Pioli demands a show of character against Napoli

APPIANO GENTILE – At the news conference held at the Suning Training Centre in memory of Angelo Moratti, Stefano Pioli took questions from journalists ahead of Inter’s clash with Napoli.

"During the week, I saw the right level of focus to get out of this difficult period. We had meetings as a group and one-on-ones; we understand how to stay in games, showing determination for the full 90 minutes," he said.

"There’s a big gap in the league. Napoli have great quality and are well organised. They have been working as a group for almost two years; they’ve been brought together with a view to putting the coach’s plan into action. We’ve been a top-level team for long stretches; we need to show that we have the quality to go toe-to-toe with our opponents.

"We have five important games – we’ll assess things at the end of the season. Assessments now and in previous months are only partial. In the attacking third, we’re not too far away from Napoli. We’ve done our preparations – we’ll go out there with clear ideas. I want the team to put them into practice with conviction and character.

"I’m fine, as I’ve always been. We need to show, from tomorrow until the end of the season, what we’re made of. I’ve not thought about resigning – so much time and energy has been wasted talking about my future and little when it comes to Inter’s present. To build for the future we need to work on the present. Zhang Jindong, the chairman, has always motivated the team and I’ll meet him tomorrow after the game.

"A game like Inter v Napoli should be a huge motivator for the players. I demand that they give their best. In the last few games, we’ve lacked a bit of substance. Napoli have great quality and can hurt us; absolute focus is crucial.

"Throughout the week, I’ve been working with a group of players that know they’ve made mistakes. They know that more focus in needed and that they need to be more alert. We’re all responsible for this tough run, as we were when things were going well. We’re a family here – we’re all giving our best to get out of this situation.

"The fans want the same as we do: to give everything to win the next game. They will certainly give the team a boost. The owners are ambitious; they want to build a robust structure and develop a plan to bring Inter back to the very highest level.

"[Roberto] Gagliardini is an important player now and will be in future. His slight dip is because of the injury against Sampdoria. We have a lot of leaders in this team – national team players, guys who play at the top level. It's at this time especially that we need them."