Eight victories and one defeat in Inter’s past few matches provide the club with a path to obtain Champions League football. Pioli did not hide this fact in an interview with Sky Sport: “80 points is usually what is required to guarantee Champions League qualification, but many teams are extremely competitive this year. It is a league with teams playing at a very high level, but we must try to win every match; nothing is impossible.”
Pioli was satisfied with today’s performance: “The important thing was to play as a team with a consistent approach to the match, despite the absence of a few important players. The important aspect of any game is to play with determination.”
The Inter coach also spoke about the controversy surrounding Palacio: “His reaction did not bother me. He is a professional and diligent player who felt as though he could do better in certain situations. He did not lack respect for anyone; his actions were not directed at any decisions or teammates.”
Pioli concluded by speaking about Kondogbia and Candreva: “The growth of Kondogbia is evident. From the first day since I arrived, he trained with humility and dedication. Candreva’s crosses? We attempted to insert many runs and crosses in a manner tailored for Empoli’s defense. We were prepared to attack specific areas in their box.”
