Serie A: 'We'll see where we are' - Stefano Pioli coy on future after Inter seal Scudetto with win over AC Milan

AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli believes that the rest of Serie A "have to step up a level" to close the gap to newly crowned champions Inter Milan.

Milan lost the derby to Inter 2-1 on Monday evening as Simone Inzaghi's side were crowned champions for a 20th time, earning that coveted second star on their jersey.

Inter are currently 17 points ahead of Milan with seven games still left to play and speaking to DAZN after the game, Pioli said the gap was clear between Inzaghi's team and the rest of the league.

"Inter had an exceptional campaign, they only lost one match, but for three or four years now nobody can doubt they have had the strongest squad in the league," said Pioli.

"As for us, we dropped points in some crucial games and lacked consistency.

"If the gap between Inter and the chasing pack is that big, it means they are a very strong team and we all have to step up a level."

The defeat to Inter marks a difficult period for Milan that also saw them knocked out of the UEFA Europa League by fellow Serie A side Roma.

Pioli said: "We were coming off seven wins in a row, so the two Europa League matches against Roma were not what we wanted or expected. We had everyone in great shape and feeling confident, but we put in two performances that were below our standards.

"The derby then happened to be next up. I think it was probably the most balanced derby of recent meetings, we were unlucky.

"I tried to raise the morale of the lads, as clearly it's a painful defeat for everything that is behind it. I tried as much as possible to reassure my players, because we need to end the season well, we have another important game on Saturday [at third-placed Juventus].

"Unfortunately, we were again unable to even get a draw in this derby."

The Europa League exit and the gap to Inter has led to increased speculation that Pioli will depart San Siro at the end of the season, but the Milan boss has said he would like to continue.

"I don’t know [if he will leave]. Inzaghi seemed to be struggling 14 months ago according to the media and look what he achieved after that. I am happy here, I work well and I think the team has margin for improvement.

"We'll see where we all are at the end of the season and discuss it."

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