APPIANO GENTILE – Stefano Pioli described Sunday night’s visit of Roma to San Siro as a "vital" game for Inter’s chances of overhauling the Serie A leading pack as he appeared at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
"Everyone knows that it’s a vital game," said Pioli. "We’ve done everything in our power to get to this game with our opponents not out of reach. We want to force the issue and try to beat a great Roma side.
"We’re preparing for the game the same way we have done for all the others. We want to play to the best of our potential – we know that if we stick together as a team for all 90 minutes and show focus, concentration and intensity, we can win it.
"It’s a match between two good sides in good form. Our stats our quite similar, so I think we’re evenly matched despite what the table suggests. We know the potential pitfalls, but we’re ready for anything – with or without the ball. The team that masks their weaknesses and punishes their opponents the best will be the winner. We have to believe we can get the three points. We want to continue giving 100% from now until the end of the season."
Pioli admitted that the absence of the suspended Miranda will be a blow, but insisted that the squad had enough strength in depth to cover the loss.
"You can’t overlook how important Joao is, but I have plenty of valid alternatives to make sure our defence is strong," said the Inter boss. "Both sides are going to find it hard to stop the other from being dangerous – the important thing is that we implement the right tactics to prevent that and then keep believing right until the end."
Pioli admitted it was touch and go as to whether Marcelo Brozovic would be fit to take any part in Sunday’s match.
"Marcelo is training with the team and doing everything he can to be available. There are two days left to go, so we’ll see," he said.
The coach refused to confirm reports he would be fielding an ultra-attacking line-up against Roma.
"We’ve used several different systems so far," said Pioli. "It’s not the number of forwards on the pitch that determines how dangerous a team is, but the tempo, movement and desire."
Pioli was also unwilling to entertain speculation as to where Inter would be had he been in charge from the start of the season, instead choosing to focus on the present.
"What counts is what we’re doing now and what we do in the future, not living in the past," said the Nerazzurri coach. "I’ve tried to build an identity around the team, focusing on our ability to stay in matches and our mental fortitude. We’ve had some good results so far and we can still improve.
"I have a very responsible group here and their attitude has always been impeccable. There is great mutual respect between us. I’ve been here for three months and I’d like to be here for the next three years."
Last but not least, Pioli underlined the importance of having Suning chairman Jindong Zhang in Milan.
"His presence gives us a massive boost," said the coach. "He’s a very charismatic person and always leaves a big impact on me and the team. We’ve been speaking about the present but of course it’s only normal to start to look to the future too."
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