Gasperini reflects on Pisa win

This is what he had to say...

You've got another win on the board. What did you make of the performance? 

“Overall it was a very good performance. We struggled at the start but Pisa were well drilled and strong physically. They didn't leave any gaps. As the first half went on, we grew into the game more and more, albeit without producing anything of great substance. In the second half, we played well and deserved to score more than one.”

Matias Soule's goal capped off a great team move.

“There was a wonderful build-up to it, with [Paulo] Dybala, [Evan] Ferguson and Soulé linking up, then Mati's finish was superb. If we don't put together moves like that against these teams that get lots of men behind the ball, it's very difficult to make the breakthrough.

Soule was decisive yet again. He can be a real thorn in the side playing in that position.

“He certainly has the ability to play a bit wider but he can play through the middle too. [Bryan] Cristante was very central so we had to slide across more quickly. He got involved in lots of our moves because he was able to find space. Then he's very good running with the ball.”

Why was Dybala on the left?

“I didn't want to move Soulé as he was doing really well. Dybala can play anywhere: on the left, as a traditional No.10... It means he can't cut inside and shoot with his left but he can still perform well there. I don't believe a player should always stay within their comfort zone. A top player like him can do a job anywhere in attack. He always knows what to do and I want Soulé to have the same variety. With all the left-footers we have, some are going to have to play on the left side, as this match shows.”

The team seems to have a clear identity after just two games – that was by no means a given.

 “I agree. It's thanks to the players and the whole team. It's something they acquired under [Claudio] Ranieri, albeit playing a different system. The players here have followed my instructions brilliantly from the very start. They came back magnificently last season but sadly just missed out on a Champions League spot. In any case, as a squad they've very willing and focused.”