Pioli: "An intelligent performance"

REGGIO EMILIA

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Stefano Pioli

was naturally very pleased after his side beat Sassuolo 1-0 at Mapei Stadium: "Now we know we have to work even harder, as every game becomes crucial in the context of our season. We played intelligently today and dug in when we had to. We showed great determination and spirit. They are important details in a crucial period of the season."

The side's approach was crucial in securing all three points: "We're working to improve a number of areas. We should have kept moving after the goal. We won an important match with character and determination. As for whether this is our best performance, one of those that pleased me the most was the derby due to the intensity we showed over 95 minutes. Today we had lots of shots on goal and didn't give much away. That's two clean sheets in a row and we must push on from this."

Just the one goal for the Nerazzurri but they created plenty of chances: "Mauro ran his socks off today and worked very hard for his team-mates. We definitely need to provide more support to him even though the team got into the box on a number of occasions with some good attacking play."

Gabriel Barbosa also came off the bench one minute from time: "We're working hard to all improve together. The Brazilian has ability and talent and, along with his team-mates, he'll have the chance to help the team get results. Melo played well and I don't think he deserved a second yellow but he was punished for someone else's tactical mistake. Obviously he's a very experienced player and he needs to use that to decide when to make a challenge."