CompetitionsItaly Serie A

Pioli: ‘Inter, Milan, Napoli, Juventus, Atalanta in scudetto race’

Milan coach Stefano Pioli insists ‘Inter and Juventus are the strongest squads in Serie A’ with five clubs in the Scudetto race, while he speaks out in favour of VAR and referees.

The coach sat down with RAI Radio Uno show Radio Anch’Io Sport for a lengthy interview after the comeback 2-1 victory over Inter in the Derby della Madonnina blew the title race wide open.

“We never stopped believing, said Pioli. “It was a more balanced game than people seem to make out, and the statistics confirm that. We did well to stay in the match.

This was a response to Simone Inzaghi, who had said that Inter ‘dominated for 60-70 minutes’ before falling apart with the late Olivier Giroud brace.

Inzaghi was also angry with the referee, feeling Giroud had fouled Alexis Sanchez in the build-up to the opening goal.

“The referee decides how to interpret the game, so the players must then adapt and get used to the way the official sees things. We got back into the Champions League and some fouls there simply aren’t awarded. I am in favour of this style of refereeing, because there are too many interruptions in Serie A for these half-fouls.

“A few years ago, everyone was in favour of VAR. It’s impossible to completely remove errors from the sport, the referees are doing their best.

The Scudetto race is now blown wide open, as Milan and Napoli are within a point of the leaders, even though Inter still have a game in hand.

With Juventus leapfrogging Atalanta into fourth place powered by new signing Dusan Vlahovic, Pioli warns a lot more could still happen.

“All the top five teams are in the battle for everything, including the title as well as a Champions League spot. As far as I am concerned, Inter and Juve are the strongest squads in Serie A.

“What Milan must do now is prove we are a mature team. The victory in the derby has to give us enthusiasm.

“Consistency is the key to staying at the top and we have always tried to play positive, attacking football.

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