole team is, for that matter. He just needs to keep it up because nothing is easy in this league you have to look to improve constantly.”
Pioli also responded to questions about Inter's transfer dealings.
"Our strategy was and is very clear. We needed a midfielder and we've strengthened with the addition of a mighty fine player.
“We also needed to trim the squad. A couple of players have left and I expect a few more will leave before the end of the transfer window.
“We know we have the backing of owners who are highly ambitious but we can only control the present. There are 17 league games left to play and we want to finish as high as we possibly can. If we want to build a great future, we need to start laying solid foundations now.”
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