Stefano Pioli held a press conference ahead of Sunday night’s big match at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milano’s San Siro district where his Inter host Roma in the Serie A, kick-off 20:45 CET. Below SempreInter.com report the press conference in it’s entirety.

The distance to the Champions League qualifying positions hasn’t changed. How decisive is Sunday’s match?

“It’s clear for everyone to see what is important, we’ve done everything to get closer to our opponents until now but we want to try to keep on insisting and to put a very strong opponent under pressure.”

What do you think about the sacking of Claudio Ranieri?

“I think that what he has done well to go down in history and that there is no end to the misery.”

How have you prepared the players mentally for this match?

“The same way as other matches, we are preparing to give our all knowing that if we play like a team we have what it takes to win, also against a high quality opponent. We want to prepare ourselves in the best way possible. We wont hide, we want to be well prepared for this match.”

In what way has Inter reached Roma?

“Two strong teams that are doing well are facing off. The statistics in terms of performances, possession and goals are very close to each other and the difference in terms of quality on the pitch is not that big. Both teams will try to play their strongest sides and whoever can capitalise on the weaknesses of the opposition will win.”

In the away fixture Inter lost despite playing well, falling into Spalletti’s tactical trap. Is that perhaps something to be weary of for Sunday?

“Yes, this is very important. We know that we can run into trouble when they have the ball as well as when we have the ball. We have prepared for this, we know that we have to cover the pitch well in order to block Roma’s counterattacks.”

How close were you to becoming Roma’s coach in the past?

“It was before Luis Enrique arrived, I met twice with Sabatini. There was a casting then as well, and fortunately everything turned out well.”

What are your thoughts on the fact that you have a negative record against Roma?

“Numbers and statistics are there to be changed.”

Which defeat would you like to go back and change?

“I don’t look back and the numbers don’t interest me much. What counts is that we are focused on our work and to give our all to change these numbers to our favour.”

Roma have the second most prolific attack in the Serie A, Inter concede very little. This time you’re faced with Dzeko, who is very strong in the air, and you must do so without Miranda.

“Miranda’s quality and value is clear but I have the right alternatives to field an efficient defensive lineup. Clearly, our opponents have many other alternatives but that’s true of both teams, what will count is the desire.”

This phase requires another push forward. In the attacking trident of Icardi and Perisic there could also be room for Eder, will you move Candreva?

“I think I’ve used different attacking solutions, against Genoa I played with Icardi, Palacio and Eder from the start. I don’t think that the attacking phase depends on the number of attackers, but on the will to play the game. Then we will see how many attacking players we will use, the balance of the team counts as well, we have to attack the parts of the pitch that are most dangerous.”

Inter lost against Napoli, Juventus and Roma but played on par with them. What has been lacking?

“I will only speak about my experience. We lacked the right approach against Napoli, we lost in Turin due to a particular event but we were at our best. It’s the details that make the difference and it will be the same on Sunday, it’s these details that we have to have an impact on.”

How is Brozovic doing?

“He trained yesterday and today with the team, he’s doing everything to recover. If he can take part in these upcoming two training sessions then he will be available for selection.”

Will Salah’s area on the pitch be decisive?

“I think that we have many important duels on the pitch, we must be stronger in these individual match-ups.”

How important is it for the calmness surrounding the team that Champions League qualification doesn’t become an obsession?

“Our obsession is to give our all, when you give your all you can feel satisfied. We call on ourselves every day to do just that.”

Are you a bit annoyed that you weren’t in charge of Inter from the beginning of the season?

“I don’t think so. What counts is what we are doing, but above all what we will do from tomorrow and onwards.”

In a league this evenly balanced, how decisive is a refereeing mistake?

“They say that at the end of the season all errors even themselves out. I don’t know, I think that we have to remain concentrated on our performances. When we give our all we’re there both mentally and in terms of quality. If I’m faced with 12 penalties against my team and only 2 in ur favour then that difference is quite notable and could be quite damaging.”

De Boer spoke about the non-footballing effects. What have you done to not be weighed down by these?

“The approach my team has had has been impeccable, we’re working with respect and with high esteem, this way you create something important. If I have to control the disco’s? I don’t frequent these, I hope that my players visit them in the right way and at the right time.”

If Inter don’t win on Sunday, are there any other chances left to reach the Champions League?

“There are a lot of matches left but I don’t like to get ahead of myself. We have to play well and try to win the match.”

How important is Zhang’s presence? Have you spoken about the future?

“It’s always very stimulating, he has a great charisma and expresses ideas that we take in our minds. His presence is important also for the continued support we feel. Clearly we speak about the present but also the future.”

What has been the best thing that has happened since you took over Inter?

“I’ve looked to give the squad some identity, a way to behave on the pitch. Especially from a mental point of view. We’re working on this and we can still improve.”

Are you also of the opinion that Kondogbia and Gagliardini are the best duo in midfield you have at your disposal?

“They have great traits which make them suitable to play together, Brozovic is a player who plays more vertically and moves much more. We can do well with all the duos available, I hope that from now until Sunday they all feel well.”

Do you feel under pressure the same way that De Boer did?

“I’ve been here for only three and a half month and I hope to be here for another 3 years. I don’t feel that I’ve grown too old, I’m feeling well.”