Gagliardini important for Inter's present and future - Pioli
Inter coach Stefano Pioli has backed Roberto Gagliardini to become a key figure at San Siro ahead of his potential debut against Chievo.
Stefan Pioli is confident new signing Roberto Gagliardini has a bright future ahead of him at Inter following his transfer from Atalanta.
The 22-year-old joined Inter on an 18-month loan deal until June 2018 with an obligation to make the move permanent and Pioli has high hopes the midfielder will become a key figure.
Although he has made just 14 Serie A appearances in his career, Gagliardini has shone this season and earned a first call up to Italy's senior squad in November.
"Gagliardini is an important signing both for the present and for the future," Pioli said at a news conference ahead of Saturday's match against Chievo.
"He is a strong and skilful player. I am delighted to have him here.
"His best attribute is his sense of positioning. That is crucial for a midfielder."
Inter are on a four-game winning streak in Serie A and Pioli is desperate to extend that run at the weekend.
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"We want to climb the table and we can do that three points at a time. That is our aim for Saturday," he added.
"We are improving and we can get better still. We must keep taking things one game at a time.
"Chievo have very few bad games over the course of the season. They are a tough, solid, experienced side."