APPIANO GENTILE - Stefano Pioli held a news conference earlier today in the press room of Suning Training Centre in memory of Angelo Moratti.
The coach began by dismissing suggestions that his side have one eye on next week's matches: "We're focused on the game on Saturday, as we want to continue our good run. We have three big matches this week - it will be exciting and we'll try to be ready. The next match is always the most important one for us - I really believe that. We learned a good lesson on Sunday at Palermo where we had to work hard until the final whistle to win the game. Only after the Pescara match will we think about our upcoming fixtures."
While Inter's form has been breathtaking, the sides above them have barely put a foot wrong: "When you're playing catch-up, you know that your fate is in other people's hands but I'm sure that if we keep winning we can close the gap further," said Pioli. "We must win as many matches as possible before then beating Roma and Napoli in the six-pointers. Every step is important for our progress and ambitions. We have to be very wary of Pescara. They play nice football and have collected fewer points than they deserve. We can only secure the three points if we produce our usual standard of play, showing focus and determination."
A good deal of Inter's form has been put down to better fitness levels and the coach revealed how much hard work goes on behind the scenes: "We worked very hard over the winter break. We're very sharp at the moment and we performed well last week despite having three games. What matters most now, however, is our mental approach. We've picked up and we want to sustain that as long as possible. We must play as a team, perform well at both ends of the pitch, and show a positive approach and the desire to overcome our opponents. I'm aware I have a strong team, with great players, who have figured out how to work hard for each other. If we show this spirit, we can win every game."
Pioli wasn't giving too much away with regards to who will replace the suspended Ansaldi on Saturday: "Either Santon or Nagatomo will start but I'll decide that tomorrow. Everyone is available and working hard. Only Murillo didn't train today because he has a touch of flu and we'll assess tomorrow whether he can play."
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