Inter have given Stefano Pioli the dreaded vote of confidence after their stunning 5-4 defeat to Fiorentina at the weekend but have revealed the team will be punished for an abysmal run of form.
Pioli was alleged to have handed in his resignation in the wake of their crushing defeat to Fiorentina but those reports would seemingly appear to be untrue after the club announced they had the fully backing of their manager on Monday.
The 51-year-old was made Frank de Boer’s successor in November and Inter have acknowledged the Italian took over the club in testing conditions and have faith he can turn their form around until the end of the season, although there will be consequences to their defeat at the weekend.
“Following Saturday’s result against ACF Fiorentina, the club has called the entire first team squad in for an extended ritiro at the Suning Training Centre at Appiano starting tomorrow Tuesday 25 April midday and lasting until the home game against S.S.C Napoli on Sunday 30 April,” a statement read on Inter’s official website.
“The manner of the defeat at Fiorentina was unacceptable for our supporters both in Italy and abroad, and we are determined to put this right. Everyone at the club, from the players to all staff, is now focused on working as hard as possible to achieve the maximum result and finish the season strongly.
“In order to achieve this, the club confirms its full backing and that of the ownership in Stefano Pioli and his entire technical team.
“Pioli joined Inter at a difficult time and the work he has carried out together with his staff over the last six months, since he joined the club in November last year, has been exceptional and deserves our full respect.
“The club will not be distracted by rumours circulated by those outside of the club. Out target remains to finish as high as possible in Serie A and qualify for European competition, by giving the maximum in every match, and for the players to represent the club’s colours with honour and pride as befits the history and tradition of this great club.”
Inter have reportedly been pushing for Chelsea manager Antonio Conte to return to Italy after just one season in the Premier League, which would suggest Pioli’s place at the club isn’t expected to remain beyond the end of the current campaign.
The Nerazzurri are currently seventh and two points below rivals AC Milan, while they are eight points off the top four with five games remaining. A winless run of five matches has really undone all their good work and now they must look over their shoulder with Fiorentina now only a point behind them.
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