Stefano Pioli believes his Inter side “deserved” to beat Bologna in the Coppa Italia, and calls Roberto Gagliardini “a complete midfielder”.
The Nerazzurri let a 2-0 lead slip at San Siro, and were forced to extra-time before Mauro Icardi set up Antonio Candreva to secure their place in the next round. Click here for a match report.
“It was a good game with a lot of chances,” Pioli said in his post-match interview with Rai.
Stefano Pioli believes his Inter side “deserved” to beat Bologna in the Coppa Italia, and calls Roberto Gagliardini “a complete midfielder”.
The Nerazzurri let a 2-0 lead slip at San Siro, and were forced to extra-time before Mauro Icardi set up Antonio Candreva to secure their place in the next round. Click here for a match report.
“It was a good game with a lot of chances,” Pioli said in his post-match interview with Rai.
“We had the game in our hands, but this match is proof that if you switch off for a moment, games can be reopened.
“Compliments to Bologna and also to my team who wanted to get through this round. It was an even match but in the end we deserved to win.”
Roberto Gagliardini has started in both of the Beneamata’s matches since signing from Atalanta, and Pioli singled him out for praise.
“He’s a complete midfielder; he has positional sense, he knows how to move. I’ve asked him to get forward and he’s doing well in both phases of the game.
“Along with [Geoffrey] Kondogbia he’s had two good performances, but we also have [Marcelo] Brozovic who was doing well before his suspension and we’re lucky to have such good players.
“Gagliardini has adapted immediately and now we turn our attentions to the match with Palermo, who will play the game of their lives, but we want to keep winning.
“Could Gagliardini be called-up to the national team? Those choices aren’t down to me. He’s showing that he has great potential, then the CT [Giampiero Ventura] will make his choices.
“He could be like [Marco] Tardelli, though Marco was more agile and quicker. Roberto, on the other hand, is taller and more physical.
“He’s still completing his journey, he’s still young but he’s showing that he’ll be useful for the present and definitely for the future.”
Gabigol was given his first Inter start, before being substituted on 71 minutes, but the Coach was pleased with what the Brazilian offered.
“He’s grown a lot with the work we do every day,” Pioli assured.
“He had a good game, but he can do even better. I’m satisfied with him, but he knows he can do even better.”