Stefano Pioli spoke with Sky after the final whistle of the Inter-Roma game: “Tonight we played against a strong team that punished us for each mistake. They were efficient in the offensive phase. Dzeko, Salah and Nainggolan were the dangerous ones and we looked a bit unprepared which they capitalised on. They were surgical, we weren’t. The game turned difficult for us also on a mental level after their first goal, because we had to go for the equalizer and they were efficient in their counter attacks. Nainggolan is such a strong player and he just keeps on improving. He is a complete midfielder and he shot us down with force and quality. Why I played Perisic like I did? In order to have 4 midfielders, for physicality and solidity. For the externals I chose players who can run a lot and both defend and attack. In the back we did good in neutralising Salah and Dzeko, but against a team like Roma it’s almost impossible not to concede chances. Especially in the first half, we weren’t efficient. On their first goal, we were right in positions, well lined up. Gagliardini caused a give and go, but it wasn’t his fault. The only thing to blame is that Murillo didn’t double up. On their second goal we should have been more attentive on the second ball, but Nainggolan made an incredible goal from 30 yards. Then we were able to open the game up, but shortly afterwards we caused a penalty by not staying attentive. The reason for choosing the formation I did, was that we have a good defence and a good offense. If Miranda would have played, we might have seen a different result, now he was suspended and I played the best possible team. The referee? Earlier this week, I was very clear – the errors give and take. It’s just that this year the number of penalties given to Roma and to us differs a lot. But that’s an objective fact, not to be interpreted. I just answered a question”.

Source: Sky