Fiorentina Coach Stefano Pioli plays down fourth-place ambitions after beating Milan, but claims Federico Chiesa "has enormous qualities and is coming along well."
The Viola were able to eke out all three points against an increasingly demoralised Rossoneri side, largely thanks to an excellent goal by their young winger-striker.
Fiorentina Coach Stefano Pioli plays down fourth-place ambitions after beating Milan, but claims Federico Chiesa "has enormous qualities and is coming along well."
The Viola were able to eke out all three points against an increasingly demoralised Rossoneri side, largely thanks to an excellent goal by their young winger-striker.
"It was a spirited but cautious match," Pioli told Sky Sports Italia at the end of the 1-0 result. "We could have handled a few moments better, but the team fought and held fast. We're doing some good work."
The victory now brings the Gigliati only four points away from fourth place, which grants access to next year's Champions League.
"I'm not interested, we are only concerned with our self-development. We won at our ninth away game, but we should have done that earlier, perhaps against Torino or Sassuolo.
"Defeating a prestigious opponent builds self-esteem, but unfortunately we can't rest on our laurels, as there will be more games on Wednesday and Saturday."
The victory goal came from a moment of magic by Chiesa, who is widely considered to be one of Italy's most promising footballers.
"He has enormous qualities. His goal was the kind of trick he has up his sleeve. Sometimes he needs to do more in order to keep his focus in the game, but he's coming along well and he must keep going."
"[Giovanni] Simeone experienced a negative period and couldn't express his talents at the fullest, but now he's back to his old self.
"I'd more than welcome another player in the squad [from the winter market]. As for [Marko] Pjaca, this is a delicate moment for him, but he will show his talents. I certainly want to keep him."