Pioli: We took another step forward for our fantastic fans

Stefano Pioli

explains the secret to

's Scudetto push and late win over

. 'Belief begins at the top and cascades down.' Rafael Leao pounced on a poor Pietro Terracciano pass out of the back to fire in at the near post and secure three vital points for the Rossoneri at a sold-out

San Siro

.

Milan now has a five-point lead at the top of the table, with Inter's visit to

scheduled for this evening. They also have a better head-to-head record, which means Milan will win the title if they finish level at the top.

"The team performed admirably and fought valiantly against a team that caused us problems. We have taken another step forward for ourselves and our fantastic fans," Pioli told

DAZN

. "Fiorentina were dangerous, but we have taken another step forward for us and our fantastic fans."

"scoring the goal was like lifting a weight off our shoulders. We had so many opportunities, and the right mindset, and continued to work as a team. There will always be tension in matches like this because we are vying for a very important goal, so we all feel it, and it becomes more difficult to maintain as the game progresses.

"Despite their youth, these players are performing admirably and maintaining their confidence, belief in themselves, and ability to persevere under duress." The coach insists that he does not take sole responsibility for Milan's vastly improved mentality over the last two seasons.

"I believe it starts at the top and filters down because the club's owners have faith in and support for our directors, and the directors believe in my work, so I believe in my work and my players." Even in the face of adversity, we maintain a positive attitude and never lose faith in our abilities.

"Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are always close by at the training ground, and they are very supportive." We all know how football works; players want to know if their coach trusts them, and the same is true for coaches working with directors." The Scudetto remains their target, although Pioli again tries to calm the tension around the squad.

“We are five points better off than at this stage last season, so improving on that was our objective, to get more points than last year. Then we’ll see where we are, one game at a time.” After the last-gasp win over Lazio, this was another match where Milan left it late to snatch victory.

“I think it’s also because we have players who come off the bench and are fired up, want to help the team, and give their all,” Pioli stated. "I can see constant progress in my team, it’s the first time many of them have challenged for such a prestigious trophy. I hope my players and I can continue that growth process, but for some it might be the only time we’re in this position. That’s why we must give our all to the very end.

“We have to prove ourselves on the pitch, because whoever wins will in the end have done a little bit more than the other teams.”