Pioli after the Inter debacle: Apologize to the fans? Why would we? We didn't lose on purpose

With a convincing victory (5-1) in the city derby, Inter Milan confirmed that they are a nightmare for the Rossoneri and Stefano Pioli. For the fifth time in a row, the Nerazzurri defeated Milan, and for the third time in that period, they won the match in the early stages of the encounter.

Goals from Mkhitaryan and Thuram heralded a new celebration for Inzaghi's team, while Leao's response at the start of the second half only briefly restored hope to the nominal visitors. In the end, with three more goals, Inter convincingly defeated Pioli's men, and the Italian strategist, after another slap from his great rival, reflected on the defeat.

"We were in the game until 3-1, but then... Then the Nerazzurri scored the fourth and fifth goal. The defeat is too heavy compared to how we played. We are turning our thoughts to the Champions League, we are a mature team and I think that this game will not affect the next one," said Pioli and added:

"We conceded goals in moments when we could have put things in order. We paid for our carelessness, and the third goal 'cut off our legs'. It hurts to lose the derby, but we were in the game until the end of the game. Inter were smarter in some situations."

What's that noise? It's the sound of annihilated Milan

Certain situations and referee decisions caused controversy, but Milan's strategist stressed that he could not blame the referee.

"Inter won because they were better than us in some situations. We talk about the approach, we acted badly in the first four minutes. Inter were waiting for us, our wingers should have played wider and we were looking for an equaliser, but instead the game went the way the opponent wanted".

The substitutes did not contribute to the awakening of Rossoneri.

"Whoever I brought into the game, he didn't even get on before we conceded a goal. Inter are a strong side, but so are we. We leave the derby defeated, but I'm confident that we can compete in the fight for the title and positions in the top".

Five balls in the net was the reason for journalists to ask Pioli if he owed an apology to the fans.

"We're sorry, we certainly didn't want to concede five goals. But to apologize... Why would we? We didn't lose on purpose," said the Milan strategist and pointed out that it takes time for all the dice in the team to line up, as well as that he is already turning his focus to the Champions League clash against Newcastle.