Pioli: "Winning becomes a habit, on we go"

APPIANO GENTILE

- Inter face Bologna tomorrow in the last-16 of the Coppa Italia and Nerazzurri coach Stefano Pioli has been talking to Inter Channel: "We play our first match in the competition and there are just four games to negotiate to make the final but we must start well tomorrow. We're taking the competition seriously."

Pioli outlined what his side need to do tomorrow to progress into the quarter-finals: "If we can add focus and determination to the feel-good factor around the place at the moment that could be important. Playing at home can be an advantage but we need to prove that by producing an acceptable performance.

"I will consider those who are training well during the week. It's an important match but I have to weigh up who's in the best shape after our final session. Winning breeds confidence and becomes a habit, so we must keep doing so."

Pioli returns to Bologna, one of his old stomping grounds: "They've got Taider, who's an ex-Inter player, and Di Vaio who's now on the board. I will see some of my old players but what matters now is focusing on Inter. We're improving but we have to keep going."

A word on the five straight league victories: "We must win as many games as possible between now and the end of the season. That's all we can do. I had belief at the start and I still think the team has a lot of ability. We have to keep winning to try and close the gap on the top three to four sides."

Finally, Pioli called on supporters to get down to San Siro to cheer on the team: "Inter fans love their club and they know the team will give everything tomorrow."