Stefano Pioli says Inter's victory over Genoa is an important stepping stone as the club look to turn their season around.

The Nerazzurri won their second league game in four since the former Lazio boss replaced Frank de Boer, Marcelo Brozovic scoring in either half to secure a 2-0 win, their fourth consecutive top-flight triumph at San Siro.

It was a solid result after a 3-0 loss at Napoli last time out in Serie A, with Pioli making five changes from that line-up – including leaving out Ivan Perisic.

Inter struggled for much of the first half despite the victory, but Pioli feels points are more important in the early stages of his reign after Inter moved from 11th to eighth in the table.

"We did suffer in some situations where we should have been more focused, but it was an important stepping stone because we won," Pioli said to Mediaset.

"We want to be in a better position by the Christmas break and right now is the time for determination, humility and playing an efficient style.

"It is a long season and we will certainly improve. Naturally there is pressure, we are in a difficult moment and playing at San Siro, but I see a positive attitude and the desire to prove we don't belong in 11th place.

"In the first half we should have attacked the space better. Genoa were doing it well and our strikers struggled to get good service. We need to be more efficient both when defending and attacking.

"We got it wrong against Napoli, partly due to our approach, but the other games have been decent. That means there is quality here. 

"We cannot be satisfied with the season so far, so we must accept the criticism and give our best. We are working to get the best out of our potential."

Inter are back in action away to Sassuolo next Sunday.