Pioli shares the secret to Milan's resurgence
Stefano Pioli praised his Milan team for showing the same will to win at Celtic that saw them to victory over Inter in the derby.
A 3-1 win over Scottish champion Celtic in the Europa League on Friday was a fine way for Milan to launch its Group H campaign.
Coming just five days after a 2-1 triumph over Inter, it was all the more pleasing to the head coach.
Goals from Rade Krunic, Brahim Diaz and substitute Jens Hauge saw off Neil Lennon's side at Parkhead.
Pioli said: "We handled the game well, even if in the second half we were less technically precise and we risked a little bit.
"It was important to show that we are not a normal team that shows less of a stimulus after such a desired victory as the derby.
"The secret? We all work in one direction, club, technical staff, players, we all feel involved."
Pioli said: "The secret lies in work, sacrifice and the desire to improve."
Milan returns to Serie A action on Tuesday when it faces Roma.
Pioli's team have won four from four to top the table and they are unbeaten in 21 games now across all competitions.
"Our strength is to think that the next match is always the most important, and we have to go forward with this mentality," Pioli told Milan TV.
"In harmony we work much better. I always tell the players to take advantage of every moment and improve more and more, because in football tests never end: you always have to prove.
"On Monday we will have a very important and difficult test, against a strong opponent with quality, especially at an attacking level. We will do our best to continue this positive streak."