Pioli: "A big response"

LA LINEA

- "When analysing our performances, you have to consider the significant work we put in today but, either way, the players have responded well and I'll consider what I've seen over the next few days,"

Stefano Pioli

told Inter Channel after his side's first outing of 2017.

"Once again we've realised that we have to stay switched on from the first whistle till the last," he added. "These two games were important to get back into the swing of things after two weeks off. Tomorrow we'll begin preparations in earnest for the Udinese game. Coming from behind twice is an important sign. The lads are keen and we must improve even if that means making mistakes. It was a very important training session to build on over the next few days."

Pioli also spoke to Mediaset: "I saw only positives. Just like in any game there are positive and negative moments but they've helped us to realise what we have to work on ahead of the trip to Udine. The result is what matters and we must secure wins. To do so, we need to be switched on for the full 95 minutes.

"Gabriel Barbosa did well, just like Perisic and Murillo. I'm pleased for him, he had a good game. But all of his team-mates are highly competitive and he's working hard to earn playing time. [On Gagliardini] We're focused on our job and it's important to get off on the right foot."