Pioli: "Exceptional performance"

MILAN – Stefano Pioli was full of praise for his Inter side after they put Atalanta to the sword with a vintage performance at San Siro, scoring five goals before half time on their way to a 7-1 win.

"It was an exceptional performance today – everything went the way we’d planned in the week," said the Nerazzurri coach after the final whistle. "We did very well to make it look easy because Atalanta are a tough side to face. Most of all I was impressed by our spirit. We maintained our balance throughout. Well done to the players and well done to the fans – San Siro was fantastic today."

The result will strengthen Inter’s belief that they can catch the top three, with Pioli insisting that there is still time for his side to snatch a Champions League place.

"We’re chasing some good teams who have been at the top of the table for years," he said. "We need to try to win as many games as possible from now until the end of the season. We’re delighted with the game today but we know it will only really matter if we keep that standard up moving forward – there’s still a long way to go and plenty of points to play for. We need to prepare well for Saturday at Torino because that’ll be another difficult game."

Inter have now scored 12 goals in just two games since the defeat to Roma and Pioli believes the reaction is indicative of the character in his squad.

"It’s a good sign. We’ve created a great atmosphere around the place," said the coach. "We’re all on the same page and want to react when the going gets tough, as it inevitably does at times in a tough league like Serie A. We’ve learned from our mistakes and sometimes defeats can help you become winners. We’ve shown more determination on the pitch."

Pioli also congratulated hat-trick heroes Ever Banega and Mauro Icardi on their performances in the win.

"It’s right to highlight Ever’s performance – he had a fantastic game. But today it was the team as a whole that had the necessary mentality to dictate the game. That’s what we need to continue doing.

"Icardi is a top player – I’ve never been in any doubt about that, even when we were opponents. Now that I work with him, I appreciate his ability even more. Let’s not forget that he’s only 24 and is still growing as a player. He’s phenomenal when it comes to attacking the space, but he’s good at helping out with the team too. He can get even better.

The Inter boss dismissed suggestions he should have brought Gabriel Barbosa on to get in on the act.

"He might have come on but I decided differently," said Pioli. "I have a lot of good players here and they’re all working hard. Gabriel will get his chance, as will the others."

Last but certainly not least, Pioli credited Walter Samuel with making his start to life at Inter so seamless.

"Walter is professional, humble and well prepared," he said. "He knows the club well and made it easier for us settle in. We’re all investing a lot of time and hard work and the support from the club is always there. We’ve only been working together for five months and there are lots of things we can still improve on, but if we keep on working like we have been then the results will continue to come. My future? We’re focused on the present and on laying the foundations for a big future."